Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Are There Less Expensive Ways Of Getting Tested?

sneaky-flute

Recommended Posts

sneaky-flute Rookie
sneaky-flute
Posted

I suspect I have celiac disease and would like to have it confirmed before committing to a lifelong diet. The problem is that the blood test and biopsy cost thousands. Is there a way to get a definitive diagnosis without paying an arm and a leg? 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


bartfull Rising Star
bartfull
Posted

The only thing you could do would be to go completely and strictly gluten-free for a few months and see if your symptoms improve. Then go back to eating gluten for a while and see if your symptoms get worse.

 

If you see and improvement on a gluten-free diet and find your symptoms getting worse again when you challenge, you won't have a diagnosis but you will know you either have celiac or NCGI. The treatment for both is the same - strictly gluten-free for life.

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Knot sure where you live. Some of the Celiac Centers have free blood testing. You could also see if you qualify for any help? State? County? Public hospital?

LauraTX Rising Star
LauraTX
Posted

If you are trying to do it and can't afford the whole diagnostic workup, Karen's suggestions of a public clinic or research hospital are good.  If you can't find something like that, you could do one blood test at a time to let the results trickle in, and you may get something indicative enough of Celiac disease that you are comfortable calling it that without an endoscopy.  However, if you can manage any way to get the full diagnostic workup and endoscopy, that really can help you know if other things are going on, especially if it turns out to not be Celiac disease.

 

You could also just trial a gluten-free diet now like Bartfull said.  If you are really itching to know and your financial situation allows in the future, it will be a 12 week period of eating gluten.  There are a good number of people here on the forum that did that, and feel no need to go get formally diagnosed.  Just try to weigh the benefits and decide what is best for yourself.

sneaky-flute Rookie
sneaky-flute
Posted
  • Author

What is this "new" celiac test and how do I request it? 

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

What is this "new" celiac test and how do I request it?

What are you referring to?

mamaw Community Regular
mamaw
Posted

No "new" celiac test.. I'm guessing you have no insurance? But if you have symptoms you can go to a free clinic like Bartful said...some states provide a GP doctor for people with needing medical help....Public welfare also has medical programs ...

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


sneaky-flute Rookie
sneaky-flute
Posted
  • Author

I have insurance but from my understanding, these tests can set a person back a grand or two even with insurance. 

 

This test I'm referring to can identify celiac markers with greater specificity and you don't have to eat gluten before undergoing the process. Maybe it's not publicly available yet. 

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I have insurance but from my understanding, these tests can set a person back a grand or two even with insurance.

This test I'm referring to can identify celiac markers with greater specificity and you don't have to eat gluten before undergoing the process. Maybe it's not publicly available yet.

You can get a genetic test for about $300. It will tell you if you have a possibility of having Celiac. but 30% of people have a gene for Celiac and only about 1% actually develope Celiac. so just having the gene does not mean you have Celiac.

If you just want a basic Celiac panel, call Quest diagnostics and ask for the cost.

Edited to add: I am talking about legitimate, currently available medical testing.

LauraTX Rising Star
LauraTX
Posted

There are no scientifically valid tests (aside from the genetic test) that are accurate when one is not consuming gluten.  Getting something like that is a top priority for Celiac researchers but they are not there yet.  While I understand it is easy to assume something is not affordable, why don't you contact your lab of choice and ask about pricing before you assume as such?  Any money you spend on a diagnosis is an investment in your health for the rest of your life and well worth it in my opinion.  Also, unless your insurance plan has a stacked deductible, you are not going to be paying 100% out of pocket for lab costs.  You can get information on what your portion would be from your insurance company so you can estimate costs and save up to get them done if that is needed.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,200
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    TGE
    Newest Member
    TGE
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Celiac disease is the most likely cause, but here are articles about the other possible causes:    
    • xxnonamexx
      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      By xxnonamexx · Posted

      Please read: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeXhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzaDc3NWRaYzlJOFJ4R0Fic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrwuSsw8Be7VNGOrKKWFVbrjmf59SGht05nIALwnjQ0DoGkDDK1doRBDzeeX_aem_GZcRcbhisMTyFUp3YMUU9Q
    • cristiana
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi @Atl222 As @trents points out, there could be many reasons for this biopsy result.  I am interested to know, is your gastroenterologist concerned?  Also, are your blood tests showing steady improvement over the years? I remember when I had my last biopsy, several years after diagnosis, mine came back with with raised lymphocytes but no villous damage, too! In my own case, my consultant wasn't remotely concerned - in fact, he said I might still get this result even if all I ever did was eat nothing but rice and water.   My coeliac blood tests were still steadily improving, albeit slowly, which was reassuring.
    • trents
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @Atl222! Yes, your increased lymphocytes could be in response to oats or it could possibly be cross contamination from gluten that is getting into your diet from some unexpected source but not enough to damage the villi. And I'm certain that increased lymphocytes can be caused by other things besides celiac disease or gluten/oats exposure. See attachment. But you might try eliminating oats to start with and possibly dairy for a few months and then seek another endoscopy/biopsy to see if there was a reduction in lymphocyte counts. 
    • Scott Adams
      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This is a solid, well-reasoned approach. You’re right that “koji” by itself doesn’t indicate gluten status, and the risk really does come down to which grain is used to culture it. The fact that you directly contacted Eden Foods and received a clear statement that their koji is made from rice only, with no wheat or barley, is meaningful due diligence—especially since Eden has a long-standing reputation for transparency. While the lack of gluten labeling can understandably give pause, manufacturer confirmation like this is often what people rely on for traditionally fermented products. As always, trusting your body after trying it is reasonable, but based on the information you gathered, your conclusion makes sense.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.