Gluten is a protein found in the grains of wheat, barley and rye and is one of the most common foods eaten around the world. However, some people can become hypersensitive to the presence of gluten, which may cause an abnormal reaction of the immune system against the small intestine.

This reaction can cause diarrhoea, abdominal swelling, cramps, nausea and in some cases, lead to stunted growth. Longer-term, coeliac disease causes damage to the small intestine, the section of the digestive system that absorbs nutrients from food.

Outlook identifies if your baby carries genes that are associated with the development of coeliac disease. The aim of this test is to inform parents about their baby’s natural tendency to develop this condition.

The genes that are screened for are located on the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) region of our genome (chromosome 6). Within this region there are two groups of genes; DQ2 and DQ8, it is these genes that are involved in the development of coeliac disease in over 95% of all cases of the condition.

Our coeliac disease test; Outlook, offers parents an easy and pain-free way to discover if your child is predisposed to develop this condition. This genetic test can be performed before any symptoms become evident. This therefore means that children are able to easily manage the condition with an appropriate diet.