The Best At-Home Celiac Tests for 2021

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People with celiac disease have a lifelong autoimmunity to gluten, the primary protein found in wheat. Celiac disease has risen in recent decades and the majority of people who have it go undiagnosed. When left untreated, celiac disease damages the gastrointestinal tract, causing pain, bloating, malnutrition, weight loss, and a higher risk of some cancers.

Fortunately, at-home testing is becoming more widely available. Some at-home celiac tests look for antibodies while others screen for genetic risk factors.

Genetic testing can identify people who have an increased susceptibility to celiac disease, but it is not diagnostic. Celiac disease is multifactorial, which means it is caused by a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors. In fact, many people whose genetic test results reveal an increased risk for celiac never develop the disease, Lisa Paglierani, a certified genetic counselor, tells Verywell Health. In contrast, antibody testing checks for specific antibodies that form in response to gluten, which points towards a diagnosis of celiac disease.

Both types of testing have their benefits and uses and understanding the strengths and limitations of at-home celiac tests will provide insight on how to proceed. All at-home tests should be seen as a first step before seeking an official medical diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider (which typically requires an intestinal biopsy).

The Best At-Home Celiac Tests for 2021

Best for Accuracy: RXHomeTest
Best on a Budget: Imaware
Best for Ease of Use: GlutenID
Best for Fast Results: Genovate

Best for Accuracy : RXHomeTest

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Why we chose it: We chose RXHomeTest for accuracy because you can get a genetic screening and an antibody test through the same company. RXHomeTest is affiliated with the Oregon Translational Research and Development Institute (OTRADI), and its labs meet extensive quality and regulatory standards.

Pros

Offers antibody and genetic test through one company
Money from a health savings account may be used to purchase the test
Company has strong credentials and medical affiliations

Cons

Can be a little pricey to get both tests completed if they're not on sale
Whole process could take 15 days (or longer if weekends are included) even if you submit your sample right away
Tests are unavailable for residents of NY, NJ, MD, or RI

The RXHomeTest celiac genetics test screens for the two genetic variants most commonly associated with celiac disease. A cheek swab is all that's required. Normally this test goes for $149.99, but it's sometimes on sale for $129.99.

RXHomeTest also offers a celiac antibody test for the same price. You'll need to send in a blood sample by doing a finger prick with the equipment provided. RXHomeTest's antibody test measures Tissue Trans-glut-aminase (IgA and IgG), and De-amidated Gliadin Peptide (IgA and IgG) which are considered the most effective assays.

Tests are available for online purchase, and you can use money from an HSA, FSA, MSA, or HRA to pay for them. Shipping is free unless you live in certain states where the tests are unavailable (NY, NJ, MD, or RI). You should receive your kit in three to five business days, and after you send in the sample, the results are available within 10 business days.

Several food sensitivity and gut health tests are offered by RXHomeTest, so if you're not sure what's causing your gastrointestinal symptoms, you can opt-in for additional screenings. The process is simple and straightforward with clear instructions on the website. You must first register your kit online which then will allow you to see your information and results.

RXHomeTest is based in Portland, Oregon where they're part of the Oregon Translational Research and Development Institute. Testing is performed via highly sensitive FDA-approved methods and CLIA, CAP, or COLA standards are met by their "world-class labs" to ensure quality.

Best on a Budget : Imaware

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Why we chose it: Imaware offers the best bang for your buck. The company doesn't have genetic testing, but you can buy a comprehensive antibody test for just $99. If you're going to spend money on at-home celiac testing, an antibody test is more telling than a genetic test, and this is the most reasonable option.

Pros

Antibody test for $99, lowest among current competitors
Tests for the most significant antibodies associated with celiac disease
Company has been around since 2017 and lots of people have used its services

Cons

As with other antibody tests, you'll need to eat gluten consistently before taking the test, which may be a problem for some
Pricking your own finger can be challenging if you're squeamish
Even though this test is more specific than genetic testing, it doesn't confirm a celiac diagnosis

The same antibodies are tested for by Imaware as with RXHomeTest. These include DGP IgG and IgA and tTG IgG and IgA. Kits are purchased online for under $100 and you can pay using an FSA or HSA; there's no additional shipping charge.

Kits are shipped to you through the USPS, with standard shipping taking five to seven days; expedited shipping runs two to three days. Once you've collected your sample, you can send it back through UPS and expect your results within seven days through their online portal.

The process is an easy finger prick to collect a small blood sample. Imaware advises you to eat gluten for six to eight weeks prior to the test (about two crackers per day worth per day). This can be an issue for those who react poorly to gluten and are already following a gluten-free diet. If this is the case, you should probably skip home testing and talk to your doctor instead.

In addition to the screening test, Imaware also offers a celiac monitoring test for those who have already been diagnosed. This can help you determine if there's any gluten sneaking into your diet or how well you've been avoiding it.

Imaware started in 2017 and since then, 250,000 people have used its services. Imaware's celiac test is endorsed by BeyondCeliac, a major research and advocacy group for celiac disease.

Best for Ease of Use : GlutenID

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Why we chose it: If you're curious about your genetic susceptibility to celiac, GlutenID is a straightforward, you'll collect the sample with a simple cheek swab.

Pros

If you test negative for the genetic markers, this screening tool can rule out the need for antibody or biopsy testing
Easy to use because it only tests for celiac specific markers and requires a non-invasive cheek swab

Cons

The majority of people who test positive for these genes do not have celiac disease (may cause unnecessary concern)
Not available for people in NY, NJ, MD, and RI
If you test positive, follow-up antibody testing will need to be done through your doctor or a different company
Can take a couple of weeks to get your results after sending back your sample

Genetic tests are easier than antibody tests because they only require a cheek swab instead of a finger prick. Also, there's no need to change your diet. The company just advises not eating or drinking for 15 minutes before taking the test.

GlutenID looks for variants of two genes (HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1) commonly associated with celiac disease. This is the only type of testing this company does. About 30% of the population has these mutations, but only 3% of carriers will go on to develop celiac disease. Genetic screening is a small but significant part of the puzzle for diagnosing celiac disease.

Once you mail back your sample, your results can be viewed online or sent to you by email within 14 days of the lab receiving it.

GlutenID is under a company called Targeted Genomics, founders of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) with PacificDx in Irvine, California. Testing is performed in a CAP/CLIA-certified lab.

Best for Fast Results : Genovate

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Why we chose it: Genovate provides results within one to three days of the lab receiving your kit. This genetic test is one of the quickest available.

Pros

Takes about half the time to get your results compared to the other companies we reviewed
According to the company, a negative result "rules out celiac disease for life"
Results can be viewed online, by email or mail

Cons

Expensive at $249
Genovate markets some questionable tests that aren't validated by research (e.g., determining your personality or which diet or exercise program you should follow based on genetics)

Similar to the other genetic tests mentioned, Genovate screens for mutations in the HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 genes. The cost of this test isn't cheap at $249, but promos may be available. You can purchase the test online and view your results online, or receive them by mail or email.

Just as with other at-home tests, once you receive your kit in the mail, you'll follow the instructions to collect your sample and mail it back for analysis.

Genovate offers additional metabolic testing for issues like lactose intolerance, alcohol intolerance, and caffeine sensitivity. Most of Genovate's genetic testing revolves around paternity or maternity tests. It also offers a range of tests related to behavior traits, other disease risks, and ancestry.

Final Verdict

RXHomeTest is the best at-home celiac test overall because it's a one-stop-shop for genetic and antibody testing. Although some could argue that a genetic test isn't necessary, it can be helpful information to give your healthcare provider before moving forward with a more invasive biopsy.

For instance, if your genetic test comes back negative but your antibody test is positive, you may question the likelihood of celiac. If both tests are negative, you could consider other food sensitivities or health conditions that may be responsible for your symptoms (like inflammatory bowel disease or lactose intolerance). Having both tests is a solid baseline to guide you on how to proceed.

Compare the Best At-Home Celiac Tests

Brand	Winning Features	What You Get
RXHomeTest Best for Accuracy	Accuracy	Genetic and antibody screening from a reputable company
Imaware Best on a Budget	Best deal	Reliable antibody testing for $99
GlutenID Best for Ease of Use	Easiest to use	Non-invasive, low-cost genetic test that focuses on celiac only
Genovate Best for Fast Results	Fastest result	Genetic results can be returned within 1-3 days after sample is received

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do At-Home Celiac Tests Work?

Some at-home celiac tests check your blood for antibodies that develop in response to eating gluten if you have celiac disease. Other tests analyze your DNA for genetic mutations that are commonly found in people with the disease.

Kits include all the necessary supplies and instructions to take your sample (either a finger prick or a cheek swab) and mail it back for lab analysis. Results are usually available online within a week or are sometimes sent through the mail or email.

Are At-Home Celiac Tests Accurate?

Reputable testing companies use proven methods to analyze your sample. However, there are limitations to what you can assume based on an antibody test or genetic screening. Always follow up with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis, which may require you to answer questions about your family medical history and symptoms. You'll also likely need multiple intestinal biopsies to evaluate any disease progression.

Can You Get a False-Positive Celiac Test?

There are a few potential causes of a misleading test result, especially with antibody testing. You may get a false negative antibody test if you didn't consume enough gluten prior to testing. False positives can occur in people with other health issues, like liver disease or an enteric infection.

Problems with genetic testing are unlikely unless the quality of the sample is poor. Following the test instructions carefully will help prevent inaccuracies though human error is always possible. If your results don't seem right, contact the company to address your concerns.

How Much Do At-Home Celiac Tests Cost?

At-home celiac tests generally range from $99 to $250. You can ask your health insurance company about potential discounts or coverage for celiac-related testing.

How Long Before an At-Home Celiac Test Should You Eat Gluten?

For antibody tests, most companies recommend eating gluten for six to eight weeks before taking your blood sample. Genetic tests don't require any dietary changes.

Methodology

We looked at over a dozen companies that provide celiac-related testing and narrowed it down to four that we felt were worth recommending. Tests that charge excessive shipping costs (because they were coming from overseas) or that look for broad markers not specific enough to celiac (such as general gluten sensitivity or gut bacteria imbalances) were discounted. All of the companies chosen include an easy-to-use online system to access your results and are overseen by qualified healthcare professionals, such as board-certified doctors and genetic counselors.