New blood test could facilitate coeliac disease diagnoses

The diagnosis of coeliac disease could be made easier and quicker with the development of a new blood test by Australian researchers.

Scientists from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute believe the new diagnostic test can produce results within 24 hours, with preliminary findings indicating it could accurately detect coeliac disease without the need for prolonged gluten exposure.

Coeliac disease is caused by an abnormal immune reaction to gluten in the diet, leading to damage to the small intestine that manifest in debilitating digestive symptoms, as well as lethargy, anaemia, headaches and weight loss.

Typically, the condition is diagnosed via intestinal biopsies, which require the patient to eat gluten for several weeks or months in advance. However, the new test can deliver accurate results after only three days of gluten consumption.

Dr Jason Tye-Din, gastroenterologist and head of coeliac research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, said: "We hope that larger studies can validate these findings and establish its role in the diagnosis of coeliac disease, with the possibility of avoiding intestinal biopsies for diagnosis altogether."

Coeliac disease is a common condition that is estimated to affect approximately one in every 100 people in the UK.