The test detects the genes (human leukocyte antigens or HLA) that control the immune system’s reaction to gluten. There are several types of HLA genes within each person and it is HLA-DQ that is most useful in the assessment of the probability that a person may be gluten sensitive. The reason gene testing assesses probability rather than disease itself is because some people have the genes for gluten sensitivity but have no detectable evidence of the immune reaction to gluten or have no symptoms. In such people, gluten sensitivity is still possible but the probability is lower than in a person who may be having symptoms attributable to gluten or that has antibodies detected.
2019 Buccal Swab
