A DNA test that can rule coeliac out for life
Coeliac disease cannot develop without certain genes, so if you do not carry them, you can stop wondering. This test reads the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 markers found in virtually everyone with coeliac disease. A negative result makes it extremely unlikely you will ever have it. Self-refer at our Penarth or Cowbridge clinics near Cardiff.
A genetic answer, once and for good.
What is included for £154
- ✓Blood draw at Penarth or Cowbridge, near Cardiff
- ✓HLA typing for the HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 markers
- ✓Covers the DQ2.2, DQ2.5 and DQ8 subtypes seen in coeliac disease
- ✓A clear result: whether you carry the coeliac-risk genes or not
- ✓Plain-English report explaining what it means for you
- ✓Reliable even if you already eat gluten-free, unlike antibody tests
Its real strength is ruling coeliac out
Almost everyone with coeliac disease carries HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, so if you do not have these genes, coeliac becomes extremely unlikely and you can look elsewhere for the cause of your symptoms with confidence. Carrying them does not mean you have coeliac, since the genes are common, but it does tell you it is worth confirming with your doctor.
A confident "no"
A negative result effectively takes coeliac off the table for life, which can save years of uncertainty and unnecessary dietary restriction.
Works when antibody tests can't
Standard coeliac blood tests only work if you are eating gluten. This one reads your DNA, so it stays reliable even if you have already gone gluten-free.
A doctor to interpret it
Because a positive result needs following up, book a private GP appointment and one of our doctors will explain what yours means and what to do next.
Worth testing if any of this sounds like you
Around one in a hundred people in the UK has coeliac disease, and many go years before it is recognised.
If you are being investigated for coeliac disease, do not stop eating gluten before your antibody blood test or biopsy, as that can hide the condition. This genetic test is the exception: it stays reliable whatever you eat.
The genes behind coeliac disease
Coeliac disease is closely tied to two HLA gene types. We type both, covering the DQ2.2, DQ2.5 and DQ8 subtypes that are found in up to 99.7% of people with the condition. Tap to see them.
HLA-DQ genes 2
Your report explains whether you carry these genes and what that means for your coeliac risk.
Difficult veins? We find them with ultrasound
This test uses a small blood sample. If you have fragile or hard-to-find veins and have had failed attempts before, our consultant radiologists can take it under real-time ultrasound. It is the only such service in South Wales, and patients travel to us from across Wales and the West for it.
Nobody had managed to take my blood in years without several attempts. Here it was done first time with the ultrasound. Such a relief.
Verified Google reviewFrom booking to answers, step by step
Book
Self-refer online or by phone. No GP letter needed, and no fasting or special preparation. Keep eating normally, gluten included or not.
Your appointment
A small blood sample, taking about 15 minutes. Tell us if you have difficult veins and we will use ultrasound.
Your report
Because this is a DNA test, results take around 7 days. Your report explains whether you carry the genes and what that means, in plain English.
Next steps
Optional: book a private GP appointment to talk through your result and, if the genes are present, arrange antibody testing.
Genetic Coeliac Disease test
All inclusive. A DNA answer you will never need to repeat.
- ✓Blood draw at Penarth or Cowbridge
- ✓HLA typing for HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8
- ✓Plain-English report explaining your result, emailed to you
- ✓Ultrasound-guided draw available for difficult veins
A £50 booking deposit secures your slot and comes off the total.
Common questions about the genetic test
How much is the Genetic Coeliac Disease test?
£154 all inclusive. That covers the blood draw, the HLA typing, and a plain-English report emailed to you. A £50 deposit secures your appointment and comes off the total.
What does the test actually check?
It types your HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 genes, covering the DQ2.2, DQ2.5 and DQ8 subtypes. Almost everyone with coeliac disease, up to 99.7%, carries at least one of these. The test tells you whether you carry them, which is the genetic groundwork the condition needs.
If I carry the genes, does that mean I have coeliac disease?
No, and this is the key point. These genes are common, found in around a third of the population, yet only about one in a hundred people develops coeliac disease. So a positive result means coeliac is possible and worth confirming, not that you have it. Confirmation needs an antibody blood test and sometimes a biopsy, arranged through a doctor.
What does a negative result tell me?
A great deal. Because coeliac disease very rarely develops without these genes, a negative result makes it extremely unlikely that you have it or ever will. For many people that is exactly the reassurance they are looking for, and it means symptoms can be investigated elsewhere.
Can I take this test if I already eat gluten-free?
Yes, and this is where genetic testing has a real advantage. The usual antibody blood tests for coeliac only work if you have been eating gluten, so going gluten-free first can cause a false negative. Your genes do not change with your diet, so this test stays reliable whatever you eat.
Do I need to prepare, or fast?
No. There is no fasting and no need to change your diet beforehand. You can eat and drink normally and keep taking any medication as usual.
How long do results take, and will I need to repeat it?
Around 7 days. And no, you will never need to repeat it. Your genes do not change, so a genetic result is a one-off for life.
Should my family consider testing?
Possibly. Coeliac disease runs in families, and first-degree relatives of someone with it have a higher chance of carrying the genes. A doctor can advise who might benefit. Book a private GP appointment if you would like to talk it through.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. This is a self-refer test. Book online or call 029 2199 9300.
Where is the blood taken?
At our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, CF64 2AD) or our Cowbridge clinic (10 High Street, CF71 7AG). Both are a short drive from Cardiff with easy parking.
Need help with the next step?
If you carry the coeliac genes, the next step is usually an antibody blood test to see whether the condition is active. Book a private GP appointment and one of our doctors will explain your result and arrange whatever testing you need.
Book a GP appointmentTwo clinics, close to Cardiff
Penarth Clinic
13 Washington Buildings
Stanwell Road, Penarth
CF64 2AD
Mon to Thu 9:00 to 18:00
Fri 9:00 to 17:00
Sat 9:00 to 15:00
Cowbridge Clinic
Beauty Within
10 High Street, Cowbridge
CF71 7AG
By appointment. Please call for availability.
Get directionsPatients travel to us from Cardiff, Penarth, Cowbridge, Barry, Newport, Bridgend and across the Vale of Glamorgan.
Important: This is a genetic risk test, not a diagnosis. Carrying HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 does not mean you have coeliac disease, which is confirmed with antibody testing and sometimes a biopsy while you are still eating gluten. A negative result makes coeliac very unlikely but does not test for other causes of your symptoms. Results are best interpreted by a doctor, so we recommend discussing them with your own GP or booking a private GP appointment with us. Do not start a gluten-free diet on the basis of this test alone. Lab values alone do not constitute medical advice.
Rule coeliac in, or rule it out.
Self-refer for the Genetic Coeliac Disease test: HLA-DQ typing that gives a lifelong answer and stays reliable even gluten-free. £154 all inclusive at Penarth or Cowbridge, near Cardiff.