Frequently Asked Questions2018-09-01T01:12:06+00:00

Frequently Asked Questions

A harmful autoimmune response after consuming gluten

Find out if you are at risk - get tested

Test Type Testing Time Fee
DNA Celiac Disease Test 4 to 6 weeks $249 Click Here to Order Kit

All orders received before 3pm PST / 6pm EST are shipped out the same business day. All orders received after 3pm PST / 6pm EST or on weekends or holidays are shipped out the following business day. 24/7 online status check and account management available for all tests.

If I test negative, am I still at risk of developing celiac disease?2016-12-20T19:06:45+00:00
If the disease-risk alleles are absent, the diagnosis of celiac disease can essentially be excluded, as there is a less than 0.04% chance of developing celiac disease in people that don’t have one or more of these at-risk alleles.
How common is celiac disease?2016-12-20T19:06:46+00:00
Celiac disease affects 1 in 100 people.
If a family member has celiac disease, am I at increased risk?2016-12-20T19:06:46+00:00
Yes. Celiac disease has an inherited genetic component. Family members of celiac patients have a 10-15% increased risk of celiac disease.
What are the symptoms of celiac disease?2016-12-20T19:06:46+00:00
Gastrointestinal symptoms include flatulence, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, nausea and vomiting. Non-gastrointestinal symptoms can also occur if severe damage occurs in the intestine. These can include fatigue, migraines, depression, musculoskeletal problems, skin rashes, dental enamel defects, osteoporosis and seizures.
What is celiac disease?2016-12-20T19:06:46+00:00
An autoimmune disorder in response to the digestion of gluten. An aberrant immune response severely damages the intestinal lining preventing the absorption of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
What alleles are identified in the Celiac Disease Genotyping Analysis?2016-12-20T19:06:46+00:00
Three HLA alleles are identified – HLA-DQA1*05, HLA-DQB1*02 and HLA-DQB1*03:02.
How is celiac disease treated?2016-12-20T19:06:46+00:00
A strict gluten-free diet must be followed for life to allow the damaged intestine to recover and prevent further damage.
How is celiac disease diagnosed?2016-12-20T19:06:46+00:00
Initial screening is based on symptoms and blood tests to detect the levels of several antibodies that arise during an aberrant immune response to gluten. Other laboratory tests identify other abnormalities including altered liver enzymes and low cholesterol. Diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy from the small intestine to identify the damage and by genetic screening to identify the celiac disease at-risk alleles (HLA-DQA1*05, HLA-DQB1*02 and HLA-DQB1*03:02). Nearly 100% of celiac-affected individuals carry one or more of these alleles.
What are the HLA genes?2016-12-20T19:06:46+00:00
The HLA genes encode components of the human leukocyte complex. The HLA complex is an important part of the immune system, helping distinguish between the body’s own proteins and foreign proteins.
If I have a positive test result, does that mean that I will definitely develop celiac disease?2016-12-20T19:06:46+00:00
No, not everyone who carries one or more of the celiac associated HLA alleles will suffer from celiac disease. Although the presence of each of these alleles increases the lifetime risk of developing celiac disease there are many individuals that have these alleles and never develop celiac disease.
How do I receive my results?2016-12-20T19:06:47+00:00
You can choose to receive your results report by mail, email or both. The test includes one copy of the results by mail and one copy by email at no charge. The results report is issued immediately once the testing is completed.
Are my results confidential?2016-12-20T19:06:47+00:00
Yes, your results are 100% confidential. No one will be able to access your account or your results unless you give them your confidential account login. You can change the password to your account at any time. Please remember to safeguard your login information and not share it with anyone.
How long do I have to send the samples back?2016-12-20T19:06:47+00:00
The DNA testing kit does not have an expiry date so you can use the kit at any time. Once the DNA sample is collected, the sample should be returned to the laboratory for testing within 3 months of the collection date. The DNA sample will remain stable for 3 months at room temperature after collection.
Can I have more than one copy of the results?2016-12-20T19:06:47+00:00
If your sample contains intact DNA, then a full DNA profile will be obtained. However, if your sample does not contain DNA or contains degraded DNA, then only a partial profile or no profile at all is obtained. Even if no profile is obtained, the cost still applies for each sample that is submitted.
Is there an age limit?2016-12-20T19:06:47+00:00
No, there is no age limit for Celiac Disease DNA Test testing. The test can be performed on individuals at any age, even newborns. The sample is collected easily and discretely using buccal swabs.
Which countries can you ship to?2016-12-20T19:06:47+00:00
The DNA collection kits can be shipped to any country in the world.
How long will testing take?2016-12-20T19:06:47+00:00
DNA testing begins immediately the day that your samples arrive at the laboratory and is completed within 5 to 7 business days. In some special situations, additional testing may be required, which could increase the turnaround time by a few extra days. You can check the status of your test online 24/7 using your secure account login. Your test report is released immediately once testing is complete.