• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
G-Free Foodie logo
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Baked Goods
    • Beverages
    • Dairy Free
    • Desserts
    • Kid Zone
    • Main Dishes
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Quick & Easy
    • Recipes & Techniques by Cooks We Love
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Vegan
  • Articles
    • Dining Tips
    • G-Free Foodie Guides
    • G-Free Foodie Mommies
    • G-Free Foodie Product Reviews
    • Gluten Free Advice + Experts
    • KC's Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • Articles
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home / Articles / Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    Do You Really Need a Biopsy to Diagnose Celiac Disease?


    Posted On Oct 27, 2011 · Updated On Oct 27, 2011

    Do You Really Need a Biopsy to Diagnose Celiac Disease?

    Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    Share

    Celiac disease is traditionally diagnosed with a positive biopsy of the small intestine. The biopsy will demonstrate damage to the intestine known as villous atrophy. Villi are small finger-like extensions of the lining of the intestine that are visible only under the microscope.

    People with celiac disease and other conditions will show a marked reduction in their villi, almost as if the villi have been worn off. Damage to the villi causes a dramatic reduction in the surface area of the small intestine, resulting in both the poor digestion and absorption of many nutrients.

    Biopsies are done in a hospital on an outpatient basis, but require strong medication due to the invasiveness of the procedure. An endoscopy is performed, which involves a tube being placed into the mouth, down the esophagus, and past the stomach. A tissue sample can then be taken from the small intestine.

    Although the small intestine is extremely important to our health, in most cases the value of the biopsy in diagnosing celiac disease is highly questionable. About 98% of people with a gluten allergy or celiac disease can be diagnosed as being allergic to gluten with blood tests alone.

    There is no added benefit from performing the biopsy. The results of the biopsy do not change the form of treatment nor the outcome for the patient. Only if the blood tests are negative can a biopsy potentially provide useful additional information.

    Article Courtesy:  Dr. Stephen Wangen

    You May Also Like

    • What is Celiac Disease?
      What is Celiac Disease?
    • Do You Really Need a Biopsy to Diagnose Celiac Disease?
      Do You Really Need a Biopsy to Diagnose Celiac Disease?
    • Do You Really Need a Biopsy to Diagnose Celiac Disease
      Do You Really Need a Biopsy to Diagnose Celiac Disease
    • What is Celiac? Understanding and Defining Celiac Disease
      What is Celiac? Understanding and Defining Celiac Disease
    « Ask the Dietitian: Should I Take Probiotics?
    Product Review: Canyon Bakehouse's Colorado Caraway bread »

    Share

    Reader Interactions

    Let Us Know What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Sign up for our Newsletter & live deliciously G-Free

    K.C. the G-Free Foodie

    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

    Featured Recipes

    two bowls of pad thai on light background

    Try This Delicious Recipe For Pad Thai with Shrimp or Tofu

    sliced poached chicken breast on a bed of arugula

    How To Poach Chicken Breast Perfectly

    The Best Recipe For Homemade Meatballs: Italian Stuffed Meatballs

    sprinkling cheese on a bowl of Mushroom ragu

    Vegetarian Ragu Recipe That You Have To Try: Lidia's Mushroom Ragu

    SHOP GLUTEN FREE FAVES

    Popular Categories

    • Appetizers + Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Dining Tips
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick + Easy
    • Salads + Dressings
    • Soups
    • Tips + Tricks

    Footer

    People

    • About Us
    • K.C. Cornwell
    • G-Free Foodie Gluten Free Advocates + Experts

    Business

    • Partnerships
    • Contact
    • Gluten Free Consulting Services
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Links & Cool Stuff

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    G-Free Foodie © 2023 · All Rights Reserved