Celiac disease - genetic testing

Are abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, etc., caused by gluten intolerance (celiac disease)? Take a genetic test and find out! No preparations needed – you can already be on a gluten-free diet. Results in just 7 business days. Painless sample collection at home.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a permanent intolerance to gluten (a protein found in grains such as rye, wheat, and barley), which is written into our genes. In people with the genes responsible for celiac disease, damage to the intestinal villi can occur. This is caused by an autoimmune reaction—where the body mistakenly identifies the intestinal villi as an enemy and starts attacking them. Since intestinal villi are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food, people with celiac disease are often malnourished and lack essential vitamins and minerals.

Symptoms of celiac disease are highly varied and may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, as well as fatigue, anemia, or osteoporosis.

Permanent gluten intolerance can lead to miscarriages and fertility problems resulting, for instance, from a lack of folic acid. Untreated celiac disease can even lead to intestinal cancer, and progressing malnutrition poses a life-threatening risk. Fortunately, treating celiac disease is relatively simple, which is why getting tested is highly recommended.

Why should you take a genetic test for celiac disease?

Celiac disease is encoded in our genes, which is why a genetic test is the only one that can practically exclude it with 100% certainty. This saves the cost of performing multiple other tests, such as repeated serological tests (not all celiac patients have detectable antibodies). If the test shows that you have the genes responsible for celiac disease, it means that your symptoms may be due to permanent gluten intolerance, and your doctor will recommend further diagnostics.

Who can benefit from a genetic test for celiac disease?

A genetic test for celiac disease is especially recommended for people who:

• Experience symptoms characteristic of celiac disease, such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, or vitamin deficiencies.
• Have family members with celiac disease: Genetic predisposition to celiac disease is hereditary, so people with a family history of the condition are at higher risk.
• Have been diagnosed with other autoimmune diseases: Celiac disease often coexists with other autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or Crohn's disease.
• Are on a gluten-free diet without a confirmed diagnosis of celiac disease: A genetic test can confirm or rule out celiac disease and provide a basis for continuing a gluten-free diet.
• Have unclear results from other tests: If serological or intestinal biopsy results are inconclusive, a genetic test can help establish a definitive diagnosis.

What does the genetic test for celiac disease involve?

The genetic test for celiac disease analyzes genetic material taken from a cheek swab. It checks for the presence of HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes, which are strongly associated with the development of celiac disease. If you have these genes, your risk of developing celiac disease is significantly increased.

Why should you take it?

Here are a few reasons to consider taking this test:

• Early diagnosis - Genetic testing allows early detection of predisposition to celiac disease, even if symptoms haven’t appeared yet. This helps take preventive measures and avoid complications.
• Cost savings - It is the only test that effectively excludes celiac disease, saving time and the costs of long-term diagnostics since not all patients have antibodies, and villous atrophy can result from other conditions.
• Accuracy - Genetic testing is highly accurate and can determine with high probability whether you have the genes predisposing you to celiac disease.
• Simple procedure - Collecting genetic material is painless and requires no special preparation.
• Lifetime result - The result of a genetic test does not change over a lifetime.
• Facilitates diagnosis - If you have symptoms suggesting celiac disease, the result of a genetic test can speed up diagnosis and the implementation of appropriate treatment.
• Peace of mind - Knowing your genetic predisposition allows for a conscious approach to health and better management of your diet.

How long does it take to get the results?

You will receive the result no later than 7 business days from the date the sample is delivered to the laboratory.

What does the test price include?

• Comprehensive analysis of genes related to gluten intolerance (celiac disease): HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ2.5, HLA-DQ8.
• A reliable method to exclude celiac disease for life with a single test.
• A home collection kit for taking a cheek swab sample.
• Free shipping of the test kit for celiac disease testing.
• Free return of the sample.
• Results within a maximum of 7 business days.

Additionally, for a positive result (indicating a predisposition to gluten intolerance):

• Personalized medical and dietary recommendations*
• Dietary guidelines (sample gluten-free meal plan)*

The time limit for completing the test is 3 weeks from the date of purchase.

What Should You Know Before the Test?

The test uses a cheek swab from the inside of your mouth. You don’t need to be fasting or change your diet (even if it’s gluten-free). However, one hour before collecting the genetic material, avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum.

Step-by-Step Testing Process

1. Order the celiac disease testing kit. We’ll send it to you free of charge.
2. Once you receive the kit, collect your sample – it’s quick and easy! The kit includes a step-by-step instruction manual to guide you through the process.
3. Fill out the attached form and pack it together with your samples in the return envelope.
4. Send the samples back for free using the included prepaid return envelope.
5. We’ll take care of the rest. You’ll receive a notification via SMS and email when your results are ready, within a maximum of 7 business days. You can access the results through our secure Patient Portal.
6. If your result is positive (indicating a genetic predisposition to gluten intolerance), you will also receive written medical and dietary recommendations, as well as a sample gluten-free meal plan, in the Patient Portal.

Interpreting Celiac Disease Test Results

Positive Result: This means you have a genetic predisposition to developing celiac disease. It’s recommended to consult a doctor for further tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Negative Result: This means the risk of developing celiac disease is close to zero. However, if you experience gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s still worth consulting a doctor.