Screening for Celiac Disease

Screening Guidelines

There are no current screening guidelines for the general population. Screening may be recommended for those with high risk. Guidelines differ among professional organizations. Talk to your doctor about any tests that you or a family member may need, especially if:

• You have a parent or sibling with celiac disease
• Your child is at least 3 years old and is experiencing symptoms that are unexplained by other conditions
• Other conditions that increase risk of having celiac such as:
  • Down syndrome
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Turner syndrome
  • Autoimmune diseases

Screening Tests

Screening tests may include one or more of the following:

• Gluten challenge—A gluten-based food is consumed for 6-8 weeks. Then, the blood is tested for the presence of antibodies associated with celiac disease.
• Blood tests to look for gluten antibodies, immune deficiencies, or genetic abnormalities.
• Biopsy—A scope takes a small sample of tissue from the small intestine. These samples are examined under a microscope. This is the only way to confirm a diagnosis.

Note—Do not do the gluten challenge on your own or if you are pregnant. Testing must be done under a doctor's supervision.