New At-Home Saliva Test for Celiac Disease Genes

You can now use a saliva sample to find out whether you have the genes for celiac disease. Yesterday, Prometheus Laboratories, Inc. began selling MyCeliacID, which the company says is the first saliva-based genetic test for celiac disease. Until now, genetic tests for celiac disease required blood samples or cheek swabs. According to Prometheus, saliva-based genetic testing provides more DNA for evaluation, and samples are less likely to get contaminated in the process of collection.

The test can be ordered online at www.MyCeliacID.com. After you make the request online, a licensed physician reviews and places the order in accordance with state and federal law. The company then sends you a tube in which you collect some saliva. When you return the tube to them (shipping is prepaid), they analyze your saliva for the presence of the HLA-DQ2 and HLADQ8 genes (both alpha and beta subunits), and the physician reviews and releases the result. You’ll be notified by email (usually within 7 days, according to their site), and you can access your test results online via a secure link. You’ll have a chance to make an appointment with a genetic counsellor if you wish.

As of now, MyCeliacID is available only to residents of the U.S. (except New York), Canada and Mexico. Residents of New York (and everyone else) can still arrange for celiac gene tests using blood samples or cheek swabs through Kimball Genetics.

Remember: Genetic tests do not diagnose celiac disease. As I’ve explained in Genetic Testing for Celiac Disease, in general there are two possible outcomes of testing for celiac disease genes:

• You don’t have the genes. This means you are very, very unlikely to ever develop celiac disease.
• You do have the genes. This doesn’t mean you have celiac disease. It means there’s a chance you might develop celiac disease at some point in your life, or you might not. If you do have the genes, you should definitely share the results with your doctor so you can be monitored.

MyCeliacID costs $329. Your insurance company will probably not reimburse you for it.

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