Biopsy errors?

[Belinda Beynon]

Prior to my biopsies I had read many items recommending 6-8 samples including some from the ‘duodenal bulb’. On the day of my procedure I asked the doctor how many biopsies he would take and he said 4. I replied that I had read that sometimes double that we’re needed to achieve a diagnosis. I did not specifically request 8 biopsies, I hoped he would take the hint. Rookie error.
 

‘Anyhoo he took 4 biopsies and his report did not specify where from. In his notes he said that I had ‘macroscopic evidence of reduced villi height’. 
 

this was not borne out by my biopsies and the pathologist did not marsh trade them but said they did not support a diagnosis of celiac disease. 
 

‘’I would be thrilled not to have celiac disease but I also want to make sure this is not an error. 
‘I have requested my GP ask for a review of the slides with a different pathologist. 
‘I will also ask to repeat my serology and request genetic testing. 
if the genetics are negative, I have my answer. 
 

‘’my question is……how many people have experienced ‘false negative’ biopsies and gone on later to confirm that they do, in fact, have celiac disease?

for reference my tithings was about 3 x maximum. I wasn’t eating much gluten at that time (not gluten-free just avoiding bread for weight loss reasons). 
 

[Scott Adams]

I believe the recommendation is that they take at least 4 samples, and mistakes can be made when doing the biopsies, and many people here have reported false-negative results. Also, your gastroenterologist should have let you know that you should have been eating the equivalent of 2 slices of wheat bread daily for 6-8 weeks before your endoscopy was done, otherwise you could get false-negative results.

What were your serology results? If they were positive then you still may have celiac disease, as newer research indicates that blood tests alone can be used to diagnose celiac disease: