Reliable Genetic Testing--Preferably Without Dr. Referral

[BlessedMommy 63]

Are the cheek swabs just as reliable as the blood testing?

 

I prefer not to have to talk a doctor into ordering the tests for me. 

[GottaSki 460]

Are the cheek swabs just as reliable as the blood testing?

 

I prefer not to have to talk a doctor into ordering the tests for me. 

 

Hi Ruth!

 

Given your history with gluten trial, I would think any of your doctors would order the genetic test.  That way insurance covers it as well.

[BlessedMommy 63]

I don't have insurance.

[GottaSki 460]

Ah, I have no alternative suggestions. Hope someone else can help.

[BlessedMommy 63]

I have the benefit of being in a tri-state area (MI/IN/OH), so it's possible that even if one state has no option to order blood tests yourself, that one of the other states might. It's looking like Indiana might have a lab that is geared towards self pay patients.

[Fenrir 54]

Here is a suggesting for you:

healthcheckusa.com

 

It is run by a Lab company called Labcorp. In many states you can simply buy the celiac antibody panel on blood over the internet, without a Drs. order and go to one of their draw stations closest to you .

 

Here is the panel on their website:

http://www.healthcheckusa.com/More-Tests/Celiac-Disease-Antibody-Profile-Comprehensive.aspx

 

It's about $180 , so I'm not sure how that fits in your budget.

 

I know they have locations all over the US, so they probably have one within a reasonable drive. Also, their panel is a very good one, much better than just genetic testing.

[BlessedMommy 63]

I can't do the celiac blood panel, unfortunately. It would undoubtedly come up negative (regardless of whether I am or not) since I've been gluten free for over 4 years. 

[Fenrir 54]

I can't do the celiac blood panel, unfortunately. It would undoubtedly come up negative (regardless of whether I am or not) since I've been gluten free for over 4 years. 

Well, in that case you are better off saving your money and not doing any testing.

 

Even if you do genetic testing it doesn't mean anything. It's either going to show that you have the gene which doesn't in any way indicate or even hint that you may have celiac or it will come up negative which only means that it is likely that you don't have it but doesn't rule it out.

[1desperateladysaved 95]

I had a good experience with the company I used for my cheek swab test.  The test and paperwork took me about 5 minutes and I mailed it to the lab.    I received my results by e-mail in about 3 weeks.   I received an explanation of the results, and even had a chance to ask more questions and was given answers. 

 

Dee

[BlessedMommy 63]

According to the University of Chicago, though, lack of having the HLA D2 or D8 genes does rule out celiac. My main purpose of looking into it in the first place was to assess my daughter's risk for celiac and determine whether to put her through a gluten challenge, but I also would like a little more info on my own genetics.

 

I feel very frustrated that due to circumstances and the doctors that I saw/consulted with, that I was denied the chance to get a DX in the first place and I'm looking for any pieces to help put together the puzzle, especially for my kids.

[kareng 2,317]

Here is a suggesting for you:

healthcheckusa.com

It is run by a Lab company called Labcorp. In many states you can simply buy the celiac antibody panel on blood over the internet, without a Drs. order and go to one of their draw stations closest to you .

Here is the panel on their website:http://www.healthcheckusa.com/More-Tests/Celiac-Disease-Antibody-Profile-Comprehensive.aspx

It's about $180 , so I'm not sure how that fits in your budget.

I know they have locations all over the US, so they probably have one within a reasonable drive. Also, their panel is a very good one, much better than just genetic testing.

Labcorp seems to be a good company. I have had blood work from them, just haven't done any genetic.

[Fenrir 54]

Labcorp seems to be a good company. I have had blood work from them, just haven't done any genetic.

Yeah, they did my celiac panel and it worked out good for me.

 

I work for a different lab (we don't do celiac testing), but they are pretty good. Mayo Labs is very good as well.

[mamaw 133]

go to  the  info  pages  on  this  site..  Journal of gluten  sensitivity Maybe?  that  mentions  a new  generic  testing.....

[IrishHeart 1,644]

 or it will come up negative which only means that it is likely that you don't have it but doesn't rule it out.

 

 

This is not entirely true, however.   

 

http://www.uchospitals.edu/pdf/uch_007936.pdf

 

There is a blood test available to determine 

whether or not an at-risk individual carries 

the genes responsible for the development 

of celiac disease. These genes are located 

on the HLA-class II complex and are called 

DQ2 and DQ8. Each case of celiac disease 

has been found to show these so-called 

“haplotypes”; therefore, a negative gene 

test indicates that celiac disease cannot 

develop in that individual.

[LauraTX 115]

Labcorp would be a great way to go.  I am one of their best customers, albeit unwillingly.  Labcorp and Quest diagnostics are the two giants of the medical lab world.

[CajunChic 2]

I just did a buccal swab through labcorp. Go to www.kimballgenetics.com to order. It was quick and easy. Only pit was that it was $395 for the test. I did not go through my insurance to order it, but you did have to have a dr sign saying they approve the test. Maybe your PCP instead of a GI can sign off? It was worth it for me. Good luck