Living with persistent bloating, diarrhoea, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss can feel exhausting, especially when answers are unclear. For some people, these symptoms may indicate celiac disease—an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. Understanding how celiac disease diagnosis works helps you approach testing correctly and avoid mistakes that can delay accurate results.
At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, we often evaluate patients who feel gluten may be affecting their health. This guide explains the diagnostic process clearly, step by step.
Step 1: Recognising when testing is needed
Testing is often recommended when persistent symptoms suggest an underlying issue. Common reasons for diagnosis include:
- Chronic diarrhoea or constipation.
- Bloating and abdominal pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Iron deficiency or anaemia.
- Fatigue and brain fog.
- Skin rashes such as dermatitis herpetiformis.
- Family history of celiac disease.
Testing is also recommended for people with type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, or unexplained nutrient deficiencies.
Step 2: Do not stop eating gluten
A major mistake during celiac disease diagnosis is stopping gluten before testing. If gluten is removed too soon, blood tests and biopsies may turn normal despite underlying celiac disease. Doctors typically suggest eating gluten every day for a minimum of six weeks before evaluation.
Step 3: Blood tests for celiac antibodies
The first formal step in celiac disease diagnosis involves blood tests that look for specific antibodies linked to celiac disease. The most commonly used include:
- Tissue transglutaminase antibodies (TtG).
- Endomysial antibodies (EMA).
- Total IgA levels.
Raised antibody levels strongly suggest coeliac disease, although normal results do not completely rule it out in every case.
Step 4: Referral for endoscopy and biopsy
If blood results are positive, the next stage of celiac disease diagnosis is often an upper endoscopy. During the test, specialists collect small biopsies from the small intestine lining. These samples are examined for villous atrophy, which is typical of celiac disease and confirms the diagnosis.
At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, the process is explained clearly and carried out with careful planning to make sure that the patient is at ease.
Step 5: Interpreting the results
A confirmed diagnosis requires both positive blood tests and typical biopsy findings. In certain paediatric cases, very high antibody results may confirm celiac disease without biopsy. However, adults usually need blood tests plus biopsy.
Clear result communication is crucial in celiac disease diagnosis, since it determines lifelong dietary and medical planning.
Step 6: Starting treatment and follow-up
After celiac disease is confirmed, the first step is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Repeat blood tests monitor antibodies and intestinal recovery. Nutrition testing looks for low iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Dietitian guidance makes the diet easier to follow and nutritionally complete.
Final word
Accurate celiac disease diagnosis requires the right tests, the right timing, and expert interpretation. With a structured approach and specialist guidance, celiac disease can be identified confidently and managed effectively. At Harmony Digestive and Liver Wellness Centre, we provide clear assessment, accurate testing, and ongoing support to help patients regain digestive health and long-term wellbeing.
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