In brief
Blood tests that screen for coeliac disease by checking for antibodies to gluten. A small bowel biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
What it measures
Antibodies to gluten in the blood (coeliac serology). A genetic test can also help rule coeliac disease out.
Why it is done
To screen for coeliac disease, including in people with symptoms, close relatives of people with it, and people with early-onset osteoporosis.
Reading the results
- A positive blood test is a screening result only, and a gastroscopy with a small bowel biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
- A negative genetic test can rule out coeliac disease, but a positive one cannot confirm it.
Before the test
Keep eating foods containing gluten until you have been tested and officially diagnosed.
What can affect the result
- Not eating gluten before the test
Related topics
Connections
Coeliac disease tests measures
Antibody blood tests screen for coeliac disease, and a small bowel biopsy confirms it.
Sources
Test information summarised from the sources listed on this page, read on 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.