Confused about test results

[kalbright]

I was wondering if someone could help interpret my blood test results. It appears to me to be a negative result, but in the notes my GI doc said, "Results are indicative of Celiac" so I am very confused. 

Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody, IGA <1

(<4 means no Antibody detected)

Immunoglobulin A: 215 

(Flag reference range: 81-463)

I would be most grateful for any help analyzing these results, if anyone feels moved to share their insight with me. Thanks so much!

[kareng]

I wonder if all the results are not posted?  Ask the GI why he says a negative test means Celiac?   What did he recommend as your next step?  Don't be afraid to ask questions.  Its your body and health!

 

[cyclinglady]

The tests he gave you are typically the screening tests.  If negative (like yours) but if the doctor still suspects celiac disease, he may order the complete celiac panel or proceed to an endoscopy.  Results can be negative if you were on a gluten free diet (or gluten light).  You must be consuming gluten daily for 8 to 12 weeks prior to the blood draw.  

Follow Karen's advice.  We do not have the entire picture here.  

[squirmingitch]

Am I missing something here? It shows she's deficient in IgA which makes the tTG IgA of 215 pretty high even though it's "within normal range" -- that being normal range for those who are not IgA deficient. To have a result of 215 in a range of 81-463 when you're IgA deficient is a pretty big red flag I would think. The doctor realizes she has a false negative. Perhaps he wrote his notes the way he did, is to cover insurance requirements for further testing.

Karen & cyclinglady, am I on the right track?

For the OP:

 However, 3 percent of patients with celiac disease have IgA deficiency.

From:

Open Original Shared Link

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Also see

Open Original Shared Link

especially the chart.

And see:

Open Original Shared Link

From the top of the chart you would go right as your IgA was less than 1 mg/dl

 

[kareng]

8 minutes ago, squirmingitch said:

 

 

Am I missing something here? It shows she's deficient in IgA which makes the tTG IgA of 215 pretty high even though it's "within normal range" -- that being normal range for those who are not IgA deficient. To have a result of 215 in a range of 81-463 when you're IgA deficient is a pretty big red flag I would think. The doctor realizes she has a false negative. Perhaps he wrote his notes the way he did, is to cover insurance requirements for further testing.

Karen & cyclinglady, am I on the right track?

For the OP:

 However, 3 percent of patients with celiac disease have IgA deficiency.

From:

Open Original Shared Link

 

Open Original Shared Link

 

Also see

Open Original Shared Link

especially the chart.

And see:

Open Original Shared Link

From the top of the chart you would go right as your IgA was less than 1 mg/dl

 

I don't understand?  Looks like her total IGa is in the normal range?  Its 215?  Her TTG is less than 1.

And even if the total IGA had been lower than the range, the range is not for Celiac.  It needs to be less than 20 to be an issue for a Celiac ttg IGA test.

Edit to add Open Original Shared Link

[cyclinglady]

No,  Kalbright is not IGA deficient.  Her initial screening was negative based on the information she posted.  I just pointed out that her doctor may continue to suspect celiac disease still (we do not know her symptoms).  She needs to talk to her doctor.  Maybe he can only order the TTG as a PCP or GP.  She might need a GI referral.  

BTW, I am not IGA deficient, yet my TTG IGA and IGG were negative (even on follow-up testing) but I had Marsh Stage IIIB (mod to severe) damage and only a positive DGP IGA.  I share that information because if my doctor had not ordered the entire celiac panel,  my celiac disease diagnosis would never had been caught.

[squirmingitch]

Oh sorry, my bad. I misread. 

[cyclinglady]

48 minutes ago, squirmingitch said:

Oh sorry, my bad. I misread. 

No, continue to be vigilant!  I misread all the time.  I am usually in a hurry or feeling off/brain fog (should not respond at all but I like to help).  Luckily, we have other members who might be having a better day. 

Off topic.  Two bad things.  Went camping and missed a thyroid dose.  No wonder I needed a nap!  Duh!  Today we are working on taxes.  Need I say more?  

[squirmingitch]

I can only say I was rushing to get dinner on. No excuse. Should have waited until after dinner & come back to the subject.

Ugh! 2 hits in one day! Taxes are so stressful! I managed to get mine done early this year and it feels so good not to have that hanging over my head.