What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects around 1 in 133 Americans (about 1% of the population).
However, it is estimated that up to 83% of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as having another condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The condition develops over time because of a sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in certain cereal grains including wheat, rye, and barley, and commonly used in food products including bread, cereal, and pasta.
When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, this causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissue, damaging the gut lining and preventing the body from adequately absorbing nutrients from food.
The disease runs in families and can start at any age, with adults aged between 50 and 70 being the most diagnosed. Women are also three times more likely to develop the condition than men, and studies have shown that up to 22% of people with celiac disease have an immediate family member with celiac disease.
If left undiagnosed or untreated, celiac disease can lead to severe complications including osteoporosis, anemia, certain neurological diseases (affecting the brain and nerves) and, in rare cases, intestinal lymphoma and bowel cancer.However, with early diagnosis, it can be easily managed with a lifelong gluten-free diet.
How does the Genetic Celiac Disease Test work?
For just $129 including your test kit and all lab fees, our non-invasive Genetic Celiac Disease Test will tell you whether you have one or both genes associated with celiac disease, with only a simple cheek swab required.
The test uses Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing to confirm or rule out the potential of developing celiac disease by analyzing six DNA markers for the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes.
How much does the test cost?
You can order your Genetic Celiac Disease Test online now for only $129. The cost of the test includes your test kit and all lab fees.
How do I register my test?
Once you have ordered your test, we will mail your test kit and also send you an email with a link to register your test online.
Please follow this link to complete your registration form online, ensuring that all your personal details are correct before collecting your samples.
If you have not received the email by the time you receive your test kit, please contact us at health@alphabiolabs.com for assistance.
You can also use our Live Chat to speak to a support specialist.
IMPORTANT: You MUST register your test online before returning your samples to our laboratory. Failure to register your test will delay the testing process and receipt of your test results.
When should I order a Genetic Celiac Disease test?
Whether you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate celiac disease, or simply want a test to rule it out, our home Genetic Celiac Disease Test is a fast, accurate and reliable way to find out whether you carry the genes linked to celiac disease, with only a cheek swab required.
There are many reasons why you might want a genetic test for the genes associated with celiac disease (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8), including:
- You are experiencing symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, regular mouth ulcers, nausea, and fatigue
- You have a child who is experiencing symptoms that could indicate celiac disease
- You have a close family member who has been diagnosed with celiac disease – research shows that people with celiac disease have a higher risk of passing the disease down to first-degree relatives (i.e. parents to their children)
- You have been following a gluten-free diet, and want to rule out the risk developing of celiac disease, so that you can seek the correct treatment
Whatever your reasons, a Genetic Celiac Disease Test can give you peace of mind or enable you to seek the correct diagnosis and treatment for your symptoms.
With only a simple cheek swab required this simple, pain free test is suitable for children of all ages. However, we strongly advise that you speak to your physician before making any decisions regarding dietary changes after receiving the result.
Order your Genetic Celiac Disease Test online now for just $129.
When will I receive my kit?
Simply buy your test online now, and we’ll mail it out to you immediately.
You can choose to receive your kit by USPS First Class Mail (included in the cost of your test), or upgrade to USPS Priority Mail (+$9.99) or USPS Priority Mail Express (+$29.99).
What is included in the test kit?
For $129, including your test kit and all lab fees, our Genetic Celiac Disease Test kit includes:
- Full instructions for how to collect your samples, and how to return the samples to our laboratory
- One DNA sample collection swab package containing two swabs
- DNA test sample envelope, for securing your samples
- A self-addressed envelope to send your test samples back to us
Sample collection
Our Genetic Celiac Disease Test requires a swab to be rubbed on the inside of the mouth to collect cheek cells.
Please follow the instructions included in your test kit to ensure samples are collected properly, as swabs with insufficient quantities of cheek cells cannot be processed.
Please do not eat, drink or smoke immediately prior to collecting your samples.
When will I receive my results?
Once you have received your test kit, simply follow the instructions to collect your cheek (buccal) sample and mail your sample back to us.
As soon as we receive your sample, testing can begin at our award-winning, ISO 17025-accredited laboratory.
Your secure, password-protected results will be emailed to you in 5-7 business days after your samples have been received at our laboratory.
You can order an AlphaBiolabs Genetic Celiac Disease Test online now for just $129.
What can the results of a Genetic Celiac Disease Test tell me?
Genetic testing for celiac disease can help you rule out the possibility of having celiac disease or tell you if you are carrying the genes linked to the condition.
The test uses Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing to confirm or rule out the potential of developing celiac disease by evaluating six DNA markers for the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes.
If your test results show that you have one or both genes (HLA-DQ2 and/or HLA-DQ8), this indicates that you could be at risk of developing celiac disease in the future.
Your test results will show either a negative result or that you are at very low, low, moderate, or high risk of developing coeliac disease, depending on which genes you have.
However, having these genes does not guarantee that you will develop celiac disease, or indicate that you are currently suffering from it.
If your results show that neither of these genes are present, this means that you are unlikely to develop celiac disease in the future.
If you have received your test result and continue to experience symptoms that are causing you concern, we strongly recommend that you consult your physician for further support and guidance.
How accurate is the test?
An AlphaBiolabs Genetic Celiac Disease Test is accurate and reliable based on the samples we receive at our laboratory.
We are also accredited to the international quality standard ISO 17025 for laboratory testing, using the very latest scientific methods for DNA analysis and reporting.
What are the benefits of testing for genetic celiac disease and primary lactose intolerance at the same time?
Symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain can be common indicators of various gastrointestinal illnesses, including both celiac disease and lactose intolerance. When you’ve got symptoms like these, it can be difficult to work out what’s causing them, as many diseases and conditions can present in similar ways.
We therefore recommend taking a DNA health test for both genetic celiac disease and genetic primary lactose intolerance at the same time to help you determine the cause of your symptoms faster. This in turn means that you can make changes in your diet or seek treatment to improve pain or discomfort more quickly.
You can show the results of both tests to your physician, who can then investigate further and help you with a plan to minimize symptoms. Distinguishing between gastrointestinal disorders can be challenging, but by taking both tests together, you can quickly obtain the right diagnosis and medical care.
Plus you’ll save money by buying the two tests together!
Read more about the benefits of taking both tests at the same time