Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease

A specialised blood test has been developed to help doctors decide whether or not a patient has coeliac disease.

However, the most important test is to examine a tiny snip, known as a biopsy, from the surface of the small intestine.

A flexible telescope (endoscope) is usually passed through the mouth into the stomach and upper intestine so that the lining can be inspected and a biopsy taken.

This process takes only a few minutes and is often made easier and less uncomfortable by giving a mild sedative beforehand.