Many people talk about not having insurance. They also mention not having the ability to pay for expensive Celiac testing at the doctor. However, there are new at-home testing kits to start a discussion.

If testing at home, please take your results to a board certified Gastroenterologist to discuss the results and next step. Furthermore, during testing for Celiac, you must remain on a gluten containing diet otherwise tests may be inaccurate.

DNA Testing

Genetic testing is the most expensive of the celiac tests and the least informative.

Carrying either of the genetic markers for Celiac does not confirm or deny that Celiac is active. About 40% of the population carries one of the two markers. However, only about 1% of the population actually has Celiac disease. It just says that you carry the genetic material for Celiac to arise.

Couple of options

• 23 & Me tests for HLA DQ 2 and HLA DQ 8 normally $199 and sometimes on sale for $99
• empowerDX tests for HLA DQ2, HLA DQ2.5, and HLA DQ8 for $279

Note, providing DNA information to private companies may or may not violate your privacy.  Please read how the company protects your privacy very carefully before agreeing to a test.

Blood tests

These tests should inform or start a discussion with your doctor and should be done on a gluten containing diet.  Test results may indicate that celiac disease is present or active.

Look for the following tests in your at home test kit – Total IGA, TTG IgA, TTG IgG, and EMA.  If either of the TTG tests or the EMA test is positive, please see a gastroenterologist for more testing.  

Couple of options:

• UltaLabTests “Celiac Panel with Reflex” at $200.  Please read carefully as this test may become more expensive.
• Everlywell “At Home Celiac Disease Test Kit” for $119
• CVS Health “Celiac Test” for $104.99

Disclaimer

I’m not recommending these tests. I am not saying they are accurate. and I am not being paid by any of them. I’m letting you know what I found online regarding less expensive testing for Celiac