Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
You must be eating gluten for the test to be accurate. A positive result is usually confirmed with an endoscopy and biopsy.
Why it's done
- Diarrhea, bloating, weight loss, or iron deficiency
- A family member with celiac disease
- Type 1 diabetes or thyroid disease
Getting ready and what happens
- Keep eating gluten (about 2 slices of bread a day) for several weeks before testing.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
Positive
Celiac is likely; an endoscopy confirms it. Don't stop gluten until testing is complete.
Negative
Celiac is unlikely if you were eating gluten.
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.