HLA testing is most useful when there is diagnostic confusion about whether or not a person is gluten sensitive. Such confusion often stems from one of the following: atypical intestinal biopsy results, the presence of associated diseases (such as microscopic colitis) that may mask the expected improvement of symptoms when gluten is withdrawn from the diet, negative tests for gluten antibodies in the midst of suggestive symptoms or signs of gluten sensitivity or coeliac disease, or when there are no symptoms at all and the person or the doctor can hardly believe that gluten sensitivity is really present. Other situations HLA testing is useful is when a person is already on a gluten-free diet and for testing family members (particularly children) for the probability that they have or will develop gluten sensitivity.

The test utilises stool rather than blood as the testing substrate for food sensitivity; the rationale is that immunologic reactions to proteins in the diet that cause these reactions are centred within the intestinal tract and not in the blood.

Common Conditions:

• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion, heartburn
• Bloating, wind
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Anemia
• Joint pain
• Rashes
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Headaches

NOTICE TO PATIENTS

WellLab practices in the usual practitioner-referral system for pathology laboratories. Patients are highly recommended to seek the supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner for the interpretation of any lab results and associated information. WellLab can offer assistance in locating a suitable practitioner.

Analytes

HLA-DQB1 Molecular Analysis