Test Category · London
Gluten & Coeliac Blood Test London
Two private gluten and coeliac antibody panels at our nurse-led South Kensington clinic, covering the markers used in the NICE NG20 coeliac screening pathway. We currently offer 2 gluten-related tests from £195 to £424.
⚠️ Keep eating gluten before your blood test
Coeliac antibody tests (tTG-IgA, deamidated gliadin IgG) only work reliably while you are eating gluten regularly. NICE guideline NG20 recommends consuming gluten in more than one meal per day for at least six weeks before any coeliac blood test. If you have already started a gluten-free or reduced-gluten diet, results may be falsely negative — please discuss timing with your GP before booking.
What Is a Gluten / Coeliac Blood Test?
A "gluten allergy" is not a recognised medical diagnosis. Three distinct conditions can produce gluten-related symptoms, and each is investigated with different blood markers:
- • Coeliac disease — an autoimmune condition in which gluten triggers an immune response against the small intestine. Detected through IgA and IgG antibodies (tTG-IgA, deamidated gliadin IgG) and supported by HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genetic typing.
- • Wheat allergy — a classical IgE-mediated allergic reaction to wheat proteins. Detected through specific IgE (the Gluten Single IgE Allergen test included in the Profile).
- • Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) — symptoms improve on a gluten-free diet but coeliac disease and wheat allergy have been excluded. There are no validated blood biomarkers for NCGS; it remains a diagnosis of exclusion made by a clinician.
As a CQC-registered, nurse-led diagnostic-only service, our role is to take a high-quality sample, generate a clearly formatted laboratory report, and release the results to you so you can share them with your GP or gastroenterologist for clinical interpretation.
IgE vs IgA/IgG — What's the Difference?
The most important thing to understand before choosing a gluten test is that the immune system has several different antibody types, and they each tell us about a different mechanism. The two relevant antibody families for gluten testing are completely different in what they measure and in what they mean clinically.
| IgE antibodies | IgA / IgG antibodies | |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Classical, immediate-type allergic response | Autoimmune response in the gut wall |
| Condition investigated | Wheat allergy | Coeliac disease |
| Typical symptoms | Hives, swelling, wheeze, anaphylaxis — usually within minutes of eating wheat | Bloating, diarrhoea, fatigue, anaemia, weight loss — chronic and often delayed |
| Specific markers | Gluten / wheat specific IgE | Tissue Transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA), Deamidated Gliadin IgG, total IgA |
| Where it is used | Included in our Gluten Sensitivity Profile | Included in both our Evaluation and Profile panels |
A positive IgE result does not mean you have coeliac disease, and a positive coeliac antibody result does not mean you have a wheat allergy — they are two different diseases with two different management pathways. Your GP or gastroenterologist will interpret the pattern of results alongside your symptoms.
Gluten Allergy & Coeliac Tests We Offer
2 tests currently in our catalog, sorted by price (lowest first). Click any test to see the full description, sample type and turnaround time.
What's Included in Each Panel?
A side-by-side comparison of the laboratory markers included in our two gluten panels.
| Marker | Gluten Sensitivity Evaluation £195 · 2-day TAT | Gluten Sensitivity Profile £424 · 10-day TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue Transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) Coeliac autoimmunity marker — first-line | ✓ | ✓ |
| Total Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Rules out IgA deficiency causing false-negative tTG | ✓ | ✓ |
| Deamidated Gliadin Antibodies (IgG) Coeliac marker — useful in IgA-deficient patients | ✓ | ✓ |
| Gluten Single IgE Allergen Investigates wheat / gluten IgE allergy | — | ✓ |
| HLA Tissue Typing — DQ2/DQ8 Genetic markers — strong "rule out" if negative | — | ✓ |
Marker lists are taken directly from the live laboratory product description and may be updated periodically — please refer to each test page for the most current specification.
Which Gluten Test Is Right for You?
The summary below is for general orientation only. Your GP can advise on the most appropriate pathway for your symptoms and whether a gastroenterology referral is appropriate.
| If you... | A common starting point |
|---|---|
| Have chronic gut symptoms (bloating, diarrhoea), fatigue or anaemia and want the core coeliac screen | Gluten Sensitivity Evaluation (£195) |
| Have a first-degree relative with coeliac disease and want a broader picture | Gluten Sensitivity Profile (£424) — adds HLA typing |
| Get hives, lip-swelling or wheeze within minutes of eating wheat or bread | Gluten Sensitivity Profile (£424) — includes the gluten IgE allergen (see also wheat allergy) |
| Have already started a gluten-free diet | Discuss with your GP first — antibody tests can give false-negative results unless gluten is re-introduced for at least 6 weeks (NICE NG20) |
| Are a parent investigating possible coeliac disease in a child | We currently do not see children under 16; please use your GP's paediatric coeliac pathway |
How Testing Works
Choose Your Test
Select from our range of allergy blood tests and book a convenient time at our South Kensington clinic. No GP referral needed.
Nurse Blood Draw
A qualified nurse takes a small blood sample at our clinic. The appointment is quick and straightforward.
Get Your Results
Results are sent directly to you, typically within a few working days. Share them with your GP or specialist to guide your next steps.
Transparent Pricing
- → Gluten Sensitivity Evaluation £195 — coeliac antibody screen, 2-day turnaround.
- → Gluten Sensitivity Profile £424 — broader panel including gluten IgE and HLA-DQ2/DQ8 typing, 10-day turnaround.
- → Each price is the all-inclusive fee for the laboratory test, sample collection by a registered nurse at our South Kensington clinic and your written laboratory report.
- → No GP referral is required. You can book directly online.
- → We do not charge for the appointment itself — only for the test you choose.
- → All prices are inclusive of VAT where applicable.
We cannot guarantee that private testing will be reimbursed by insurance providers — please check with your insurer before booking.
Our Role in the Diagnostic Pathway
AllergyClinic.co.uk is a CQC-registered, nurse-led diagnostic service. All blood samples are taken by registered nurses experienced in allergy and coeliac testing pathways, processed by an accredited laboratory, and returned to you as a clearly formatted report. We do not diagnose coeliac disease, wheat allergy or any other condition; we do not start, stop or alter dietary treatment; and we do not provide gastroenterology or dietetic advice — those steps sit with your GP and, where indicated, an NHS or private specialist.
A typical UK pathway for suspected coeliac disease, as outlined in NICE guideline NG20, is: GP review while still consuming gluten → coeliac antibody blood testing → gastroenterology referral if positive → endoscopic small-bowel biopsy for diagnostic confirmation → dietitian-led gluten-free diet support. Private blood testing through our clinic can be a useful intermediate step to bring well-organised laboratory results to your GP appointment.
Individual results vary, and the same laboratory result may have different meaning in different clinical contexts — please do not make dietary or lifestyle changes based on a test result without discussing it with a qualified clinician first.
Why Choose a Diagnostic-Only Clinic?
Unlike clinics that provide both testing and treatment, our nurse-led service focuses solely on accurate diagnostic testing. Because we don't offer treatments or prescriptions, there is no commercial incentive to recommend unnecessary tests — just honest, impartial results you can trust.
Nurse-Led & Impartial
Our qualified nurses collect your sample — we don't prescribe, treat, or have any reason to upsell.
Results You Own
Your results are sent directly to you. Take them to your GP or a specialist to discuss what's best for your situation.
You Stay in Control
Understand your allergy profile, then decide with your healthcare professional what steps to take next.
Related Conditions
Related Reading
- → Gluten Intolerance vs Coeliac Disease: Identifying the Difference
- → Coeliac Disease vs Gluten Sensitivity: Comparing Symptoms
- → Gluten-Free or Wheat Allergy? Why Your Diagnosis Changes Everything
- → Hidden Sources of Gluten: Foods You Didn't Know Contained Wheat
- → Sourdough, Wheat Sensitivity & Coeliac Disease
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gluten allergy and coeliac disease?
"Gluten allergy" is not a recognised medical diagnosis. There are three distinct conditions: coeliac disease (an autoimmune reaction to gluten producing IgA and IgG antibodies and small-bowel damage); wheat allergy (a true IgE-mediated allergic reaction to wheat proteins); and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (symptoms relieved by gluten avoidance once coeliac disease and wheat allergy have been excluded). These three conditions are investigated using different blood markers, which is why we offer two distinct panels.
What is the difference between IgE and IgA/IgG testing for gluten?
IgE antibodies are the marker of classical, immediate-type allergy — measuring IgE to wheat or gluten investigates a wheat allergy. IgA and IgG antibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and deamidated gliadin are autoimmunity markers used in the coeliac disease screening pathway recommended by NICE (NG20). They detect a completely different immune mechanism. Our Gluten Sensitivity Evaluation focuses on the coeliac (IgA/IgG) markers; our Gluten Sensitivity Profile adds the gluten IgE allergen and HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genetic markers for a fuller investigation.
Do I need to keep eating gluten before the blood test?
Yes — this is essential and is one of the most common reasons coeliac tests give false-negative results. NICE guideline NG20 recommends that gluten is consumed in more than one meal per day for at least six weeks before any coeliac antibody testing. If you have already started a gluten-free diet, please discuss timing with your GP before booking. This requirement applies to both of our gluten panels because they include IgA-based coeliac antibody markers.
Which gluten test should I choose?
The Gluten Sensitivity Evaluation (£195, 2-day turnaround) covers the core coeliac screening antibodies — total IgA, tissue transglutaminase IgA and deamidated gliadin IgG — and is a sensible first step for most adults investigating possible coeliac disease. The Gluten Sensitivity Profile (£424, 10-day turnaround) adds the gluten IgE allergen (for the wheat-allergy mechanism) and HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genetic typing, giving a fuller picture in one sample. We do not advise which test you need — please discuss with your GP, who can also refer you on to a gastroenterologist if appropriate.
Can a blood test alone diagnose coeliac disease?
No. In the UK, the diagnosis of coeliac disease in adults is normally confirmed by a gastroenterologist with an endoscopic small-bowel biopsy, following positive antibody screening. Our blood tests provide laboratory results that support that pathway but do not on their own constitute a diagnosis. Children may follow a slightly different pathway under specialist paediatric care. We always recommend that results are reviewed by your GP or specialist.
What does HLA-DQ2/DQ8 typing tell me?
HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 are genetic markers that are present in essentially everyone who develops coeliac disease — but they are also present in around 30–40% of the general UK population. A negative HLA-DQ2/DQ8 result therefore makes coeliac disease very unlikely (a strong "rule out"), but a positive result alone does not diagnose it. This is why genetic typing is used alongside antibody markers, not on its own.
Do I need a GP referral, and will my insurance cover this?
No GP referral is required — you can book directly online. We cannot guarantee that private blood testing will be reimbursed by your insurance provider; please check with your insurer before booking. The price shown is the all-inclusive cost of the laboratory test, sample collection by a registered nurse, and your written laboratory report.
Can children have these tests?
We currently do not see children under 16. If coeliac disease is suspected in a child, please see your GP for referral into a paediatric coeliac pathway. For patients aged 16 and over, our nurse-led service can provide blood sample collection and a written laboratory report for GP or specialist interpretation.
Related reading
Gluten Intolerance vs. Celiac Disease: Identifying the Difference
Understanding the difference between gluten intolerance and celiac disease can help clarify confusing digestive symptoms and guide appropriate testing decisions. While both conditi
Read article →
Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Sensitivity: Comparing Symptoms
Coeliac disease vs non-coeliac gluten sensitivity: compare symptoms, diagnostic pathways and what UK coeliac antibody blood tests can (and can't) tell you.
Read article →
Gluten-Free Flour Guide: Which One May Work for Your Baking Needs?
Compare gluten-free flours for baking — almond, rice, oat, buckwheat — plus what coeliac antibody testing reveals before you change your diet.
Read article →Clarify Whether It's Coeliac, Wheat Allergy or Something Else
Two private blood-test panels covering the NICE NG20 coeliac antibody markers, with an extended option that also tests wheat IgE and HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genetic risk. Sample collected by a nurse at our South Kensington clinic — results released to you to share with your GP or gastroenterologist.
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