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HLA - Celiac Disease (DR-DQB1-DQA1 Haplotype Association including DQ2DQ8) Test

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HLA - Celiac Disease (DR-DQB1-DQA1 Haplotype Association including DQ2DQ8) Test

Short Name: HLA Celiac Disease Test

Also known as: Celiac Disease Genetic Test, HLA DQ2/DQ8 Typing Test, Celiac Haplotype Association Test, HLA Celiac Risk Panel, Celiac Disease Susceptibility Test

HLA - Celiac Disease (DR-DQB1-DQA1 Haplotype Association including DQ2DQ8) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹8,000. Uses SSP - PCR (Sequence-Specific Primer – Polymerase Chain Reaction) on Whole Blood (EDTA or ACD) samples. Results in Results are typically available within 7 business days of sample receipt at the laboratory. Digital reports can be accessed via the DNA Labs India online portal, email, or WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

GeneticAll Ages🏠 Home Collection

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Overview

The primary purpose of the HLA Celiac Disease (DQ2/DQ8) Test is to detect genetic susceptibility to celiac disease by identifying HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes. This test serves as a highly reliable negative predictor: individuals who test negative for both DQ2 and DQ8 have an extremely low probability of developing celiac disease. It is commonly used to screen first-degree relatives of diagnosed celiac patients, to support diagnostic workups in individuals with ambiguous serological results, and to evaluate patients on a gluten-free diet who lack a confirmed diagnosis.

Test Code
790
ICD Code
K90.0
Price
₹8,000
Sample Type
Whole Blood (EDTA or ACD)
Result Time
Results are typically available within 7 business days of sample receipt at the laboratory. Digital reports can be accessed via the DNA Labs India online portal, email, or WhatsApp.
Fasting Required
No
Method
SSP - PCR (Sequence-Specific Primer – Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation such as fasting or dietary modification is required before sample collection. Stay well-hydrated and inform the phlebotomist of any recent blood transfusions.

Method: Venipuncture

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A trained phlebotomist will collect approximately 4 mL of venous blood from a vein in your arm using standard venipuncture technique. The process typically takes less than 5 minutes.

Step 3

Report Delivery

After blood collection, gentle pressure will be applied to the puncture site with cotton wool or a bandage. Minor bruising may occur and typically resolves within a few days. No activity restrictions are required.

Timeline: Results are typically available within 7 business days of sample receipt at the laboratory. Digital reports can be accessed via the DNA Labs India online portal, email, or WhatsApp.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No special preparation, fasting, or dietary changes are required before this test. Inform your healthcare provider about any recent blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants, as these may affect test accuracy. Continue all medications as prescribed unless otherwise directed by your physician.
2
During the Test:The test requires a simple blood draw (venipuncture). A tourniquet is applied to your upper arm, and approximately 4 mL of blood is collected into a lavender-top EDTA tube or a yellow-top ACD tube. The procedure typically takes under 5 minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
3
After the Test:After blood collection, a small bandage or cotton ball will be placed over the puncture site. You may resume normal activities immediately. Mild bruising at the site is normal and resolves within a few days. No post-procedure restrictions apply.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The primary purpose of the HLA Celiac Disease (DQ2/DQ8) Test is to detect genetic susceptibility to celiac disease by identifying HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes. This test serves as a highly reliable negative predictor: individuals who test negative for both DQ2 and DQ8 have an extremely low probability of developing celiac disease. It is commonly used to screen first-degree relatives of diagnosed celiac patients, to support diagnostic workups in individuals with ambiguous serological results, and to evaluate patients on a gluten-free diet who lack a confirmed diagnosis.

How to Prepare

  • Collect 4 mL (minimum 3 mL) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube
  • Alternatively, collect 6 mL (minimum 3 mL) whole blood in 1 Yellow Top (ACD) tube
  • Gently invert the tube 8–10 times to mix anticoagulant
  • Ship the sample refrigerated (2–8°C); do NOT freeze the sample
  • Label the tube clearly with patient name, date, and time of collection
  • Ensure sample reaches the laboratory within 96 hours of collection

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Medical Genetics) · Reg. No. 8532

"The HLA-DQ2/DQ8 test is an invaluable first step in evaluating celiac disease risk, especially in first-degree relatives of diagnosed patients and in individuals with inconclusive serology. A negative result for both DQ2 and DQ8 essentially rules out celiac disease with a negative predictive value exceeding 99%. However, a positive result only indicates genetic susceptibility—not active disease—and must be interpreted alongside serological markers such as anti-tTG IgA and, when indicated, duodenal biopsy findings. Clinicians should use this test in the context of a comprehensive diagnostic workup rather than in isolation."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeWhole Blood (EDTA or ACD)
Sample Volume4 mL (min. 3 mL) in EDTA tube OR 6 mL (min. 3 mL) in ACD tube
ContainerLavender Top (EDTA) tube or Yellow Top (ACD) tube
Collection MethodVenipuncture

Sample Stability

Room TemperatureNot recommended
Refrigerated (2–8°C)Up to 96 hours
FrozenNot acceptable – DO NOT FREEZE
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Hemolyzed sample
  • Sample collected in incorrect tube type (non-EDTA/non-ACD)
  • Insufficient sample volume (less than 3 mL)
  • Frozen sample
  • Sample older than 96 hours at time of receipt
  • Unlabeled or mislabeled sample

Understanding Your Results

The HLA Celiac Disease (DQ2/DQ8) Test reports the presence or absence of specific HLA haplotypes associated with genetic susceptibility to celiac disease. The results should always be interpreted by a qualified physician in the context of clinical symptoms, family history, serological markers, and, where applicable, intestinal biopsy findings.
📊

DQ2 and/or DQ8 Detected (Positive)

The individual carries one or more HLA haplotypes (DQ2.5, DQ2.2, or DQ8) associated with an increased genetic risk of celiac disease. This indicates susceptibility but does not confirm active disease. Approximately 30–40% of the general population may carry these alleles without ever developing celiac disease. Further evaluation with anti-tTG IgA, anti-endomysial antibody testing, and possibly small intestinal biopsy is recommended.

Clinical action: Discuss results with a gastroenterologist. Serological testing for celiac-specific antibodies and clinical correlation are advised.

📊

DQ2 and DQ8 Not Detected (Negative)

The absence of both DQ2 and DQ8 haplotypes makes celiac disease extremely unlikely, with a negative predictive value exceeding 99%. Celiac disease can be effectively excluded in most clinical scenarios.

Clinical action: Celiac disease is unlikely. If symptoms persist, your physician may investigate other causes of gastrointestinal complaints.

📊

DQ2.5 Homozygous

The individual carries two copies of the DQ2.5 haplotype, which is associated with a higher relative risk and potentially more severe disease phenotype compared to heterozygous carriers.

Clinical action: Close monitoring and comprehensive celiac serology panel recommended. First-degree relatives should also consider genetic screening.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult your doctor if you experience persistent digestive symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, iron-deficiency anemia, or if you have a family history of celiac disease. If your genetic test is positive for DQ2 or DQ8, follow up with a gastroenterologist for serological confirmation and further evaluation. If you are already on a gluten-free diet and your symptoms have not improved, a physician consultation is advised to reassess your diagnosis and dietary compliance.

Limitations

  • This test detects genetic susceptibility only and does not confirm active celiac disease
  • Approximately 30–40% of the general population carries DQ2 or DQ8 without developing celiac disease
  • This test cannot determine disease severity, stage, or response to a gluten-free diet
  • Rare celiac disease cases negative for both DQ2 and DQ8 may not be detected by this assay
  • Results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings, serological markers, and histopathology

Risks & Considerations

  • Minor bruising or swelling at the venipuncture site
  • Brief pain or discomfort during needle insertion
  • Rare: lightheadedness or dizziness during or after blood draw
  • Extremely rare: infection at the puncture site

Interfering Factors

  • Recent blood transfusion within the past 3–6 months may affect HLA typing accuracy
  • Hemolyzed or improperly stored samples may yield unreliable results
  • Bone marrow transplant recipients may show donor HLA type rather than the patient's own genotype

Compare With Similar Tests

TestHLA - Celiac Disease (DR-DQB1-DQA1 Haplotype Association including DQ2DQ8) TestAnti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA Antibody TestAnti-Endomysial Antibody (EMA) IgA TestDeamidated Gliadin Peptide (DGP) IgG/IgA TestSmall Intestinal Biopsy (Gold Standard)
ComparisonHLA - Celiac Disease (DR-DQB1-DQA1 Haplotype Association including DQ2DQ8) Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HLA Celiac Disease (DQ2/DQ8) Genetic Test?
This is a genetic blood test that identifies HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes—specific human leukocyte antigen gene variants that are present in virtually all individuals with celiac disease. The test uses SSP-PCR (Sequence-Specific Primer – Polymerase Chain Reaction) to detect DR, DQB1, and DQA1 alleles associated with celiac disease susceptibility.
Who should get the HLA Celiac Disease Test?
This test is recommended for first-degree relatives of celiac disease patients, individuals with chronic digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or unexplained weight loss, patients with associated autoimmune conditions (Type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroiditis), children with failure to thrive or chronic anemia, and anyone with inconclusive serological test results.
What do the DQ2 and DQ8 results mean?
DQ2 and DQ8 are HLA haplotypes genetically linked to celiac disease. If detected, it means you carry a genetic susceptibility to develop celiac disease, though it does not mean you currently have the condition. If both DQ2 and DQ8 are absent, celiac disease can be effectively ruled out with over 99% certainty.
Does a positive HLA test mean I have celiac disease?
No. A positive result only indicates genetic predisposition or susceptibility to celiac disease. Approximately 30–40% of the general population carries DQ2 or DQ8 without ever developing the condition. A definitive diagnosis requires additional serological tests (such as anti-tTG IgA) and, in many cases, a small intestinal biopsy.
What type of sample is required for this test?
The test requires a whole blood sample: either 4 mL (minimum 3 mL) in a Lavender Top (EDTA) tube or 6 mL (minimum 3 mL) in a Yellow Top (ACD) tube. The sample is collected via standard venipuncture and must be shipped refrigerated without freezing.
How long does it take to get the results?
Results are typically available within 7 business days from the date the sample reaches the laboratory. You can access your report through the DNA Labs India online portal, via email, or through WhatsApp.
Is fasting required before this test?
No, fasting is not required. No special preparation or dietary modification is needed before sample collection. You may eat and drink normally and continue taking your regular medications.
Can this test be done at home?
Yes. DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for this test when booked online. The service is available across numerous cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, and many more. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home to collect the blood sample.
How much does the HLA Celiac Disease Test cost?
The test is priced at Rs 8000.0 at DNA Labs India. This price includes free home sample collection (for online bookings), SSP-PCR genetic analysis, and digital report delivery across India.
How accurate is the HLA typing test for celiac disease?
The HLA DQ2/DQ8 genetic test has a negative predictive value of over 99%, meaning a negative result effectively excludes celiac disease. Its sensitivity is very high because virtually all celiac patients carry DQ2 or DQ8. However, specificity is lower since many carriers never develop the disease; the test identifies risk, not active disease.
Can children undergo this HLA Celiac Disease Test?
Yes, this test can be performed on individuals of all ages, including infants and children. It is particularly useful for children with symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, poor growth, or iron-deficiency anemia, and for screening children who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with celiac disease.
What should I do if my test results are positive for DQ2 or DQ8?
If your test is positive, consult a gastroenterologist for further evaluation. Your doctor may recommend serological tests (anti-tTG IgA, anti-endomysial antibodies) and, if warranted, a small intestinal biopsy to confirm or rule out active celiac disease. Do not start a gluten-free diet before completing the diagnostic workup, as this can interfere with test accuracy.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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