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INSTITUTE OF MOLECULAR GENETICS
AND GENETIC ENGINEERING
University of Belgrade

Genetic testing for celiac disease

Celiac disease, also known as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a chronic autoimmune disorder found in 1:100 of the general population. The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. Celiac disease is characterized by a wide range of gastrointestinal and other clinical manifestations. Many people can be affected with celiac disease without manifesting any of the symptoms, yet having intestinal mucosa damage. Celiac disease has strong hereditary component, considering its higher prevalence among relatives of celiac patients. Specific variants of HLA genes are associated with higher risk for disease occurrence. 

Genetic testing for celiac disease includes genotyping of three HLA loci - HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1, using PCR-SSP and fragment analysis methods. Presence of susceptible HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 variants does not predict certain disease development, but their absence makes celiac disease very unlikely. Material used for HLA genotyping is obtained by DNA extraction from the peripheral blood. This noninvasive method can be used to rule out celiac disease when other test results are inconclusive and to encourage screening of patients’ first degree relatives.

It is necessary to deliver 2.5 ml of peripheral blood using 3.8% sodium citrate as anticoagulant in vol/vol ratio 9:1. It is possible to deliver a blood sample that has already been frozen. The samples are accepted every day from 10 to 13h. There is possibility to deliver the sample via post express service. The analysis is performed within 10 working days. The results and the bill are sent to the patient's home address, or can be collected personally at the Institute from 10 to 16h every day.

For payment instructions, please contact us.

 

CONTACT:

  • dr Biljana Stanković
  • dr Branka Zukić
  • dr Sonja Pavlović

Tel: +381 11 3976 445

Mob: +381 65 3976 445

Fax: +381 11 3975 808

e-mail: zmzg@sezampro.rs

Head office / Mailing address: Vojvode Stepe 444a, 11042 Belgrade 152, Serbia / Web System By Emarket1ng.NET