Zöliakie Test: can a DNA test help?

A DNA test for celiac disease can detect the HLA risk variants (DQ2/DQ8) that are necessary but not sufficient for developing the condition. Only about 2–5 % of individuals with these genetic variants actually develop celiac disease. Therefore, the test cannot diagnose or predict celiac disease with certainty. A definitive diagnosis requires a medical workup including serological antibody tests (tTG-IgA) and, if indicated, an intestinal biopsy. Under German genetic testing law (GenDG), predictive testing for late-onset or non-actionable conditions is restricted, especially for minors. The MyBody-X test provides only a genetic risk indication and does not replace clinical evaluation. The evidence for the HLA association is strong (human-strong), but the practical utility of the test for an individual is limited. Be cautious of marketing claims that present a DNA test as a 'celiac diagnosis'.