References
- ^Catassi C, Verdu EF, Bai JC, Lionetti ECoeliac disease.Lancet.(2022-06-25)
- ^Barakauskas VE, Lam GY, Estey MPDigesting all the options: laboratory testing for celiac disease.Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci.(2014-Dec)
Since celiac disease has symptoms that are common with other digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, a physical exam alone isn’t enough to diagnose the disease. Doctors will also review the patient’s family medical history to determine whether anybody has been diagnosed with celiac disease. Genetic testing is also often performed to look for gene variants linked to increased disease risk. The only way to confirm a diagnosis of celiac disease is through the detection of specific antibodies in the blood and confirmation of damage to villi (tiny nutrient-absorbing structures) in the small intestine through a biopsy.[1] It is important to note that a positive diagnosis is only possible after gluten exposure for several weeks before the test. People on gluten-free diets may be advised by their physician to start a “gluten challenge,” which involves several weeks of continuous gluten exposure, since elimination of gluten from the diet can lead to a false-negative diagnosis.[2]