The 5 Best At-Home Celiac Test Kits of 2024

• Best antibody test: LetsGetChecked Celiac Test
• Best genetic tests: Targeted Genomics Gluten ID Test, Genovate DNA Celiac Disease Test
• Best for testing without gluten exposure: RXHomeTest Celiac Genetic Test
• Best for follow-ups: Everlywell Celiac Disease Screening Test

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that triggers a serious allergic reaction to gluten. It’s not common, affecting around 2 million people in the United States, but a 2021 study suggested that number may be higher.

If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive issues or diarrhea and suspect gluten is the cause, it may be worth getting tested.

When not properly managed, celiac disease can lead to serious health complications, including damage to the intestines.

At-home celiac test kits can offer preliminary information by monitoring how you react to gluten. We did the research to help you get started.

We kept a few considerations in mind as we put together our recommendations for the best at-home celiac tests.

• Ease of use: We prioritized easy-to-use tests with clear instructions, as well as companies that offer follow-up support.
• Customer reviews and brand reputation: We considered customer satisfaction with these at-home test kits and looked at reviews when available. We also considered brand reputation.
• Price point: We tried to include tests that fit into different budgets. However, at-home celiac tests are generally expensive.
• Company integrity: We looked for companies that use Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) certified labs, and our content integrity team vetted company practices and medical claims. Learn more about our vetting policy here.

Best antibody test

LetsGetChecked Celiac Test

• Price: $119
• Collection method: finger prick
• Tests for: antibodies

This celiac test is designed to identify two kinds of antibodies with a simple finger prick sample. Samples must be collected on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays before 10 a.m. They also need to be returned the same day.

To ensure accurate results, you’ll need to regularly consume gluten for at least 6 weeks before taking the test.

Once the sample arrives to the lab, your results will be available in a secure online account within 2 to 5 days. Unlike other tests, which simply provide you with your results, LetsGetChecked will have a nurse call you to discuss your test’s results and potential treatment plan moving forward.

Best genetic tests

Targeted Genomics Gluten ID Test

• Price: $195
• Collection method: cheek swab
• Tests for: genetic variants

This noninvasive test is designed to screen at-risk family members or people with autoimmune disorders for celiac disease. It uses a cheek swab sample that’s analyzed for variants associated with two genes that are on the spectrum of risk.

Test results indicate whether you have these genetic variants, which means a greater risk. However, having the genes doesn’t mean you have celiac disease.

Results take 2 to 3 weeks and are emailed. The lab report is simple but detailed. It’s designed to be shared with your doctor.

Reviews aren’t featured on the Targeted Genomics site, but feedback from one GlutenID customer describes the test as easy to do from home and painless. Plus, Targeted Genomics doesn’t keep your information or results in a database.

Genovate DNA Celiac Disease Test

• Price: $249
• Collection method: cheek swab
• Tests for: genetic variants

Genovate DNA Celiac Disease Test is noninvasive and checks for three biomarkers associated with celiac disease.

It’s the most expensive on our list, but the company says it’s accurate even on a gluten-free diet. Plus, there’s no age limit on who can take this test.

Best for testing without gluten exposure

RXHomeTest Celiac Genetic Test

• Price: $149.99
• Collection method: cheek swab
• Tests for: genetic variants

Priced under $150, and frequently discounted to $129.99 on the company’s website, this test from RXHomeTest is one of the more affordable genetic test options.

As with the other genetic tests on our list, the test requires a simple cheek swab and is marketed toward people with a family history of celiac disease.

Customers order their test online, register their kit on the RXHomeTest website, follow the simple steps to collect their sample, and ship their sample back to the RXHomeTest lab in a prepaid return envelope.

Once the lab starts processing the sample, customers should receive their results in 3 to 5 business days.

RXHomeTest uses CLIA certified labs to test samples, and all test results are reviewed by physicians.

Best for follow-ups

Everlywell Celiac Disease Screening Test

• Price: $119
• Collection method: finger prick
• Tests for: antibodies

The least expensive test on our list is from Everlywell. The Celiac Disease Screening Test measures the body’s immune response to gluten via finger prick sample.

Like other tests on our lists, this one comes with all the materials you need to collect a sample at home and ship it back. Everlywell works with a CLIA certified lab, and an independent board certified physician in your state also reviews your results. Once the lab has received your test, you can expect results in 5–7 business days.

Prepaid shipping both ways is included, along with detailed directions and an instructional video to guide you. If your results indicate an increased risk of celiac disease, Everlywell’s patient care team will reach out directly about next steps.

A celiac test kit comes with all the supplies and directions you need to take a sample at home that you can mail to a lab for analysis.

Don’t consider the results a diagnosis. Rather, this is a starting point of insights and information you can use for next steps.

Keep in mind that you must be eating gluten for a blood test to accurately screen for celiac.

Antibody test vs. genetic tests

There are two main types of at-home celiac tests: antibody tests and genetic tests.

Antibody tests require a finger prick to check your blood for specific antibodies that are created in response to eating gluten.

In contrast, genetic tests are less invasive and typically just require a cheek swab. These tests analyze DNA for mutations that are often found in people who have celiac disease.

Here are markers that these tests might look for:

• Antibody tests: They identify certain proteins, including tissue transglutaminase antibodies, that are present in the blood of people who have celiac disease.
• Genetic tests: They detect variants of HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 genes that make a person more at risk of developing celiac disease. While most people with celiac disease have variants of the HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 genes, not everyone who tests positive for these variants will have the disease.

Having a gluten sensitivity isn’t the same as having celiac disease. You may experience unpleasant symptoms after eating foods with gluten, but you’re not experiencing the autoimmune complications inherent to celiac.

Here’s what to understand about gluten sensitivity.

Symptoms

If you have a gluten sensitivity, you may have digestive and nondigestive symptoms. Some reported symptoms of people who seem to have adverse reactions to gluten include:

• bloating
• gas
• diarrhea
• pain or discomfort in the abdomen
• nausea
• fatigue
• migraine
• brain fog
• irritability
• certain skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis

Treatments

There’s no definitive test for gluten sensitivity. If you suspect your symptoms are related to gluten in the foods you eat, the best treatment is to change your diet.

Just like food allergies, the idea is to avoid the foods causing your symptoms. Since gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, these are foods you’d need to eliminate.

Foods that use these ingredients, such as pasta, bread, and baked goods like cookies and cakes, should also be avoided.

Then, you can evaluate whether these dietary modifications have improved your symptoms.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a symptomatic response to eating gluten in people who show no evidence of celiac disease. Research suggests up to 6% of the U.S. population may be affected.

You may have a gluten sensitivity if you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, bowel pattern changes, foggy mind, or feelings of sluggishness after eating gluten.

Unlike the rapid symptom onset experience with a wheat allergy, which is minutes to hours, those with a gluten sensitivity may experience symptoms in days to weeks.

At this time, there is no reliable lab test for gluten sensitivity. A diagnosis is generally made by eliminating other possibilities.

If you have celiac disease, you’ll need to avoid all sources of gluten. Currently, a gluten-free diet is the only treatment for celiac disease.

Gluten-containing foods include:

• grains, including wheat, barley, spelt, farro, rye, and triticale.
• gluten-containing pastas, noodles, bread, crackers, pancakes, and pastries.
• brewer’s yeast
• most beers
• sauces and gravies made with gluten-containing flours
• all other foods and beverages that contain wheat, barley, spelt, farro, rye, or triticale

If you have celiac disease, it’s important to read ingredient labels and ask about food preparation methods, as many foods and drinks contain gluten or are at risk of cross contamination. Even products you may think are gluten-free, like gummy candies, potato chips, and eggs served at restaurants, can contain gluten.

When shopping for celiac-friendly products, look for a “gluten-free” label. All foods labeled as “gluten-free,” “free of gluten,” “no gluten,” or “without gluten” must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, according to FDA rules.

This is the lowest amount of gluten that can be reliably detected using scientifically validated testing methods and is considered safe for people with celiac disease.

Keep in mind that some celiac tests require you to be consuming gluten regularly before taking the test. If you haven’t been tested for celiac disease yet, it’s a good idea to read through the test’s instructions or talk with a healthcare professional before eliminating gluten from your diet.

If you have diarrhea or digestive issues that aren’t getting better, avoid waiting too long to get checked. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms to see whether celiac disease screening is a reasonable option.

Some symptoms of celiac disease can be similar to gluten intolerance and diseases like irritable bowel syndrome or lactose tolerance, so it’s important to be clear about what’s affecting you.

Are at-home celiac tests accurate?

While reputable companies use proven methodologies to analyze your sample, results should still be considered preliminary.

It’s a good idea to follow up with a healthcare professional for a complete diagnosis. This will involve a more thorough medical background, such as symptoms and family medical history.

If tests continue to show positive, an endoscopy and biopsy will likely be the next steps to confirm a diagnosis.

What makes someone susceptible to celiac disease?

Celiac disease can affect anyone. It’s a genetic disorder, so your risk increases if you have a family member with celiac disease.

If you already have an autoimmune disease, like type 1 diabetes, your susceptibility for developing celiac disease also increases.

How do you know if you’re sensitive to gluten without a test?

If you’re eating gluten regularly and experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, you may be exhibiting symptoms of a gluten sensitivity. Symptoms can include:

• bloating
• abdominal pain
• diarrhea and constipation

There are nongastrointestinal symptoms associated with gluten intolerance as well, such as:

• fatigue
• headaches
• feeling foggy
• joint and muscle pain
• skin issues, like eczema and psoriasis

How much gluten should you eat before taking an at-home celiac test?

At-home celiac tests that scan for antibodies require that you eat foods containing gluten for a specific amount of time before taking the test.

For example, the LetsGetChecked at-home celiac antibody test requires eating gluten for at least 6 weeks before taking the test. However, the company doesn’t specify how much gluten to eat per day on their website.

Organizations like the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition recommend that a person eat about 10 grams of gluten — which is equivalent to 2 slices of whole wheat bread — per day for around 8 weeks before taking an antibody test.

Can you still test positive for celiac without eating gluten?

No. For accuracy, it’s important that you eat a gluten-containing diet before performing an antibody test for celiac. Tests look for specific antibodies to diagnose celiac disease, and they may not be present in your blood if you haven’t been eating gluten.

However, genetic testing is not affected by eating or avoiding gluten. Healthcare professionals sometimes choose genetic testing instead of antibody testing for those who have already started a gluten-free diet and don’t want to resume gluten for an antibody test.

Celiac disease is a medical condition triggered by eating foods with gluten. It can cause long-term digestive complications if it’s not properly managed.

An at-home celiac testing kit can be a helpful first step in determining whether you might be at risk of having or developing the condition. However, these tests shouldn’t be considered an actual diagnosis.

If you have questions about your likelihood of having celiac disease, talk with a healthcare professional.