Shelly Gunn MD, PhD, a board-certified pathologist, is the medical director of PacificDx laboratory in Irvine, California. An expert in molecular diagnostics, Dr. Gunn founded CeliacDx to fill the clinical need for a more genetics-based focus on celiac disease, the most common and underdiagnosed genetic disease in the United States.
Pathologists are board certified medical doctors rarely seen by their patients! The job of a pathologist is much like that of a detective who evaluates evidence to identify likely suspects. Similarly, celiac disease pathologists are trained to evaluate all the presented evidence to build a case for (or against) a celiac disease diagnosis.
Celiac Disease Pathologists like Dr. Gunn and Dr. Kirshman specialize in analyzing human DNA information (along with body tissues and fluids) to narrow down likely suspects causing their patient’s symptoms. DNA analysis (in conjunction with blood antibodies and small bowel biopsy tissue samples) is particularly important for celiac disease. All three pieces of information are necessary for an accurate diagnosis because celiac disease rarely develops in individuals without the HLA-DQ2, DQ8 celiac risk genes. Therefore, detection of increased genetic risk can make celiac disease a prime suspect in symptomatic individuals, even those with the equivocal antibody and biopsy findings. Conversely, we can generally rule out celiac disease as a suspect forever when the risk genes aren’t there!
The CeliacDx pathology consultation incorporates results from all three diagnostic tests: antibodies, biopsy, genetics into a single POSITVE or NEGATIVE diagnosis for celiac disease. If all three tests have already been performed but the celiac disease diagnosis is still unresolved, just enclose the test reports in the kit instead of samples. Our pathologists will evaluate the results and issue an actionable diagnosis. Take a closer look at the report here.
Medical Advice Disclaimer:
CeliacDx provides test kits for the collection of genetic samples from patients in order to identify Celiac disease risk. None of the tests are meant to be a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, help, diagnosis, or treatment. The information on this website is for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Your use of the information on this website does not establish any patient-client relationship with any of the site’s creators. Users of this website assume the risk of acting upon any of the educational content that is provided.
