Digestive Health Tests›Coeliac Test
Nutrient / Immune-related
Coeliac Test
£POA Contact us for current pricing
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley, and oats. For many individuals, gluten can trigger unwanted symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe autoimmune responses. In more serious cases, this reaction is known as coeliac disease. However, even those who do not meet the clinical criteria for coeliac disease may find significant health benefits by eliminating gluten from their diet.
It’s important to note that gluten sensitivity or coeliac disease can occur even without obvious symptoms. While coeliac disease is often diagnosed in childhood, it can subside during the teenage years and re-emerge later in adulthood.
Who can benefit from this test?
Your practitioner may recommend this test if you have:
- Digestive symptoms after eating gluten
- A family history of coeliac disease
- Unexplained fatigue, anaemia or nutrient deficiencies
- A wish to know your genetic risk of coeliac disease
- Considering whether further coeliac investigation is needed
- Symptoms that improve on a gluten-free diet
Learn more about this test
What the test involves
A sample that analyses the genetic markers (HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8) associated with coeliac disease to establish your genetic risk.
This test measures:
- Genetic markers associated with coeliac disease (HLA-DQ2 / HLA-DQ8)
- Whether you carry a genetic predisposition to coeliac disease
- Information to help rule coeliac disease in or out
- Guidance on the need for further investigation
Frequently asked questions
Identifies gluten-sensitive individuals from an early age, enabling intervention to protect the gut lining and reduce the risk of developing further intolerances or allergies
Helps prevent conditions such as anaemia and malnutrition
Screens for gluten sensitivity
Supports early-stage assessment for coeliac disease
Recommended for all family members if there is a known history of coeliac disease or gluten intolerance due to its genetic nature
The immune response in coeliac disease involves the production of antibodies that attack gluten and, in the process, harm the small intestine. This test detects elevated levels of specific antibodies that indicate this immune response.
The coeliac antibody panel includes:
Total IgA
Anti-deamidated gliadin peptide IgA (DGP IgA)
Anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (tTG IgA)
Anti-deamidated gliadin peptide IgG (DGP IgG)
Anti-tissue transglutaminase IgG (tTG IgG)
Anti-endomysial IgA (EMA IgA)
A blood draw is required. This must be arranged independently through your GP or a private phlebotomy service. Please note that the test fee does not cover any blood draw costs.
The lab must receive samples within 24 hours of collection. Avoid scheduling your blood draw from Friday to Sunday.
Maintain a varied diet for 2–3 weeks beforehand, ensuring you include gluten-containing foods (e.g., wheat, rye, oats, barley) to allow for accurate antibody detection
If you have been avoiding gluten for a while, test results may appear falsely negative due to reduced antibody levels
Do not consume foods to which you are allergic
Certain medications may interfere with the results, including:
Steroids (e.g., prednisone), immunosuppressants (e.g., Humira, Rituxan), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine), and chemotherapy
Individuals with liver disease, kidney conditions, HIV, or autoimmune rheumatological disorders may receive inaccurate results.
Always consult your healthcare provider before stopping any prescribed medication.n
Suitable for adults and children over the age of 1
Testing before the age of 1 is not recommended due to the influence of maternal antibodies through breastfeeding and immune immaturity
Sensitisation to environmental allergens often occurs later (age 2–3), so waiting until 1 year of age ensures more reliable results
Return samples using a next-day service from Monday to Thursday only
A courier service is included with the test kit, but this is paid for separately and directly to the lab
You may also use your next-day delivery service
The laboratory must receive all samples within 24 hours of collection
Tests typically take 2 to 3 weeks from the date you send them back. We will email you the results when we receive them.
