Enterolab Stool Test For Gluten Sensitivity - Gluten Challenge Not Needed

[kellysensei]

I came across this web site last night:

 

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And the doctor mentions a lab in Texas that offers stool tests to test not only for Celiac but for gluten sensitivity. Best part is, if you've been off gluten for a while, you don't need to get back on it (gluten challenge) for the test to be accurate.

 

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Has anyone done this test? Sounds almost too good to be true, but if my current blood test comes back negative, I think I'm going to do it so I can possibly avoid an endoscopy/biopsy on 12/31.

[kareng]

I came across this web site last night:

Open Original Shared Link

And the doctor mentions a lab in Texas that offers stool tests to test not only for Celiac but for gluten sensitivity. Best part is, if you've been off gluten for a while, you don't need to get back on it (gluten challenge) for the test to be accurate.

Open Original Shared Link

Has anyone done this test? Sounds almost too good to be true, but if my current blood test comes back negative, I think I'm going to do it so I can possibly avoid an endoscopy/biopsy on 12/31.

Here's some info from real celiac researchers:

"We only embrace tests that have endured rigorous scientific evaluations. So far, these tests have received no evidence-based support."

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Just my personal opinion - I have never seen anyone ask for a gluten test from them and get a negative. To me, that is suspicious.

[dilettantesteph]

I do know someone who had a positive test and then after a rigorous gluten FREE (correction) diet he got retested and had a negative test.  That led me to try it myself.  I do agree that stool testing is not accepted for celiac disease diagnosis by celiac researchers.  I think that the reason is that it gives positive results for people who test negative for celiac disease with an intestinal biopsy which is why it is a test for gluten sensitivity rather than celiac disease. 

 

I would discuss this with your doctor.

 

More discussion about Enterolab testing: Open Original Shared Link

You can click on reader responses on the bottom.

 

Some publications that support fecal testing: Open Original Shared Link

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Enterolab is accredited; from their website:

EnteroLab is registered with the U.S. Government's Department of Health and Human Services department as part of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). This agency oversees clinical laboratory standards and quality. We have also opted for (at our own expense) third-party accreditation from COLA, a non-profit national laboratory accreditation organization. EnteroLabpassed this accreditation inspection in 2001 and re-accreditation in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2012 with the highest standards. COLA accreditation is given only to laboratories that apply rigid standards of quality in day-to-day operations and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey. COLA is approved by the federal government and sponsored by the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Osteopathic Association.

[1desperateladysaved]

I would expect most people that test (having paid themselves) to test positive.  One would be pretty sure before sticking their money into it.

[kareng]

I do know someone who had a positive test and then after a rigorous gluten diet he got retested and had a negative test.  That led me to try it myself.  I do agree that stool testing is not accepted for celiac disease diagnosis by celiac researchers.  I think that the reason is that it gives positive results for people who test negative for celiac disease with an intestinal biopsy which is why it is a test for gluten sensitivity rather than celiac disease. 

 

I would discuss this with your doctor.

 

More discussion about Enterolab testing: Open Original Shared Link

You can click on reader responses on the bottom.

 

Some publications that support fecal testing: Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

 

Enterolab is accredited; from their website:

EnteroLab is registered with the U.S. Government's Department of Health and Human Services department as part of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). This agency oversees clinical laboratory standards and quality. We have also opted for (at our own expense) third-party accreditation from COLA, a non-profit national laboratory accreditation organization. EnteroLabpassed this accreditation inspection in 2001 and re-accreditation in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2012 with the highest standards. COLA accreditation is given only to laboratories that apply rigid standards of quality in day-to-day operations and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey. COLA is approved by the federal government and sponsored by the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Osteopathic Association.

That part about your friend doesn't make sense? Why would he test positive for gluten sensitivity one time and, after eating a lot of gluten, test negative? And, even if he went gluten free after his positive test, isn't the point that you don't need to eat gluten to get a positive test? So he should still test positive?

[dilettantesteph]

Kareng, this is my understanding of the test.  Antibodies are present in the intestine in much higher concentrations than in the bloodstream so these tests will pick up gluten antibodies at less advanced stages of gluten intolerance.  That is why they say that a gluten challenge isn't necessary.  They figure that accidental cc will enough to give a positive reading if gluten intolerance is present.  After careful diligence with the diet negative tests results can be achieved which tell you that the diet is working.

 

Now I see the mistake, I meant to say rigorous gluten FREE diet.  I will correct that in my original post, but also state that here.  I'm sorry.  I did reread that post, but missed that error.