Are Blood Tests The Only Way To Dx

[harley1200]

I went to the doc with the tests that were suggested here. I was told that I should have a colonoscopy (I am 50 and they keep pushing that). Since my symptoms are mostly systemic (swelling, rash, constipation) I declined the colonoscopy. My doc was not familar with the testing and suggested I see an allergist.

 

If I go to the allergixt I am sure they will do the pin prick stuff...will that show a gluten intolerance? My other option was for a referral to a GI specialist...but I would have to wait a few months to get in to see the GI guy since I am not in serious distress.

 

Any advice? My other option is to have a lab order the tests and pay myself. Is there any lab out there that does these?

[shadowicewolf]

No, for celiac there is also the endoscopy where they do a biopsy and in addition to that there is a gene test, however, this one can't diagnosis by itself.

 

There are no 'official' tests for an intolerance, outside of a diet change to see if that is whats causing it.

 

As for labs, i don't know.

[kareng]

Why won't he order your blood work? The colonoscopy has nothing to do with Celiac but is still a good idea over 50. They could do the endoscopy ( for Celiac) at the same time. I know several people who have gone for the routine colonoscopy at 50 with no symptoms and found pre- cancerous polyps. If left, they would likely become cancer in a few years.

celiac is not an allergy and neither is non- Celiac gluten intolerance. At the current time, there is no test for NCGI.

[nvsmom]

Ditto the others.

 

The blood tests for celiac disease are:

tTG IgA and tTG IgG

DGP IgA and DGP IgG

EMA IgA

total serum IgA

AGA IgA and AGA IgG (older and less frequently used)

 

Make sure you are eating gluten in the weeks prior to testing.  Good luck.

 

Oops... editted to add that I saw you already knew the blood tests. Sorry.

[cyclinglady]

I went to my doc to have my thyroid re-checked and I suggested the colonoscopy since I'm 51.  The gastro prior to the procedure recommended an endoscopy since I was anemic and had thyroiditis.  Blood test was positive and endoscopy showed moderate to severe damage.  My colonoscopy was normal.    Lucky for me, my gastro was Celiac savy (he must have just went to a conference!)  

 

An allergist can only test you for an allergy -- which is fine (I've got plenty of allergies to boot).  But I'd make the appointment for the gastro doc.  

 

I would have gone gluten-free right after the blood test, but 1) I needed the colonoscopy anyway and I'd be prepped for the endo and 2) a definite diagnosis would benefit my family.