Too Soon To Get Tested?

[roomorganizing]

I have been mostly gluten-free for about three years after finding out that our son, who was 16 at the time, has celiac. As the years went on I became increasingly convinced that I also have celiac disease (lots of symptoms and also finding out that my father had it). I made an appointment with a gastroenterologist and he has ordered bloodwork, but suggested that I wait until later this week to have it drawn so that my time on a normal diet will be right at a month. I'm wondering if it's a good idea to go ahead at this point, or if I should continue eating gluten for a few more weeks. I had read an article about a test being developed that didn't require a lengthy gluten challenge but I'm not sure that it's being used yet. Does anyone know for sure if my results would be valid at this point?

[kareng]

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How much gluten should be consumed prior to being screened for celiac disease?

It’s best to continue a normal, gluten-containing diet before being screened and diagnosed. If a gluten-free diet has been followed for more than a few weeks, then we recommend eating at least 1 serving of gluten (1/2 slice of bread or a cracker, for example) every day for 12 weeks prior to a blood test and 2 weeks prior to a biopsy. This is often referred to as a “gluten challenge” and should be done under the care of a medical professional.

[nvsmom]

One month is about half or a third the length that is usually recommended (8-12 weeks with longer being better). If you can stand to wait to test, I would just so you increase the test's accuracy.

 

On the other hand, if your doctors, or insurance, is willing to retest you at 12 weeks if this test (at one month) is negative, then I say go for it. It is possible that 1 month on gluten is enough for a positive test - that will work for a minority of celiacs. If you get a positive now, then you know it's celiac. If you get a negative then it's one of two things: 1. not celiac or, 2. celiac but you were not on gluten long enough for accurate testing and need to retest at 12 weeks.

 

Good luck with whatever route you decide to go.