Can You Get a Celiac Disease DNA Test at Home?

An at-home DNA test that looks for genes associated with celiac disease (CD) is a good way to begin a discussion with your doctor about your possible risk of the condition, particularly if you have a family history. These tests do not diagnose celiac disease, however, and should always be followed by a blood or biopsy to determine whether you have the autoimmune disorder that makes you hypersensitive to gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and oats.

There are two celiac disease DNA test at home of at-home genetic CD testing kits: one checks for antibodies and the other looks at a person’s genes to see if they are predisposed to developing celiac disease. An antibody test like the tTG-IgA, EMA-IgG or deamidated gliadin peptide immunoglobulin G (DGP-IgG) can detect antibodies to proteins involved in the inflammatory response that occurs in people with CD when they eat gluten. A positive result indicates the presence of these antibodies and the potential for celiac disease.

Celiac Disease DNA Test at Home: What You Need to Know

A genetic test such as GlutenID from Targeted Genomics or LetsGetChecked looks at a person’s genes to determine if they carry variants that are known to trigger celiac disease when they are exposed to gluten. Having these variants increases the likelihood that you will develop celiac disease, but it doesn’t guarantee that you will.

Several gastrointestinal diseases and immune system disorders create symptoms similar to those of celiac disease, so it is important to follow up with other diagnostic tests and procedures before taking your symptoms at face value. A negative at-home genetic CD test will help you eliminate the possibility that a different condition is to blame for your symptoms and will speed up your journey to a proper diagnosis.