The Oaks Hospital · Colchester, Essex
Coeliac Disease Testing & Diagnosis in Colchester
Coeliac disease is an immune reaction to gluten that affects around 1 in 100 people, many of whom are undiagnosed. Dr Thines Karunakaran offers consultant-led testing and diagnosis at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester.
Dr Thines Karunakaran
Consultant Gastroenterologist
When to seek assessment
You should have specialist assessment if you have:
- Diarrhoea, bloating or abdominal pain that keeps coming back
- Iron deficiency anaemia or low vitamin levels
- Unexplained tiredness or weight loss
- A positive coeliac blood test
- A close relative with coeliac disease
- Symptoms on eating gluten
How coeliac disease is diagnosed
Diagnosis usually starts with a blood test (tTG antibodies). In adults this is normally confirmed by gastroscopy with small biopsies from the duodenum. It is important to keep eating gluten until testing is complete, otherwise results can be falsely normal.
After diagnosis
Treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Dr Karunakaran can arrange dietitian support, check for nutritional deficiencies and bone health, and plan follow-up.
Insured and self-pay
Recognised by insurers including Bupa (Fee Assured), AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Healix, Allianz, Aetna International, The Exeter and Benenden Health. Self-pay patients are welcome — consultations are £215 and follow-ups £150, with any tests or endoscopy quoted separately in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop eating gluten before testing?+
No. Keep eating gluten in at least one meal a day for six weeks before testing, or the blood test and biopsies may miss the diagnosis.
Is a blood test enough?+
In adults a gastroscopy with biopsies is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis, although guidance is evolving. Dr Karunakaran will advise what is right for you.
How quickly can I be seen?+
Appointments at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester are usually available within days. Book online through The Oaks or contact my secretary on 07861 393237.
Get tested for coeliac disease
GP referrals and self-referrals welcome · Rapid appointments at The Oaks Hospital, Colchester.