New Genetic Test for Celiac Disease Goes On Market

LATEST NEWS ON CELIAC DISEASE:

The FDA has just approved a new, non-invasivedo-it yourself genetic test, for celiac disease. Developed by Prometheus Laboratories,Inc., the test, “My CeliacID,”requires just a salivasample to reveal a predisposition for the disease.

According to the pharmaceutical company, this is the first test of its kind for celiac disease.Many other diseases have similar salivagenetic tests developed specifically for them.

A genetic test for celiac disease, saythe developers, cannot determine if a person has the disease, but, if anegative result is achieved it can “virtually rule out celiac disease in aperson’s lifetime” as the person does not have the genes associated withthe disease.

The test examines genetic patterns associatedwith the presence of celiac disease. Scientists call these patterns HLA-DQ2 andHLA-DQ8. Both DQ2 and DQ8 have subunits known as alpha and beta chains. Althoughmost laboratories test only for the beta sub-unit, this test also looks for thealpha sub-unit which may also convey a risk for celiac disease. A positiveresult is only an indication that the individual tested” has one or moregenes that predispose to celiac disease.”However, it is not an indicationof the disease itself. For that a biopsy is still needed.

Prometheus Laboratories, a leader inceliac disease genetic testing has carried out over 81,000 blood-based genetictests before spreading out to this non-invasive test for celiac disease.

MyCeliacID may be ordered on linebut will only be supplied after a licensed physician has reviewed and placedthe order in accordance with state and federal law requirements. Tests resultsare usually released seven days after receipt of the saliva sample after beingreviewed by a physician.

Because this genetic test for celiacdisease studies genes, its accuracy does not depend on current diseaseactivity, symptoms, or diet and it can be taken whether you are or are not on agluten-free diet.