Celiac Disease Genetic Testing

About this Test

Our Celiac disease genetic test will confirm if you have the genes associated with an increased risk of celiac disease, with an accuracy of 99%. The test results are ready in 10-15 working days from the receipt of samples at the laboratory.

Why is Celiac Disease Genetic Testing the Better Option?

If you suspect you have Celiac disease you may have considered your options in terms of the screening and diagnostic tests available. Genetic testing for Celiac disease is a screening test that offers several advantages:

Many clients taking this test follow a gluten-free diet but may not necessarily be celiac– in this case, the symptoms associated with celiac disease are not caused by eating gluten and following a gluten-free diet is useless.
If you have a first-degree relative who is celiac you are at a higher risk of developing the disease due to the fact the disease can be inherited. You have a 5-10% chance of inheriting the gene if you have a family member who has celiac disease. Only a genetic test such as ours can confirm whether you have the genes implicated in celiac disease.
A common test for celiac disease is antibody blood testing. If you are celiac, this test can only be used if you are eating food containing gluten. A genetic test for celiac disease can be carried out at any time, at any age and irrespective of the type of diet you are on.
Celiac disease genetic testing does not require a blood draw. Blood draws can be uncomfortable for some besides requiring a phlebotomist. Our celiac disease test is done by means of the mouth swabs you find inside our kit. The self-sampling procedure just requires a few simple steps and precautions.

Testing options – Standard and Extended Testing

Our Standard test determines the two alleles belonging to the HLA family related to celiac disease. The DQ2.5*02 genetic variant, present in 90-95% of celiac subjects, and the DQ8, *0302 genetic variant, present in the remaining 10-5% of celiac subjects are evaluated. The cost of the standard test is €89.

We also offer an Extended test where we will test 16 markers in the HLA system for an additional €30.

Why should you test?

Standard Test

The test on 2 genetic markers can be used for the following purposes in the diagnosis of Celiac Disease:

To derive complex diagnoses in case there are interpretative difficulties between serology and biopsy.
To confirm a diagnostic test.
For an adequate preventive strategy.

Extended Test

The test on 16 genetic markers in addition to the points above has also the following purposes:

To exclude the disease in case of a negative result.
To determine your “risk” of developing celiac disease.
To determine the HLA structure of the relatives of the celiac.

In brief, in case of positivity (where at least one of the markers is not showing low susceptibility), the standard test (with 2 markers) requires confirmation with a serological test or an intestinal biopsy or the extended test (with 16 markers) which on the other hand, gives the attribution to a risk class ranging from high to very low.

In case of negativity, with the standard test (where both markers are showing low susceptibility) the coeliac disease diagnosis is highly unlikely and the negative predictive value is greater than 99%, whilst with the extended test, this can even be considered as a diagnostic test and you can rest assured that you will never suffer from coeliac disease.

Celiac Genes

The HLA DQ2 and DQ8 are the 2 genes which we most often observe in people with celiac disease. These 2 genes are the most common although not the only potential gene involved in celiac disease. HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen. HLA produces a protein which holds any foreign material (such as small foreign particles, viruses or bacteria) on the surface of the cell. In the case of individuals carrying defective HLA genes, the body is unable to correctly distinguish gluten from HLA which results in an auto-immune reaction.

How serious is Celiac Disease?

The effects of celiac disease will vary depending on:

How long you have had celiac disease.
Your age.
How long you have been exposed to gluten (sometimes unknowingly through hidden gluten in foods).

There is no treatment for celiac disease. If you are celiac, you will have to follow a gluten-free diet to a T. There is no way of preventing the damage caused to the mucosa of the small intestine other than by avoiding gluten. Careful monitoring by a health care provider will be required once you begin your gluten-free diet. Please read our Health and Clinical Terms & Conditions HERE carefully and make sure you understand them before ordering this test.

Other Health Tests: Lactose Intolerance DNA Test

Do you experience discomfort after consuming dairy products such as milk or ice cream? If so, then you might be interested in our lactose intolerance test. This particular test establishes whether you carry a certain gene mutation which makes you unable to produce the enzyme required to digest lactose. Read more about our Lactose Intolerance DNA Test.

We also offer a wide range of DNA Health tests that can provide you with a great number of insights into your health and genetics.