<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

The endoscopic biopsy has long been held up as the "gold standard" test for
celiac disease. However, it is not without flaws. For instance, a
pathologist who is inexperienced with reading biopsies suggestive of celiac
disease will often miss mild deformations suggestive of celiac disease. Many
pathologists will not take the time to count intraepithelial lymphocytes.
Problems can also develop from the endoscopy itself. Sometimes the biopsies
are not appropriately oriented and the pathologist just can't interpret the
resulting biopsy. In other cases, while taking the biopsy, too much tissue
can be taken, providing openings that allow bacteria and other matter from
our intestines access to the bloodstream. This is the very function that the
mucosal lining of the small intestine is designed for. It is supposed to
keep such matter out of our bloodstreams and organs by acting as a filter.
Fully digested nutrients are transported through the epithelial cells while
they block undigested and partly digested larger particles and bacteria from
entering the circulation. 

 

In the rare instances when the endoscopy goes wrong, there are many serious
hazards. Thus, those who choose to simply follow the diet because they feel
healthier should not be criticized.   

 

 


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