Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Celiac/ how are you tested?

Hi Steph, I assume it's the same over there as it is in the UK, but you have a blood test first which will give an indicator of genetic gluten intolerance (or not). If so, the next step is an endoscope in hospital (camera to look at the ?small bowel) and a small biopsy (where they take a tiny piece of tissue to examine) to see if they can find evidence of damaged villi, which would confirm the diagnosis. (Quite a simple and painless procedure which only takes about 10 minutes, or so I understand). If celiac were diagnosed they would give you a gluten free diet for life and symptoms should improve.

You have to be eating gluten in moderate amounts for at least 4-6 weeks prior to both the blood test and endoscope otherwise, celiac won't show.

Whoever diagnosed your IBS should have done a host of other tests first to rule out anything more serious. I'd go back to your doctor and check what you've been tested for, if in doubt. My first test was for celiac, but I had been very naughty and stopped eating most wheat already before the test. Now I'll have to have another just to be sure.

Shellsbells

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