at-home gluten intolerance screening triggered by gluten that can lead to long-term digestive complications if not treated. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity can have similar symptoms as those with celiac disease, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and constipation. Diagnosing non-celiac gluten sensitivity requires eliminating other possible causes of your symptoms, such as wheat allergy, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis).
At-home gluten intolerance screening kits allow you to take a blood sample for an antibody test from the comfort of your home. These tests usually check for antibodies to tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme that’s involved in the immune reaction that occurs in those with celiac disease. There are also genetic tests that look for variants of HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 genes, which can make you more likely to develop celiac disease. All of these tests require a blood sample taken through a finger prick or a mouth swab.
At-Home Gluten Intolerance Screening: Who Should Consider It?
Aside from the blood sample, you can also have a gluten challenge test if your doctor believes it might help you find out if you have a true gluten allergy or are simply avoiding gluten because of other health reasons. In the gluten challenge, you’re given a daily serving of either gluten or a food that doesn’t contain gluten and are asked to record any symptoms that occur.
The problem with at-home gluten intolerance testing is that it can be difficult to interpret the results correctly, and it doesn’t include a detailed medical consultation with a trained health care provider about your symptoms or family history. You also may need to pay for the test out of pocket, and it’s not covered by medical insurance.