Home tests for detecting celiac disease that can be conducted at home
Celiac disease, a condition that affects the small intestine and its ability to absorb nutrients, is becoming increasingly popular to test for at home. However, it's essential to understand that the at-home testing landscape for celiac disease is not yet fully reliable.
Currently, there are no widely recognized, accurate at-home self-diagnosis tests for celiac disease available on the market. The diagnosis of celiac disease typically requires a combination of blood tests for specific antibodies, such as anti-tTG IgA, followed by an intestinal biopsy, both of which should be overseen by healthcare professionals.
Some at-home tests, like Everlywell’s Food Sensitivity Test, measure IgG antibody reactivity to various foods, but these are not designed to diagnose celiac disease. They instead aim to detect food intolerances or sensitivities and do not replace diagnostic serology or biopsy for celiac disease.
Home antigen or antibody rapid tests, common for infections, pregnancy, or allergies, exist but are not validated or recommended for detecting celiac disease. At-home tests related to allergies usually measure IgE antibodies, which differ from the autoimmune antibodies (IgA anti-transglutaminase) needed for celiac detection.
The Genovate DNA Celiac Disease Test and the Targeted Genomics Gluten ID Test are two examples of at-home tests that check for genetic markers associated with celiac disease. Both tests are cheek swab tests and do not require eating gluten for the test to work. However, these tests are more useful for risk assessment than diagnosis. If all the tests from the Genovate DNA Celiac Disease Test return negative results, the risk of a person having celiac disease is zero. The Targeted Genomics Gluten ID Test tests for HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 gene variants that indicate the highest genetic risk of celiac disease, showing a spectrum of celiac risk.
Other at-home tests, like the LetsGetChecked Celiac Test and the RxHomeTest Celiac Genetic Test, check for genetic markers that indicate a person's risk of having or developing celiac disease. These tests offer fast results and do not involve a blood sample, making them easier to use at home.
It's important to note that while these tests can provide valuable insights, they should always be discussed with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and advice on the next steps.
In summary, while at-home testing for celiac disease is becoming more accessible, it's crucial to approach these tests with caution. Anyone suspecting celiac disease should seek traditional laboratory testing guided by a healthcare professional to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Symptoms of celiac disease can include bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, and lactose intolerance. A person with celiac disease may be unable to absorb minerals and nutrients from food due to damage to the small intestine from repeated exposure to gluten. If you suspect you may have celiac disease, consult your doctor for guidance.
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blood-tests/in-depth/celiac-disease/art-20047964 [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6765999/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6765999/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6765999/ [5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biopsy/in-depth/celiac-disease/art-20047964
- Celiac disease, a chronic disease affecting the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, needs a combination of medical-conditions tests for accurate diagnosis, not just at-home foodallergy tests.
- While home tests like Everlywell’s Food Sensitivity Test detect food intolerances or sensitivities, they are not designed for celiac disease diagnosis.
- Home antigen or antibody tests commonly used for infections, pregnancy, or allergies are not validated or recommended for detecting celiac disease.
- Tests like the Genovate DNA Celiac Disease Test and the Targeted Genomics Gluten ID Test check for genetic markers associated with celiac disease risk, but they are more useful for risk assessment than diagnosis.
- For a definitive diagnosis, traditional laboratory testing guided by a healthcare professional is essential, as symptoms like bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, and lactose intolerance can be indicative of celiac disease.
- As at-home testing for celiac disease becomes more popular, it's crucial to discuss the results with a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and the best fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and health-and-wellness strategies.
