Private Coeliac Test in Preston
If you have ongoing bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, unexplained tiredness, iron deficiency or other symptoms that could be linked to coeliac disease, a coeliac blood test can help determine whether further investigation is needed. Every coeliac test begins with a consultation with Dr Faizal Secretary.
GP-led · Results explained in person · No referral needed
What is a coeliac test?
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. This reaction damages the lining of the small intestine, making it harder for your body to absorb important nutrients.
A coeliac blood test is usually the first step in investigating coeliac disease. It looks for antibodies that may indicate your immune system is reacting abnormally to gluten. If your blood test is positive, further investigations, such as an endoscopy and biopsy, may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534
When might you need a coeliac test?
Coeliac disease does not always cause obvious digestive symptoms, and they vary from person to person. A coeliac test may be recommended if you are experiencing:
- Persistent diarrhoea, bloating or abdominal pain
- Constipation or a change in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing tiredness or fatigue
- Iron deficiency anaemia without an obvious cause
- Frequent mouth ulcers
- A close family history of coeliac disease
- Poor growth or delayed development in children
- An itchy, blistering skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
Many of these symptoms can also occur with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies or inflammatory bowel disease. A GP assessment helps determine whether a coeliac blood test is the most appropriate investigation.
How can Dr Faizal help with your coeliac test?
During your consultation, Dr Faizal Secretary will discuss:
- Your current symptoms and how long you have had them
- Your medical and family history
- Your current diet, including gluten intake
- Any medications or supplements you take
- Previous blood test results or investigations, where relevant
Based on this assessment, he will recommend the most appropriate investigations, which may include a coeliac blood test. Once your results are available, Dr Faizal will explain them clearly and advise on any further investigations, treatment or referral if required.
What does the coeliac blood test measure?
A coeliac blood test looks for antibodies that may indicate your immune system is reacting abnormally to gluten. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your investigations may include:
Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies (tTG-IgA)
The main screening test for coeliac disease, looking for antibodies produced when the immune system reacts to gluten.
Total IgA
Checked alongside tTG-IgA to make sure your coeliac blood test results can be interpreted accurately.
Continue eating gluten before your coeliac test
One of the most important things to remember before a coeliac blood test is not to stop eating gluten. The test relies on detecting antibodies that develop when someone with coeliac disease continues to eat gluten.
Unless Dr Faizal advises otherwise, keep to your normal gluten-containing diet before your blood test. There is no need to fast beforehand, so you can eat and drink as normal on the day of your appointment.
What happens after your results?
Once your results are available, Dr Faizal will explain what they mean and discuss the next steps if needed. Depending on your results, he may recommend:
- Reassurance if your results are within the expected range
- Repeat blood tests if further monitoring is required
- Additional investigations if another underlying condition is suspected
- Referral to a gastroenterologist if further assessment, such as an endoscopy and biopsy, is appropriate
Every recommendation is based on your individual clinical circumstances rather than the blood test alone.
Private vs NHS coeliac testing
Both NHS and private coeliac testing follow the same clinical principles, but there are some differences in the patient experience.
| Private Coeliac Testing | NHS Coeliac Testing |
|---|---|
| GP consultation before testing | Usually requested through your NHS GP |
| Tests recommended based on your symptoms and medical history | Investigations arranged according to NHS clinical guidelines |
| Faster appointments in many cases | Waiting times vary between practices |
| Results explained personally by Dr Faizal Secretary | Follow-up depends on your GP practice |
| Ongoing treatment, monitoring and specialist referral if required | NHS referral pathway where appropriate |
| Does not affect your NHS GP registration | Requires NHS GP registration |
Many patients choose to use both NHS and private healthcare. A private consultation can provide quicker access to investigations while allowing you to remain fully registered with your NHS GP.
Why choose My Private Clinic for a coeliac test?
GP-Led Assessment
Every investigation begins with a consultation with Dr Faizal Secretary, so testing is recommended according to your symptoms and medical history.
Personalised Testing
Blood tests are tailored to your individual clinical needs rather than offered as a one-size-fits-all package.
Clear Results Explained
Your results are reviewed personally, helping you understand what they mean and whether further investigations are needed.
Fast Access
Same-day and next-day appointments are often available, helping you avoid unnecessary delays.
Ongoing Care
If further testing, treatment or a referral to a gastroenterologist is needed, Dr Faizal continues to oversee your care.
Meet Dr Faizal Secretary
Dr Faizal Secretary graduated from the University of Manchester and has extensive experience working across NHS General Practice and Acute Medicine. He founded My Private Clinic to provide patients with a more personal approach to healthcare, where appointments are never rushed, concerns are listened to carefully, and investigations are guided by clinical need rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
"Good healthcare starts with listening properly."
Dr Faizal Secretary, MBChB MRCGP · Read the full clinical profile →
Pricing
There are no registration fees, membership costs or hidden charges. The cost of your private coeliac test depends on the investigations recommended during your consultation. All costs are discussed before any investigations are arranged.
Frequently asked questions
What is the blood test for coeliac disease?
A coeliac blood test looks for antibodies (mainly tTG-IgA) that may indicate coeliac disease. It is usually the first test used to investigate the condition.
Do I need a GP referral for a private coeliac test?
No. You can book directly with Dr Faizal Secretary without a referral. Every coeliac test is recommended following a GP consultation to ensure it is appropriate for your symptoms and medical history.
Do I need to eat gluten before a coeliac blood test?
Yes. It is important to continue eating your normal gluten-containing diet before testing, unless Dr Faizal advises otherwise. Stopping gluten too soon may affect the accuracy of your results.
Do I need to fast before a coeliac blood test?
No. A coeliac blood test does not usually require fasting, so you can eat and drink as normal unless you are having additional blood tests that require different preparation.
How quickly will I receive my results?
Most coeliac blood test results are available within a few working days, although turnaround times can vary.
What happens if my coeliac blood test is positive?
A positive blood test suggests coeliac disease may be present but does not confirm the diagnosis on its own. If appropriate, Dr Faizal may recommend referral to a gastroenterologist for further assessment, including an endoscopy and biopsy.
Can children have a coeliac blood test?
Yes. Coeliac disease can affect both adults and children. If your child has persistent digestive symptoms, poor growth or a family history of coeliac disease, Dr Faizal can advise whether testing is appropriate.
Can I stay registered with my NHS GP?
Yes. Booking a private coeliac test at My Private Clinic does not affect your NHS GP registration. Many patients choose to use both NHS and private healthcare.
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Book a private coeliac test consultation
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be caused by coeliac disease, or would like reassurance about your digestive health, Dr Faizal Secretary can recommend the right investigations, explain your results clearly, and guide you through any further treatment, monitoring or specialist referral if required.