CLIA-certified celiac DNA test kit that enables people to screen for celiac genetic risk. The company says that this approach can help reduce the number of undiagnosed individuals who put themselves on a gluten-free diet and suffer from long-term complications such as nutritional deficiencies, osteoporosis and autoimmune disorders. The test identifies variants of two genes (HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8) associated with increased risk for celiac disease. It takes a cheek swab sample, analyzes it and then sends the results to a person’s doctor. The lab report categorizes a person’s likelihood of having celiac disease as highly likely, somewhat likely, not very likely or unlikely.

CLIA-Certified Celiac DNA Test Kits: Are They Trustworthy?

After a person receives the lab results, the company asks them to follow up with their healthcare provider, which is an important part of a diagnosis process, Guandalini and Schuppan said. Using the gene testing at home can also help people maintain confidentiality by not discussing sensitive health information with a clinician in a clinical setting, they added.

While at-home tests cannot diagnose celiac disease, they can provide initial information to a physician about a person’s risk for the condition, and are typically more accurate than blood tests that detect antibodies. In addition, most at-home tests are affordable and FSA/HSA approved so that the cost can be paid with pre-tax dollars, they said.