LondonLady, coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition.

Its diagnosis is complicated - it usually starts with a colonoscopic examination, looking for lesions in the gut.

This can be backed up by looking for antibodies specific for an enzyme called transglutaminase - usually both IgA and IgG antibodies are tested for - this involves taking a blood sample and sending it off to a lab for examination.

Genetic testing involves seeing if somebody has specific forms of a protein called HLA-DQ2. The HLA proteins are important in the immune system but some people with these specific forms of HLA-DQ2 do not have coeliac disease and some people with coeliac disease do not have them. Because of this genetic testing is thought of as being confirmatory.

This general information about coeliac disease may help you; http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-info...ges/facts.aspx.