A new at-home test could help people with celiac disease get their doctors to more quickly take the steps necessary for diagnosis. The test, by Houston based company Microdrop Health, is called imaware(tm).

It non-blood gluten intolerance test transglutaminase and deaminated gliadin peptide (DGP) tests that doctors use in their offices to diagnose celiac disease. Celiac disease must be diagnosed with these two blood tests plus a small intestine biopsy to show damage to the lining of the small intestine. Diagnosis is important because avoiding gluten will prevent the disease and many of its symptoms.

The test is relatively painless and easy to administer at home. People collect a sample with a provided cheek swab, then mail it to the company in a prepaid envelope. It says people can expect to receive results within 10 business days. The price of the test is reasonable and, although it’s not covered by medical insurance, pricing is clearly explained from the start.

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One concern is that the test does not involve any medical consultation with a health care professional. This type of discussion would include talking about symptoms, family history and other factors that can influence the risk of developing celiac disease.

Another worry is that the test may lead some to assume they have celiac disease and skip further testing and the strict gluten-free diet required for a diagnosis. This can lead to a long-term gluten-free diet without a medical reason, and it might also increase the likelihood of developing non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a condition that can cause symptoms that mimic those of celiac disease and responds differently to a gluten-free diet.