Question

A 45‑year‑old man with IBS symptoms is seronegative for celiac and has normal CRP. He asks about HLA typing to diagnose celiac disease. Best counsel?

Accepted Answer

HLA‑DQ2/8 absence makes celiac very unlikely but is not diagnostic alone

Answer

HLA typing confirms diagnosis

Answer

HLA typing rules out IBS

Answer

HLA typing is superior to biopsy

Answer

HLA typing replaces serology

Practice question

A 45‑year‑old man with IBS symptoms is seronegative for celiac and has normal CRP. He asks about HLA typing to diagnose celiac disease. Best counsel?