Zöliakie Test: what can you do yourself?

A celiac test (usually HLA-DQ2/DQ8) from a DNA kit can indicate increased risk but cannot diagnose. What you can do yourself: 1) If positive, consult a doctor for antibody tests (tTG-IgA) and possibly a duodenal biopsy. 2) Do not start a gluten-free diet before diagnosis – it will skew test results. 3) Track symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, or rash. 4) Keep a food diary to identify triggers. 5) If negative, celiac is very unlikely, but non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is still possible. Evidence for DNA-based celiac tests is moderate (HLA markers are well-established but insufficient for diagnosis). These tests are useful as risk indicators, not standalone diagnostic tools. Be cautious: a positive result does not mean you have celiac; a negative result almost rules it out.