What is a celiac disease genetic test?
Celiac disease is lifelong intolerance to gluten, which damages the lining of small intestine. But it resolves once gluten is removed from the diet.
Celiac is highly restricted to those with DQ2 or DQ8 genes. Although not everyone who tests positive for the genes will have the disease, almost all celiac patients carry either one or both genes. The gluten intolerance test is an important step to identify this risk, especially in families with a history of celiac.
The celiac genetic test is an at-home test that checks for high-risk (DQ2, DQ8), medium risk (DQA1*05), and low risk (DQA1*03) genes. It uses a simple saliva swab that is rubbed against the cheek, inside the mouth, to collect a sample.
Why do we need to measure the genetic risk of celiac disease?
In 97 percent of cases, gluten sensitivity DNA tests return positive results for DQ2 or DQ8, or both genes in those with celiac disease. Therefore, these genes are necessary for gluten intolerance.
Celiac disease tends to cluster in families. Almost half of first-relatives of a celiac patient test positive for the genes. The rate is even higher for those with other auto-immune diseases, such as diabetes or thyroid problems.
Research shows testing for DQ2 and DQ8 may be very useful in at-risk persons (e.g., family members of someone with gluten intolerance). It has a very high-negative predictive value: the disease is unlikely to develop in anyone with negative results for both HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, according to a 2012 study in the New England Journal of Medicine.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found 44 percent first-relatives of a confirmed celiac person also tested positive for celiac disease, regardless of whether they showed any symptoms.
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How to check the risk of celiac disease at home?
In just a few simple steps, you can assess the risk of celiac disease without going to a doctor or lab using RxHomeTest's gluten sensitivity genetic test kit: (1) Order our celiac genetic test kit online; (2) collect sample with a few cheek swabs; (3) send the sample to our CLIA-certified labs; and (4) find out your risk in few days.
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Our thoroughly researched articles are easy to read and review latest research in the field. Go deeper with data-driven information on some of the most common tests and up-to-date research. You can read them anytime from the menu at the top.
Stay on top for the latest news and research on celiac by following the Celiac Disease Foundation, Mayo Clinic, and NIH. Learn more about genetic risk of celiac at the NIH Genetics Home Reference.
Q: Can I purchase the test across US?
A: Except New York and New Jersey most of our tests are available in all 48 states. State regulations in NY, NJ do not allow us to ship the tests to their residents.
Q: What does the kit contain and how do I use it?
A: Our kit for genetic testing of celiac disease contains: (1) few saliva swabs, (2) instructions on how to collect the sample, and (3) a form requesting basic information including date and time of collection. The directions are straight forward and easy to follow.
Q: How long does it take to receive the results?
A: You will receive the kit within 3-5 business days with a prepaid return envelope. After you mail the sample and it arrives to the lab, you receive the results within 5-7 business days.
Q: How do you handle my samples and data?
A: Your samples are kept by the lab for two weeks and the extracted DNA is kept for 3 months. The samples are disposed off in biohazardous waste that is picked up by a certified waste management company that specializes in medical waste disposal and follows strict regulatory guidelines.
Regarding your data: we are required to maintain the data for a minimum of 2 years. Your data is released only to those authorized by you. We also ensure that such information is maintained in the strictest confidence in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In certain cases, we may release information to a third party if such information is required for medical treatment or by federal or state law.
Q: What do I expect from the report?
A: The report for celiac testing will be easy to understand and will have all the necessary details. It will mark your genotype for celiac disease. It will briefly discuss what the results mean and provide a risk score.
Q: Can I use my insurance to pay for the test?
A: We do not have the capability to process the insurance claim. Insurance plans vary by individuals and may not pay for genetic testing. Please talk to your insurance provider if you have any further concerns.
Q: How reliable are my results?
A: We have partnered with CLIA-certified labs that are used by physicians across the US. These labs are regulated by the states, as well as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Majority of the tests from these labs are FDA approved to ensure they meet the proper regulatory requirements. Additionally, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) requires inter-laboratory tests to ensure the ranges established by each lab do not drift or are not out of acceptable ranges. This is done by regularly testing reference samples between different labs. Finally, the labs test thousands of sample for different age groups and health conditions, and have well established reference data to compare your results against this large pool.
Q: Can you recommend what therapy should I take if my levels are high or low?
A: Unfortunately, no. As a lab test provider we can only test and report out data from your samples. We are not authorized to provide any medical recommendations. But we strongly encourage you to discuss the results with your doctor for next steps.
