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Coeliac Disease Blood Test

Feb 5, 2026

Coeliac Disease Blood Test

A coeliac disease blood test measures tissue transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) antibodies to screen for coeliac disease—an autoimmune condition affecting 1 in 100 people (with 75% undiagnosed) where eating gluten triggers immune damage to the small intestine, causing malabsorption, digestive symptoms, and long-term health complications. Early diagnosis and a gluten-free diet prevent serious complications.

At Blood Test London, coeliac testing costs from £245 with results in 2-3 days.

Get Tested for Coeliac Disease

What Is Coeliac Disease?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where gluten (a protein in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers the immune system to attack the small intestine lining. This damages the villi (finger-like projections that absorb nutrients), causing malabsorption.

Key Facts

  • Affects 1 in 100 people

  • 75% are undiagnosed

  • Genetic component (runs in families)

  • Only treatment is strict gluten-free diet

  • Not the same as "gluten sensitivity"

Symptoms of Coeliac Disease

Classic Digestive Symptoms

  • Chronic diarrhoea

  • Bloating and gas

  • Abdominal pain

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Constipation (sometimes)

  • Pale, fatty, foul-smelling stools

Non-Digestive Symptoms (Often Missed)

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Iron deficiency anaemia (resistant to supplements)

  • Unexpected weight loss

  • Mouth ulcers

  • Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)

  • Joint pain

  • Bone pain or osteoporosis

  • Neurological symptoms (numbness, balance problems)

  • Delayed puberty in children

  • Infertility or recurrent miscarriage

Many adults have mild or no digestive symptoms, making diagnosis challenging.

What Does the Blood Test Measure?

Primary Test: tTG-IgA

Tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies—the most sensitive and specific screening test.

Result

Interpretation

Negative (<7 U/mL)

Coeliac unlikely

Weak positive (7-10)

Borderline—may need further testing

Positive (>10)

Strongly suggests coeliac—needs confirmation

Additional Tests We Include

Test

Purpose

Total IgA

Check for IgA deficiency (2% of coeliacs)—if deficient, need IgG-based tests

Endomysial antibodies (EMA)

Confirmatory test if tTG positive

Deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP)

Useful if IgA deficient

Who Should Be Tested?

Definite Indications

  • Digestive symptoms (diarrhoea, bloating, pain)

  • Unexplained iron deficiency anaemia

  • Osteoporosis (especially if early onset)

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Family history of coeliac disease

  • Type 1 diabetes (higher risk)

  • Autoimmune thyroid disease

  • Down's syndrome or Turner syndrome

  • Unexplained infertility

  • Dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy blistering rash)

Consider Testing If

  • IBS diagnosis (up to 4% actually have coeliac)

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Recurrent mouth ulcers

  • Neurological symptoms without cause

  • Abnormal liver function tests

Book Your Coeliac Test

Important: Keep Eating Gluten Before Testing

You must be eating gluten for the test to work.

The antibodies only appear when you're consuming gluten. If you've already gone gluten-free:

  • You'll need to reintroduce gluten

  • Eat gluten-containing foods daily for 6 weeks

  • Then test

If you can't tolerate the gluten challenge, discuss alternatives with your doctor.

What Happens If the Test Is Positive?

  1. Referral to gastroenterologist

  2. Endoscopy with biopsy (usually required to confirm diagnosis in adults)

  3. Confirm coeliac disease

  4. Start strict gluten-free diet for life

  5. Regular monitoring (antibodies, nutrition, bone density)

Life After Diagnosis

  • Strict gluten-free diet (even tiny amounts cause damage)

  • Intestine heals over months to years

  • Symptoms typically improve within weeks

  • Nutritional deficiencies resolve

  • Long-term health risks reduce

Our Coeliac Testing Options

Coeliac Screen - £275

  • tTG-IgA

  • Total IgA

Comprehensive Coeliac - £325

  • tTG-IgA

  • Total IgA

  • Endomysial antibodies (EMA)

  • Doctor review

Coeliac + Nutrition Panel - £395

  • Full coeliac screen

  • Iron, ferritin, folate, B12, vitamin D

  • Full blood count

Book Your Coeliac Test

Price: From £245
Results: 2-3 days
Doctor review: A doctor always reviews every result
Requirement: Must be eating gluten regularly for 6+ weeks

Book via WhatsApp

Phone: 020 3951 3429

FAQ

What's the difference between coeliac disease and gluten intolerance?
Coeliac is an autoimmune disease with measurable antibodies and intestinal damage. Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity causes symptoms without positive tests or intestinal damage.

Can I test if I'm already gluten-free?
No—you need to be eating gluten for at least 6 weeks before testing, otherwise results will be falsely negative.

Is coeliac disease serious?
Untreated, yes—it causes malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and increased risk of certain cancers. Treated with gluten-free diet, prognosis is excellent.

Will I need an endoscopy?
Usually yes, in adults. The blood test screens, but biopsy confirms. In children with very high antibodies, biopsy may be avoided.

Can coeliac disease develop at any age?
Yes—though often triggered by life events (pregnancy, surgery, stress, infection). Many people aren't diagnosed until adulthood.

Blood Test London by The Wellness. Coeliac disease testing from £245, results in 2-3 days.