Celiac Disease Genetic Test (HLA-DQ2/DQ8)

A genetic blood test for the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 alleles that determine genetic susceptibility to celiac disease — the most common gastrointestinal autoimmune condition in Europe, affecting approximately 1% of the population but with over 80% of cases estimated to remain undiagnosed. Available at 2,052 Kč including specialist interpretation through cz.unilabs.online and collected at any Prague Unilabs collection point. Unlike the standard serological celiac test (IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase), which only turns positive after gluten exposure has already caused intestinal damage, the genetic test identifies lifelong susceptibility before or without gluten ingestion. Results in 10 business days. Rated 4.86/5 across 63 reviews.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition triggered by dietary gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The HLA (human leukocyte antigen) genetic variants DQ2 and DQ8 on chromosome 6 are necessary — though not sufficient — for the development of celiac disease: approximately 95% of celiac patients carry HLA-DQ2, and most of the remainder carry HLA-DQ8. People who carry neither variant have a near-zero lifetime risk of developing celiac disease, regardless of gluten exposure. This genetic test is particularly valuable in three scenarios: Gluten-free diet already in progress: Standard serological tests (anti-TTG IgA, anti-gliadin antibodies) turn negative after several months on a strict gluten-free diet. If a patient has self-diagnosed celiac disease and started the GFD before getting tested, serology will be falsely negative and a normal biopsy will not rule out celiac disease. The HLA genetic test is not affected by diet — it reflects inherited genotype and gives a definitive result regardless of current gluten intake. First-degree relatives of confirmed celiac patients: Siblings and parents of celiac patients have a 10–15% lifetime risk of developing the condition (compared to approximately 1% in the general population). Genetic testing allows the clinician to exclude celiac risk entirely if the relative carries neither DQ2 nor DQ8 — removing the need for repeated serological monitoring and reducing anxiety. Symptomatic patients where serology is equivocal or IgA deficiency complicates interpretation: Total IgA deficiency (present in approximately 1 in 500 people) renders standard IgA-based celiac serology unreliable. Genetic testing provides an alternative first-line investigation. The test at Unilabs CZ includes specialist physician interpretation via uLékaře.cz — one of the few Unilabs products where interpretation is bundled into the price rather than offered as an add-on. This reflects the complexity of communicating HLA results correctly (a positive DQ2/DQ8 result indicates susceptibility, not diagnosis; the absence of these alleles effectively rules out celiac disease). Results require 10 business days due to the molecular genetics laboratory processing time.