Blood Tests

[NYCisTHEplaceTObe]

I was wondering about the accuracy of the IGG test. Apparently that is the only celiac related test that my doctor did, which I was not happy about. We haven't gotten any results back on anything yet. I have another appt coming up and this time I am demanding that I get the full panel done. I don't understand why it is so hard for doctors to listen to their patients!

[KaitiUSA]

The IgG is the least accurate test of them all. The tTG is the most accurate test.

The full panel should be done which includes: IgG, IgA, total serum IgA, EMA, tTG

[BabySnooks]

The IgG is the least accurate test of them all. The tTG is the most accurate test.

The full panel should be done which includes: IgG, IgA, total serum IgA, EMA, tTG

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dear Kaiti,

I had an Endoscopy/Colonoscopy in July. The doctor (whom I am very happy with) said the small bowel biopsies showed flattening of the villi and increased inflammatory cells suggestive of celiac sprue. Antibody blood tests revealed 2 of the antibody tests were in the normal range and 2 were in the elevated range. He suggested I go gluten-free and go back to him, which I did in October. Shortly before my appointment with him, I discovered that the calcium tablets I have been taking contained gluten! Instead of taking another blood test, he suggested I do a gluten challenge, which I am now doing. I am feeling fine, as I did before the tests. After 3 months, I will return to the doctor for more blood tests and eventually a repeat endoscopy and colonoscopy. (As an aside, he found a polyp in July that had to be removed by a surgeon and it was stage I cancer. Luckily I didn't have to go through chemo.) Another side note is that he found a small area suggestive of colitis during the colonoscopy. All of this from a "routine" colonoscopy!

My doctor said that the 2 antibody tests that are the most accurate were normal in my case. Also, the 2 antibody tests that are the most inaccurate were elevated in my case. What I am wondering is: If I return to the doctor after my gluten challenge and the antibody tests are all normal, and a repeat biopsy still reveals inflammatory cells and flattened villi, where does that leave me? Isn't the wheat/gluten issue the only thing that would cause flattened villi?

I'm not asking for a medical opinion here, just if you or anyone else here has experienced this type of situation.

Meanwhile, I am enjoying my morning mini-wheats and toast and a host of other wonderful wheat products. I am not getting my hopes up--just enjoying a 3-month vacation from gluten-free!!

Thanks for listening.

Sharon

[Carriefaith]

Sharon, based on those results, a positive biopsy and 2 positive blood tests, I would say that you have celiac disease and I am confused as to why the doctor is trying to prove it There are other things that can cause flatening of the villi; however, if you have positive celiac bloodwork, then my guess is that you have celiac. Did you feel better on the gluten-free diet? Feeling better on the gluten-free diet is also a positive test.

[BabySnooks]

Sharon, based on those results, a positive biopsy and 2 positive blood tests, I would say that you have celiac disease and I am confused as to why the doctor is trying to prove it  There are other things that can cause flatening of the villi; however, if you have positive celiac bloodwork, then my guess is that you have celiac. Did you feel better on the gluten-free diet? Feeling better on the gluten-free diet is also a positive test.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Kaiti,

I felt exactly the same on the gluten-free diet as I did before and as I feel now--fine! That's why I have to rely on the results of tests. I have no symptoms. For those of you who unfortunately get very ill after ingesting gluten, you go gluten-free and feel better, case closed. I think my doctor just wants to be sure.

Thanks for your opinion.

Sharon

[Rachel--24]

I have to agree with Carrie on this one. You clearly have celiac disease...a positive biopsy and positive bloodwork = celiac disease. I'm also confused as to why your doctor would want to have you go gluten-free, then do a challenge, and then redo the tests. To me the tests were not inconclusive the first time.