Coeliac disease is a common autoimmune disease affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK
Only 36% of people with coeliac disease are currently diagnosed
1 in 4 people with coeliac disease have been previously treated for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
It takes on average 13 years from onset of symptoms to diagnosis of coeliac disease
Gluten must remain in the diet before and during testing for coeliac disease
NICE recommends total immunoglobulin A (IgA) and tissue transglutaminase IgA as the first choice test in diagnosis
For children, a biopsy may not be required in all cases. This decision should be made by a a paediatric gastroenterologist or paediatrician with an interest in gastroenterology
In response to the covid-19 pandemic, the British Society of Gastroenterology have published guidance on a no-biopsy strategy for some adults