A cheek swab celiac disease test allows people to assess their risk of gluten-sensitivity without visiting a medical professional. This type of test isn’t typically covered by insurance, but it can be purchased with funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). Moreover, the ability to take the test in the comfort of home enhances privacy and encourages individuals to focus on their results and next steps.
The best at-home tests for celiac disease measure blood levels of antibodies specific to gluten, such as tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (tTG-IgA) and deamidated gliadin peptide immunoglobulin G (DGP-IgG). The most accurate type of at-home test requires an endoscopy that allows doctors to directly view the small intestine and take several tissue samples for analysis.
Celiac Disease DNA Test at Home: What You Need to Know
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the digestive tract by causing intestinal lining inflammation. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. In children, it can cause delayed growth and puberty. People with a family history of celiac disease have a 1 in 10 chance of developing the disorder.
Genetic testing for celiac disease measures the presence of genes linked to the development of the condition. A DNA test can detect gene variants that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing the disorder, including HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. It can also determine if a person has the HLA-DQ2 and/or HLA-DQ8 antibodies that are characteristic of the disease. The kit includes a prepaid shipping label and instructions for collecting a sample from the inside of the cheek.
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