Q & A

Return to ->Ask the Doctor->Tests and Their Results

QUESTION: I was informed by someone who heard Dr. Rudert speak at the Oct CSA Conference in Atlanta that up to 15 samples are now considered required to insure accurate intestinal biopsy results for CD diagnosis. Is there an article that has been published that can be supplied to gastroenterologists to document this information?

DR. RUDERT: When I perform an endoscopy I generally obtain 15 or more samples from the jejunum/duodenum in order to ensure accurate intestinal biopsy results. This is not, unfortunately, an agreed upon practice and there are no publications that exist that indicate a minimal sample number that should be obtained.

Unfortunately, most Gastroenterologists do not obtain any small bowel biopsies during routine endoscopic procedures unless the duodenum appears abnormal. As I have mentioned in this column and in other publications, both myself and Joe Murray, M.D. from the Mayo Clinic, feel that all individuals should have small bowel biopsies undergoing EGD whether or not Celiac Disease is suspect.

Disclaimer