Australian researchers are pioneering a groundbreaking blood test that could dramatically simplify the diagnosis of coeliac disease by eliminating the need for patients to consume gluten prior to testing — a major hurdle in current diagnostic protocols.
The new approach works by analyzing a patient’s blood sample after it has been exposed to gluten in the lab. It identifies disease-causing T cells, which are indicative of coeliac disease, without requiring the patient to follow a gluten-containing diet for several weeks — a process that is often uncomfortable and discourages many from seeking a formal diagnosis.
The research team is now focused on validating the test’s accuracy across diverse populations. If successful, the test could be widely available within two years, offering a faster, less invasive, and more accessible pathway to diagnosis for people with gluten intolerance.
