About Blood Tests

[CMCM]

When I was at our dr. today with my son, he gave me a bloodwork order in case I want to use it. He just put "celiac panel". So I called a local lab, and they said there are two tests for celiac:

The celiac diagnostic panel which tests for Tissue Transglutaminase IgA and Igg, and the Gliadin Antibody test IgA which also includes the EMA (Anti-Endomysial) which I saw listed somewhere on this site.

THEN....they had another test call the Celiac Antibody test, but I couldn't get a definition about what that was and how it differed from the other one. They said I'd have to ask the doctor, but of course HE doesn't know. He just wrote down "Celiac panel" and thought that was enough.

Sigh....

[jams]

I just had my kids to the dr yesterday. He ordered the Celiac Panel which is what you just described (IGA, TTG, ect). He was going to order the HLA test to see if they have the genes for celiac. I opted out because I am not sure that my insurance company would cover the gene test. I just did the regular one for now. If they are neg this time, I will check into it more for the next time I take them in.

The gene test might be the other test the lab was refering to. I am not exactly sure though!!

[Nevadan]

You might want to refer to Lab Tests Online( Open Original Shared Link ). On their home page scroll the upper search box to "celiac disease tests" and there is a good definiton of a pretty comprehensive set of tests including how to interpret their results. The one test they omit is a total IgA test to make sure you are not IgA deficient.

Hope this helps.

George

[hollyd]

The celiac diagnostic panel which tests for Tissue Transglutaminase IgA and Igg, and the Gliadin Antibody test IgA which also includes the EMA (Anti-Endomysial) which I saw listed somewhere on this site.

THEN....they had another test call the Celiac Antibody test, but I couldn't get a definition about what that was and how it differed from the other one.  They said I'd have to ask the doctor, but of course HE doesn't know.  He just wrote down "Celiac panel" and thought that was enough.

Sigh....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm confused too. I had AGA IgA, AGA IgG, Endomysial AB and T-glutaminase. What does the AGA stand for in those tests? I wonder if there is a different IgA than what I took??

Holly

[Nevadan]

I'm confused too. I had AGA IgA, AGA IgG, Endomysial AB and T-glutaminase. What does the AGA stand for in those tests? I wonder if there is a different IgA than what I took??

Holly

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think the normal definition of AGA is anti-gliadin antibodies.

Here are some references you might find helpful:

Current Approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment of Celiac Disease: An Evolving Spectrum; Fasano

Open Original Shared Link

Narrative Review: Celiac Disease: Understanding a Complex Autoimmune Disorder, Alaedini & Green

Open Original Shared Link

Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy: More Common that you Think; Nelson (U of Arkansas)

Open Original Shared Link

George

[hollyd]

Thanks very much George.

I'm glad to read again that it does happen that your blood work is negative but you may still have the disease on biopsy because I cannot find any other cause for my symptoms. I still can't get my ferritin above the very lowest number on normal range despite maximum iron supplementation. Gastro symptoms are getting worse, my hair is still falling out like crazy and I have very low energy. Arrgh!!

They didn't do a total IGA on me though which is curious. It's been a year since my tests and I'm only getting worse so I'm going to see another GI doc soon and get the biopsies done. I'm so tired of feeling this way. I hope this new doc is celiac savy.

Holly

[Nevadan]

Thanks very much George.

I'm glad to read again that it does happen that your blood work is negative but you may still have the disease on biopsy because I cannot find any other cause for my symptoms. I still can't get my ferritin above the very lowest number on normal range despite maximum iron supplementation. Gastro symptoms are getting worse, my hair is still falling out like crazy and I have very low energy. Arrgh!!

They didn't do a total IGA on me though which is curious. It's been a year since my tests and I'm only getting worse so I'm going to see another GI doc soon and get the biopsies done. I'm so tired of feeling this way. I hope this new doc is celiac savy.

Holly

Holly,

From what I understand about gluten sensitivity/celiac disease, not only can you have the problem with negative blood tests, but you can also have it with negative biopsy. Neither blood tests or biopsy can definitely rule it out. My opinion is that the most accurate test for many symptomatic people is the body's response to going gluten-free.

Good luck with your new GI doc.

George

[tarnalberry]

I'm confused too. I had AGA IgA, AGA IgG, Endomysial AB and T-glutaminase. What does the AGA stand for in those tests? I wonder if there is a different IgA than what I took??

Holly

AGA IgA means anti-gliandin antibody, immunoglobin A - it's the subtype of antibody produced against gliandin, the protein in wheat. A total IgA should be done as well, to determine if you are chronically IgA deficient in general, in which case, a low AGA IgA wouldn't tell you anything.