CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD WINNER

Why take our celiac genetic predisposition test?

Our celiac disease genetic testing is the most accurate test you have to determine whether or not a person suffers from Celiac disease. Although blood antibody tests are available as well, these are only reliable if the person has been following a high gluten diet. If the person takes the blood antibody test and has not consumed any gluten shortly beforehand, then the test could provide false negative results. People already following a gluten-free diet will not find the answers they need using serology (blood) tests. Moreover, because the symptoms associated with Celiac disease are not necessarily specific to the disease, a genetic test is the only way of determining whether you have celiac disease if you have been on a gluten-free diet.

With celiac disease genetic testing, you can find out whether you are really Celiac at any time and at any age. Our test is ideal for confirming the presence of Celiac disease or even excluding it in cases where following a gluten-free diet does not results in a reduction of symptoms.

Our celiac disease genetic test is offered at $195. Results are ready in 2-4 weeks from receipt of samples. The DNA test allows you to effectively rule out the disease with an accuracy of 99%.

Our celiac predisposition test is really simple

We just require clients to collect samples using a sterile mouth swab found inside the kit we provide. There are no special conditions for mouth swab sampling except to avoid drinking, smoking and eating for 30 minutes before collecting your samples.

Results for celiac disease genetic testing

The celiac disease genetic test relies on the analysis of HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) DQ2 and DQ8 genes. These genes are implicated in almost all cases of Celiac diseases (although not in all).

Results for this test will be ready in 2-4 weeks from receipt of samples and include:

  • Your disease risk expressed as a percentage
  • Analysis of your genotype
  • The clinical features of Celiac disease
  • Treatment
  • Dietary requirements/information about gluten-free diets
  • Recommendations

Note

The results of a celiac disease genetic test are not a diagnosis in themselves in cases where results are positive.

We strongly suggest you consult your doctor or specialist before and after taking this test.

Frequent questions

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease (sometimes also called Celiac Sprue) is an autoimmune disorder where the body is unable to break down a gluey protein found in wheat called “gluten”. If gluten cannot be broken down, the intestinal tract may be damaged over time and absorption of food compromised. Every time gluten is ingested, the body ends up fighting against itself and damaging itself. This means that a Celiac sufferer could exhibit a host of unpleasant symptoms as a direct or indirect effect of the disease. Malabsorption of food could lead to tiredness and fatigue, muscle wasting and nausea amongst many other symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Celiac Disease?

Symptoms of celiac disease vary from one person to the next, however these may include:

  • Failure to thrive (weight loss/failure to gain weight), particularly in children
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Steatorrhea (loose and greasy stool)
  • Dermatitis herpetiformis (severe skin rash)
  • Missed periods

A predisposition to Celiac disease but no symptoms?

Our genetic predisposition test for Celiac disease only establishes the likelihood that you will develop Celiac disease over the course of your life. This means that at the time of testing you may or may not be suffering from Celiac disease.

Can I take any other tests?

Besides a celiac disease genetic test, serology tests for celiac disease are available but to take this test you must be on a gluten-containing diet. If you have been on a gluten-free diet, you will need to start introducing gluten over a period of time in order to increase your levels of antibody. This test can cause some discomfort due to the fact it requires you to be on gluten containing diet – unlike our Celiac genetic test which can be done on people following a gluten-free diet. Whilst this may result in some discomfort, it is necessary to carry out this type of test. The test analyses the blood sample to verify the levels of the antibody known as Tissue Transglutaminase or tTG-IgA produced in response to gluten ingestion. We do not offer this test and suggest you speak to your doctor if you are interested in it.

Genetic health tests

homeDNAdirect offers a genetic predisposition test for 34 different diseases including Lupus, Obesity and Diabetes.