Type 1 Diabetes and Coeliac Panel blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease are both autoimmune conditions, and they share some genetic background, so they often occur in the same person or family. This panel looks at current antibodies and inherited genes for both.

The diabetes antibodies are GAD65, IA2, IAA and ZnT8. The coeliac antibodies are tissue transglutaminase IgA and IgG, the IgG version being helpful in people with low IgA. The genetic part tests for the HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 types that almost everyone with coeliac disease carries, and calculates a type 1 diabetes genetic risk score from several known risk variants.

The price includes your sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have a close relative with type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease or both.
• You have one of these conditions and want to understand your risk of the other.
• You have gut symptoms, tiredness or low iron and a family history of autoimmune conditions.
• Your GP or specialist has suggested combined testing.

Understanding your result

Your report shows each antibody against the laboratory reference range and gives the genetic results separately. Positive coeliac antibodies suggest coeliac disease and usually lead to referral for confirmation. Two or more diabetes antibodies indicate an active autoimmune process. A higher genetic risk score or the presence of DQ2 or DQ8 means a greater tendency, not a certainty, as many people with these genes never develop either condition.

Not carrying DQ2 or DQ8 makes coeliac disease very unlikely, but a lower genetic score does not remove all risk of type 1 diabetes. Genetic findings are best discussed with your practitioner and, where needed, a genetic counsellor or specialist. If something is flagged, your practitioner will talk it through with you, as a flag is not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

This test does not require fasting. Keep eating gluten as normal, ideally in more than one meal a day for at least six weeks, as coeliac antibodies can fall on a gluten-free diet. Tell us if you use insulin, as this can affect the insulin autoantibody result, and if you have had a recent transfusion. Anyone with marked thirst, passing urine very often or unexplained weight loss should contact their GP or NHS 111 the same day rather than waiting for a test.

If you only need one part of this panel, our coeliac blood test covers coeliac antibodies and genetic risk, and the HbA1c and diabetes tests check your current blood sugar. Wider choices are on our page listing every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is the Type 1 Diabetes and Coeliac Panel in Chiswick?

The Type 1 Diabetes and Coeliac Panel costs £379 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes your blood sample, antibody and genetic analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Why test genes and antibodies together?

Genes show your lifelong tendency, while antibodies show whether an autoimmune process is happening now. Together they give a fuller picture of risk.

Can I take the test if I avoid gluten?

The genetic part is unaffected, but coeliac antibodies may be falsely negative. Please speak to us before booking if you have cut out gluten.

Will I need to repeat it?

The genetic results do not change, so they do not need repeating. Antibodies can change over time, so your practitioner may suggest repeat antibody tests if you have a strong family history.