DNA Celiac Disease Test

Step-by-Step

Step 1 - Order Test Kit

Order test kit 24/7 online. Click here to order.

 

Step 2 - Collect DNA Sample

The DNA Kit contains all of the materials and instructions you need to collect the DNA sample quickly and discreetly from the privacy of your own home. The sample is collected by rubbing swabs gently inside the mouth against the cheek. The collection is fast, simple and painless and takes only a few seconds to do. After the sample is collected, simply send the samples back to the laboratory for testing using the return package provided in the kit.

 

Step 3 - Receive Results

Once the laboratory receives your sample, testing begins immediately and is completed within 3 to 5 business days. You can track the status of your test online 24/7. As soon as testing is complete, the final results report is released to you immediately. You can choose to receive your results by mail, email, or both.

 

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that happens in response to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and other grains. It is also commonly included in many processed and packaged foods.

When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, the gliadin fraction is recognized by the immune system as a foreign substance. This activates the immune system, causing severe inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.

When the intestinal lining is damaged, it interferes with the normal absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, leading to malnutrition and other health issues.

Genetics of celiac disease

Celiac disease is strongly associated with specific versions or alleles of two genes, HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1. These genes encode two human leukocyte antigens, which are important components of the human immune system. The celiac-associated alleles are known as HLA-DQA1*05, HLA-DQB1*02 and HLA-DQB1*0302. People who inherit one or more of these alleles are at an increased risk of developing celiac disease.

This is not a diagnostic test, becase only some (not all) people with these alleles will develop celiac disease. However, if these alleles are absent, celiac disease can essentially be excluded. There is a less than 0.04% chance people that don’t have one or more of these at-risk alleles will develop celiac disease.

Signs and symptoms of celiac disease

The symptoms of celiac disease differ between individuals. Some people only show minimal symptoms that can easily go undiagnosed, while others are severely affected. Regardless of the extent of the symptoms, the intestinal lining is still damaged in celiac-affected people. This is why gastrointestinal issues are the most commonly associated symptoms with this disease.

Common symptoms include embarrassing flatulence, uncomfortable bloating, appetite changes, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. An excessive weight loss may occur, as the body is unable to absorb nutrients (including fats). Or sometimes people gain weight, due to overeating to compensate for the lack of nutrient absorption. The serious damage that occurs in the intestine of affected people can also lead to other food sensitivities, including lactose intolerance.

When not diagnosed properly, continued consumption of gluten can seriously damage the intestine, preventing the absorption of nutrients and leading to further non-gastrointestinal symptoms. The non-gastrointestinal symptoms can occur in the absence of the gastrointestinal symptoms, which further complicates an accurate diagnosis.

Fatigue is a common symptom often combined with painful migraines, irritability, depression and anxiety. Musculoskeletal problems (e.g. muscle cramps and joint pain) and skin rashes, known as dermatitis herpetiformis, affect some people. The poor absorption of nutrients can also lead to serious vitamin deficiencies, low iron levels (anemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).

Other symptoms of celiac disease can include nosebleeds, hair loss, seizures, mouth ulcers, dental enamel defects, missed menstrual periods and a tingling in the legs or feet due to low calcium and nerve damage. When celiac disease occurs in children, the poor absorption of nutrients can also lead to attention deficit disorder, decreased growth and development and delayed puberty.

Osteoporosis is a common complication due to the decreased ability to absorb nutrients such as calcium. Celiac disease can also lead to infertility and miscarriages or birth defects due to the poor absorption of folic acid. Other autoimmune disorders (e.g. diabetes, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis) and other organ damage (e.g. kidney, liver and heart problems) have been linked to celiac disease.

How is celiac disease inherited?

The HLA genes are located on an autosomal chromosome (chromosome 6). Autosomes are inherited in pairs - one from each parent; hence people carry two copies of each HLA gene. Inheriting one or more of the celiac-associated alleles (HLA-DQA1*05, HLA-DQB1*02, HLA-DQB1*0302) increases the risk of developing celiac disease.

If an individual inherits both a celiac-associated copy of HLA-DQA1 and a celiac-associated copy of HLA-DQB1, one or more of the celiac-associated heterodimers (DQ2 and DQ8) can form. It is these heterodimers that detect gluten and initiate the abberant immune response.

DNA testing for celiac disease

A simple DNA sequencing test can be completed to determine which alleles of HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 an individual has inherited. This sequencing reaction detects nucleotide changes that occur in the three celiac-associated alleles (HLA-DQA1*05, HLA-DQB1*02, HLA-DQB1*0302). The presence or absence of these celiac-associated alleles gives an indication of the risk of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease (see table below). If none of these celiac-associated alleles are present, the risk of celiac disease is extremely low.

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