At Home Test?!?

[mmcc54]

During my research (our one yr old was just diagnosed) I came across bio card at home testing...any good? Any one ever used it? I plan on getting tested by my Dr but was just very curious about this??

[VeggieGal]

I'm not saying don't try it, but as far as I'm aware, a Biocard does not test the full celiac panel.

I used one on my 11yr old recently and it came up negative (he displays alot of symptoms of celiac). I'm really not confident in the result and as soon as hes brave enough to have a proper test done at the doctors, I'll take him.

Best wishes

[nvsmom]

I did a Biocard home test a year ago. I'm one of those who (previously) avoided doctors so I appreciated being able to test at home. I did go to the doctor to confirm my results.

 

The Biocard test tests for above normal tTG IgA and normal levels of total serum IgA (control test). It looks like a pregnancy stick. the first window's line shows adequate levels of IgA, and the second window's line shows elevated levels of tTG IgA. My tTG IgA line was very faint but I had hard time squeezing enough blood out of my finger to do the test (to be honest, the finger poke hurt just as much as, if not more than a needle). Like a pregnancy test, a faint line is supposed to indicate a positive tTG IgA (and most like celiac disease) BUT there was a board member last year who had a faint line and when her doctor retested her tTG was negative... I believe that is unsusual though.

 

I think the Biocard test is good for people like me who had given up on going to doctors after being told 'there is nothing wrong' for so many years. I still think of most doctors as just a prescription pad that I occassionally need access to. I probably would have put off testing for a few more years without the Biocard test. For those who are more proactive about their health than I was, the Biocard test probably isn't needed or helpful.

 

Good luck with your testing

[Mum in Norway]

That test only looks for high levels of IgA. So if its positive it is likely he has celiac, but if it is negative, that doesen't realy mean anything.

I took it twice, not knowing this. Both times negative.

Now, many years later, i went to the doc, it turns out i have elevated dgp-IgG, and likely celiac...

[nvsmom]

That test only looks for high levels of IgA. So if its positive it is likely he has celiac, but if it is negative, that doesen't realy mean anything.

I took it twice, not knowing this. Both times negative.

Now, many years later, i went to the doc, it turns out i have elevated dgp-IgG, and likely celiac...

The Biocard test look at IgA levels (a control) and tTG IgA, but even in lab situations the tTG IgA misses up to 25% of celiacs.  I agree that it is best to go to a doctor and try to have multiple types of tests run.