Patients who have symptoms suggestive of coeliac disease should be tested. The symptoms may include, for example chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, weight loss, anaemia, poor growth or chronic irritability in an infant or child.
Patients with known coeliac disease may be tested by their doctor to help assess the effectiveness and observance of a gluten-free diet.
Other patients who may benefit from a coeliac blood test include:
1. Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and autoimmune thyroid disease at diagnosis.
2. First degree relatives of people with coeliac disease.
3. Patients with metabolic bone disorder (e.g., osteoporosis), reproductive health problems and unexplained neurological symptoms.
