Saliva-Based Celiac Test Launched Online

A do-it-yourself, saliva-based genetic test dedicated to celiac disease has been launched online.

The test, MyCeliacID, identifies distinct genetic sequences associated with celiac disease, a largely undiagnosed genetic disorder that affects approximately 3 million people in the United States. MyCeliacID is the saliva-based version of a blood test used by doctors.

MyCeliacID was launched online by Prometheus Laboratories Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA), a specialty pharmaceutical and diagnostic company. A licensed physician will review and place the order in accordance with state and federal law after a test request is made online. In addition, after the testing is performed, the physician will review and release the result. Test results can be accessed online via a secure link, usually within seven days from receipt of the saliva sample

Providing individuals with their risk of developing the disease relative to the general population, MyCeliacID can virtually rule out celiac disease in a person's lifetime. A negative test result indicates that the individual does not have the genes associated with celiac disease and is highly unlikely to develop the disease. A positive result indicates that the individual has one or more genes that predispose to celiac disease; however, it is not an indication of the disease itself. Individuals with a positive test result should see a physician, who may elect to perform other testing. Only a doctor can diagnose celiac disease.

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated digestive disease that is triggered by the consumption of gluten and damages the small intestine, interfering with the absorption of nutrients from food. Symptoms of celiac disease may vary significantly from person to person and include, but are not limited to, diarrhea, anemia, abdominal pain, skin rash, and weight loss.

The number of diagnosed patients is expected to increase significantly over the next several years, driven by broad-based educational campaigns, National Institutes of Health (NIH; Bethesda, MD, USA) funding, and widely-available genetic and blood tests for highly-specific antibodies.

Prometheus Laboratories Inc. is committed to developing and commercializing pharmaceutical and diagnostic products to help physicians individualize patient care. Prometheus applies the principles of personalized medicine to the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and intends to apply these principles to oncology.

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