DNA Testing for Celiac Disease
Find out if you are at risk - get tested
| TEST | TESTING TIME | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| DNA Celiac Disease Test | 4 to 6 weeks | $249 USD |
How Do I Get Tested?
Genetic testing is quick and easy using the buccal brush (cheek brush) supplied with the DNA test kit. To collect the DNA sample, the brush is rubbed gently inside the mouth against the cheek for 10 seconds. The sample is sent back to the laboratory using the return packaging provided with the test kit, and results are available within one to two weeks.
Can I take the test if I am not currently ingesting gluten?
Yes, the DNA test can be taken even if you are currently on a gluten-free diet. Ingesting of gluten is not required.
Benefits of Testing
The presence of celiac disease-associated HLA alleles implies an increased risk for celiac disease, but is not diagnostic of celiac disease as only a subset of individuals with these alleles will develop celiac disease. However, individuals who test negative for the celiac disease-associated alleles HLA-DQA1*05, HLA-DQB1*02 and HLA-DQB1*0302 can essentially exclude a diagnosis of celiac disease and have almost no lifetime risk of developing celiac disease (less than 0.04% chance), regardless of whether or not they ingest gluten.
Celiac Disease-Associated Alleles Tested
Almost all individuals with celiac disease have specific celiac disease-associated alleles in the HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 genes (HLA-DQA1*05, HLA-DQB1*02 and HLA-DQB1*0302). The celiac disease-associated alleles HLA-DQA1*05 HLA-DQB1*02 and HLA-DQB1*0302 and the heterodimers formed by pairs of these alleles, DQ2 (encoded by HLA-DQA1*05 and HLA-DQB1*02) and/or DQ8 (encoded by HLA-DQA1*03 and HLA-DQB1*0302) can be detected through the celiac disease DNA test.
