What it measures
A gene test that reads some of a person's inherited HLA tissue types. In gluten panels it looks for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, the types linked with coeliac disease.
Why people test it
- Used when looking into coeliac disease, alongside antibody tests.
- Checked by people with a close relative who has coeliac disease.
- Measured where someone has already cut out gluten, since a gene result does not depend on diet.
Typical range
Reported as present or absent for each tissue type tested, such as DQ2 and DQ8, not as a number. How labs set out the types varies, and the report lists what was tested.
Finger-prick or vein?
Offered as a vein draw only, usually as part of a wider gluten panel.
Many people without coeliac disease carry HLA-DQ2 or DQ8, so having them does not mean coeliac disease; not having either makes it very unlikely.