Complex & Invisible Health / Celiac Disease Susceptibility

Celiac Disease Susceptibility

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. Almost everyone who develops it carries specific HLA gene variants, which is why a genetic test can be a useful first step.

About celiac disease

In celiac disease, eating gluten (found in wheat, barley and rye) causes the immune system to damage the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms vary widely: digestive upset, fatigue, anemia, skin rash, bone thinning, or sometimes no obvious symptoms at all.

The genes involved

Nearly everyone with celiac disease carries the HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 gene variants. But these variants are common in the general population, and most people who carry them never develop celiac disease.

  • A negative result (no DQ2 or DQ8) makes celiac disease very unlikely.
  • A positive result means you're genetically susceptible, not that you have celiac disease.
  • Because genes don't change, the test works even if you've already stopped eating gluten. Blood tests for celiac antibodies, by contrast, need you to be eating gluten to be accurate.

Celiac disease is diagnosed by a healthcare provider, usually with antibody blood tests and an intestinal biopsy while you're still eating gluten. Please don't remove gluten before talking to a provider if you want to be tested.

Non-celiac gluten or wheat sensitivity is a separate condition and isn't identified by HLA testing.

Explore Related Testing

DNA Celiac Disease Test
Laboratory: Genetrack · order through Wise Canary

DNA Celiac Disease Test

$325.00

What's tested
HLA gene variants associated with celiac disease.
What it explores
Whether you carry the genetic variants linked to celiac disease susceptibility.
Why it may be relevant
A negative result makes celiac disease very unlikely, and the test works even on a gluten-free diet.
Sample
Cheek (buccal) swab, collected at home
View Test

For education only. This test does not diagnose celiac disease.