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Dna Testing For Celiac?

amberleigh

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amberleigh Contributor
amberleigh
Posted

I kind of just want to know for my own benefit I guess. Also b/c we have kids. Could someone also explain the gene thing to me (the DQ stuff?). I googled DNA testing for celiac and a couple companies came up but am not sure if they are reputable. Thanks!

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happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

Your doctor can run the tests through the national lab companies....so you don't necessarily need to do it yourself. Quest and Labcorp are two of the most commonly used lab companies by doctors (not for Celiac, just for all bloodwork). Prometheus also offers genetic testing....all of which can be done through your dr, and potentially paid for by insurance.

The two identified genes are HLA DQ2 and HLA DQ8. The current research is the vast majority of Celiacs have one/both of the genes (95-98%)...but, of course, not all. Of those with a gene, the majority (92% or so) have DQ2. The rest have DQ8. There is research on other genes, but this is the best that we know now.

In general, the gene test will be able to give you an idea if your child is genetically predisposed to potentially having Celiac. About 1 in 133 Americans have Celiac, but 30-40% of the general population have these genes. Just having the gene does NOT mean you have Celiac. However, testing negative for the gene greatly decreases your chances of having it.

One of the benefits for children of parents who have Celiac is that then the parents know if it is more of a major worry or not. i.e., if they don't have the gene, parents might not be as worried, and won't be doing blood testing every year to check for celiac.

For those who have inconclusive blood tests/biopsies, testing for the gene can be one way to rule out Celiac.

However, testing negative for the gene doesn't mean that someone won't have non-Celiac problems with gluten.

I was genetically tested (DQ8) and our one-day kids will be tested right away.

jerseyangel Proficient
jerseyangel
Posted

I had myself tested through Enterolab. I was already diagnosed, but was curious about my genes and also wanted to know for my sons.

It was $169 total out of pocket. My results are in my signature :)

gfpaperdoll Rookie
gfpaperdoll
Posted

I also recommend Enterolab.com because they also test for the gluten intolerant genes. I think in the coming years it is going to be important to know which one of those genes that you have...

Other labs only test for DQ2 & DQ8 - a total shame...

CMCM Rising Star
CMCM
Posted

Ditto for Enterolab. I just attended a lecture by Dr. Fine, who started Enterolab. He was 1000% credible, and I was hugely impressed by his story. He's an incredibly knowledgeable individual who is quite passionate about this topic. Enterolab is a non-profit, by the way. Dr. Fine wanted to make testing available and affordable to people who were not getting answers from their doctors. People like ME, for example!!

Any nagging doubts I may have had about Enterolab were dispelled after I attended this lecture.

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