confused about test results

[abaiker]

Hello, I'm new to this site. I just got a celiac panel done and my results were:

Immunoglobulin A, Qn, serum 377 (Normal 87-352)

Deamidated Gliadin Abs IgA 127    ( Normal <20, Weak Positive 20-30,Moderate to strong positive >30)

My tTG, IgG and IgA were both negative. Does this mean I have celiac or not.

 

[ravenwoodglass]

The test you had a very high positive with is specific to celiac. You don't have to be positive in all the tests to be celiac. If your doctor wants to do a biopsy then stay on gluten until that is done then start the diet strictly when that test is over. Welcome to the club you never wanted to join. Do check out the Newbie 101 thread at the top of the Coping section so you know all you have to do to keep safe once you can start the gluten free lifestlye.

[ironictruth]

That test can show up positive in other issues outside of celiac, liver and autoimmune to name two.  it has been reported to be positive sometimes in folks who are even Gene negative for celiac disease. I was told this by two Celiac centers as well as somebody involved in antibody test developing.  however it also picks up a lot of folks with Celiac. It is a shame that many doctors don't bother running it. I had the test done but my Celiac brother did not so hIss panel was reportedly negative.

Yours is pretty darn high though.  it probably is celiac disease. 

 I'm telling you this because I want you to be very cautious about how you go about further testing.  assuming that this test is positive and you have celiac May prompt you to try a gluten-free diet before the endoscopy is done. Your choice, but just know it can come back positive for other things.

 if your insurance would cover it I would suggest getting the genetic test done. I would also recommend getting a biopsy done. Something LED you to get the blood work you just described above so it is best to follow through With all the testing. 

 make sure you have a doctor who understands celiac disease and knows that when you do the endoscopy you should be taking six to eight biopsy samples.

 sadly we hear from a lot of folks on this board who have GI doctors who don't really understand the disease and don't appropriately diagnose. as a result , leading to the patient suffering or wondering what their diagnosis is for months to years to come.

 If you have any questions don't hesitate to post them here. Do you know what your next move is now? What led you to the test to begin with?

[abaiker]

Thanks for replying so quickly. I just got a new doctor and she ordered the blood work with my first appointment because I have rheumatoid arthritis and have had digestive issues for the past twenty years. I went 15 years without health insurance and right before I lost it I went to my doctor complaining of digestive issues that I had been having for years because it was to the point that I was going to lose my job over it. He said I probably had IBS without running any tests and tried to prescribe Xanax. I never went back after that. I've just been trying to work around it since then and usually only eat after I get home for work so I'm not sick at work. I've also been having headaches and brain fog for the last few years. I did try going gluten free for 2 months a year ago. I did start to feel better, but went back to eating gluten because I hadn't had any testing yet and didn't want my results to be inaccurate.

[ravenwoodglass]

7 hours ago, ironictruth said:

 

 

 if your insurance would cover it I would suggest getting the genetic test done. I would also recommend getting a biopsy done. Something LED you to get the blood work you just described above so it is best to follow through With all the testing. 

 

 

If you do have gene testing done be aware that most doctors only test for the two most common genes. There has been research that shows that other genes can also be associated with celiac. Not being positive for DQ2 or DQ8 is not a for sure that you don't have celiac.

You have a good doctor to be checking for celiac. I was at one point thought to have RA and the gene I carry (DQ9) is more commonly thought to be an RA gene in this country but it is also now recognized as being associated with celiac. My RA symptoms resolved in time gluten free but that doesn't mean yours will.

[cyclinglady]

I have ONLY tested positive on the DGP IgA.  Everything on the celiac panel (TTG and EMA) has always been negative even in follow-up testing.  My biopsies (via endoscopy) revealed a Marsh Stage IIIB (villi damage).   There is a reason there is a panel.  Not everyone tests the same.  My research has not revealed the reason why I have tested this way.  It seems that the very young and the very old tend to have elevated DGPs vs. TTGs.  I suspect having other autoimmune issues might be a contributing factor, but I have no idea (I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis).  

If my GI had not pursued an endoscopy, my diagnosis would have been missed.  

Learn more from this old thread:

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/114262-only-dgp-iga-positive-and-strong-symptoms/

Search for more member responses using our search box.  

[ironictruth]

Yes, I should add that although the test is not perfect and not totally specific to celiac, it still is a useful test. LIke cycling lady, I test positive to a type of DGP test only  and negative to TTG, EMA and other DGP tests in other settings.

They tried the IBS-xanax stuff with me to. I finally pIcked up,  Went to a Celiac specialist out of state, tapered off the Xanax, and started running to relieve my anxiety.

I got a celiac diagnosis officially  in August and ran my first half marathon a couple of weeks ago.

You have got this!  keep eating all the donuts and glorious gluten you can, and go find a GI specialist who has your best interest at heart and get that endoscopy done.

 

[cyclinglady]

6 hours ago, ironictruth said:

Yes, I should add that although the test is not perfect and not totally specific to celiac, it still is a useful test. LIke cycling lady, I test positive to a type of DGP test only  and negative to TTG, EMA and other DGP tests in other settings.

They tried the IBS-xanax stuff with me to. I finally pIcked up,  Went to a Celiac specialist out of state, tapered off the Xanax, and started running to relieve my anxiety.

I got a celiac diagnosis officially  in August and ran my first half marathon a couple of weeks ago.

You have got this!  keep eating all the donuts and glorious gluten you can, and go find a GI specialist who has your best interest at heart and get that endoscopy done.

 

Congratulations on completing that 1/2 marathon!  ??‍♀️

[frieze]

raven, thought of you when i read this post.  it is important that we all remember that DQ 2+8  DO NOT cover ALL celiacs, and probably less than is actually claimed.