Celiac Disease HLA DQ Association Blood Test

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Celiac Disease HLA DQ Association Blood Test, which can identify specific alleles linked to celiac disease (CD) and help assess the risk of developing the disorder. However, it is essential to note that this test is not intended to diagnose celiac disease. CD is an autoimmune disorder that affects individuals with a genetic predisposition to gluten sensitivity. Grains such as wheat, barley, and rye contain gluten which causes inflammation in the small intestine, villous atrophy, and malabsorption. Symptoms of celiac disease can include gastrointestinal issues and non-gastrointestinal symptoms such as anemia, dermatitis herpetiformis, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, and short stature. However, gastrointestinal symptoms are only present in less than half of all cases. A strict gluten-free diet can help reduce inflammation, and celiac-associated antibodies will likely disappear over time.

Although many people carry genetic markers associated with celiac disease, it doesn't necessarily mean they have it. Positive test results can help support a diagnosis but not confirm it. If HLA testing is recommended, the genetic risk level for celiac disease can be determined based on gene dose and allele combination. Research shows that having two copies of the HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 gene increases the risk and severity of celiac disease in symptomatic patients compared to those with only one copy of these genes.

When should I order a Celiac Disease HLA DQ Association Blood Test?

If an individual has experienced any of the following symptoms, it may be beneficial to order this test: 

• Abdominal pain 
• Bloating and gas
• Cognitive impairment
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Depression and anxiety
• Fatigue
• Headaches or migraines
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Itchy, blistery skin rash (Dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Joint pain
• Missed periods
• Mouth ulcers and canker sores
• Nausea and vomiting
• Osteoporosis and osteomalacia
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Reduced functioning of the spleen (Hyposplenism)
• Weight loss