I received my test back from Enterolab it was a stool test for IGA antibodies and the result was 19 (>10 is positive) so my question is does this mean I have Celiac disease or just Gluten Intolerance? Is more testing needed? Has anyone ever gotten a negative result from this kind of test? Will my doctor think this test from Enterolab is enough proof to do more testing?

Sorry for all of the questions this is all new to me...

Mel

Hi. Mel -

Can I assume that everything else Enterolab tested for came out negative?If so, this result means that Enterolab found IgA antibodies to gliadin in your stool. I have read on another post here from an RN who works at the lab, that as long as you test positive for IgA, it doesn't matter what the number (11 or 19 or 150) , because it means that your immune system is already reacting to gliadin as if it were a virus, and it doesn't go back to not reacting once that starts - they suggest that you go gluten-free.

BTW - Did you have the cheek cell test done for genes?

Anyway - it is up to you now if you want to get blood tested, etc...

One idea: you can simply call and ask your family physician for a blood test requisition for "A Celiac Disease Blood Panel" - tell him/her about the positive antibodies test results that you got from a stool sample, if you get an resistance - If he/she will give that to you (to pick up at the office), you may be able to just take it to a lab yourself (be sure it's a lab that does the FULL test) and have your blood drawn (and get the results Fax'd to your doc), and then go and see your doc when the test results are in. If you test positive on the blood tests, they should refer you to a GI doc.

Good luck, Gina

That should be your last apology for asking questions here ;-)
There is never a need to apologize for your questions -
Love,
Gina

Thanks Gina for your help. I might get the gene panel swab test done when I get some money is this as accurate as a blood test?

Also I plan on going gluten-free as soon as all of my tests are conclusive.

One other question I see in your signature that you had 2 miscarriages. I also am trying to conceive (although I did not know I had GI) and i have had 1 miscarriage is celiac disease related to infertility and miscarriage because we have been trying a long time with fertility meds and all and nothing except the one miscarriage 7 months ago. I also have polycystic ovarian syndrome which I know causes infertility I just wonder if there is any connection to celiac disease and this because I cant find any info.

Do you think I will be able to conceive and carry to term once I am gluten-free?

Thanks for all your help

Mel,

The gene test cant diagnose you...it can only tell you if you have genes which predispose you to Celiac or gluten sensitivity.

I'm assuming you didnt have the full panel and only the Iga??

You can do the blood test if you've been eating plenty of gluten everyday for the past few months. If not...the bloodtests are not reliabe.

If you got the gene test done and found out you carry a celiac gene you could assume with your positive IgA results that you do have Celiac. If you have other gluten sensitivity genes (non-celiac) then you likely don't have full-blown celiac but still need to remain gluten free to avoid damage to other body tissues.

I only had the IgA antibody test done through enterolab. It was all I could afford right now.

I just called my doctors office and I am still waiting for a call back regarding doing a full celiac blood panel. Do most doctors do this I am guessing it is rare. I also called a GI doc and the only way they will do any testing for celiac disease is if you have a referral from your reg. doc and other blood tests done. Gosh no wonder this disease is underdiagnosed.

I am still eating gluten because I dont want any of these tests to come back inaccurate if I stop. This is so frustrating.

Thanks for the help!

Its typical to get the bloodtests first and if they're positive you will then be referred to the GI. I was referred to the GI after I recieved my Enterolab results but by that time I'd seen every other specialist and had been shuffled around for 3 years.

Its good that you havent started the diet yet...hopefully you can tested soon so you can try the diet. If nobodys mentioned this already...if the tests are negative you should still try the diet anyway. My bloodtests were negative, stool tests positive, response to diet...life-saving.

Your doctor should know how to order the tests...if he doesnt you should be concerned cuz obviously he knows nothing about celiac disease.

Well if my doctor doesnt order the blood test or tell me who can then I am thinking of ordering the salvia gene test on enterolab at least that will tell me if I have the gene for celiac disease. That way I can assume if I have any of the genes that I just need to stay away from gluten.

If I cant find a doctor to do the blood panel is there anything online that is reliable to diagnose celiac disease or at least give more of an indicator of having celiac disease?


Either way I am going gluten-free but I want to know if I need to go farther...for example biopsy if needed.

Thanks again for your help. THe gluten-free challenge will be the real answer.....and learning everything that has gluten in it??

Since you're still on gluten you should try to get as many tests done as you can before going on the diet. Once you start the diet it will mess up any future tests. Have the doctor run the Celiac panel

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA
Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG
Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA
Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA
Total Serum IgA

The doctor should order all of these...not just one....that would be inconclusive.

If your doctor wont run the tests...find one that will.

Rachel my doctor did put an order in for the tests I will be picking them up tomorrow. Now I just have to see if he ordered the full panel or not. If I post it tomorrow would you be able to tell me if it is correct I dont want to waste money if it isnt the full test.

Thanks a million.

Mel

Sure...I'll let you know or if someone else sees it first I'm sure they'll let you know as well.

Okey I went ahead and had it down today here is what was tested. It is either missing the total Iga or I misunderstood the lab tech.

Here is what was tested:

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA
Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG
Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA
Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA

So I am not sure if total Iga was tested but my doc did right celiac panel on the lab sheet if that means anything.

Now I just wait for results I guess.

Does this mean I can go gluten-free now or should I still wait for maybe the possiblity of a biopsy?

Your doctor ordered the right tests. The only one missing is the one that checks for IgA deficiency. A small percentage of Celiacs don't produce any IgA so the tests would always be negative in an IgA deficient person....even if they have full-blown celiac. I guess if they come back negative you could ask your doctor about that test.

I wouldnt start the diet if you are intereseted in having the biopsy if the bloodtests are positive. Any further tests would be affected if you've already started a diet.

Thanks Rachel for all of your help........I really appreciate it.

My stool test was gliadin Iga antibodies and positve but I dont think that is the same thing but I will remember that if it does come back negative.

Take care