Testing

[lamusto]

Just a quick observation and question about genetic testing, et.al.   I suspect that the tummy aches and diarrhea, a bit of ADD, over the course of over 7 years a few other things might be gluten problems, be they celiac disease or sensitivity.  Having read many comments about the use or uselessness of genetic testing, for me right now - it might be a good thing for the following reasons: first cost.  Due to reasons not worth going into at this point, much of it would come out of pocket until January.  Given the lower cost of the genetic testing, for me, would help me to narrow it down.  If he does not have the gene(s), then I can at least rule out a strong genetic component - which has it's use.  i realize that 40% or so had the gene(s) anyway, but it still helps me narrow the matter down.  That does not mean I cannot pursue further testing in January for blood antibody markers, etc. or other issues.  For me it's a start.  In light of that, is Enterolab reliable for that genetic testing?  I have seen various things about testing and it's reliability here which I understand.  I only was unclear about how reliable Enterolab was on the genetic testing.  Thanks in advance for your replies.

[kareng]

I wouldn't use Enterolab for anything.  The genetic tests are probably accurate but a lot of the other stuff they "test" for isn't medically accepted.

I got my genetic test from Quest.  But it seems to me that the basic Celiac blood panel (for antibodies) was about the same price as the genetic test.  You can call them and ask.

[lamusto]

2 minutes ago, kareng said:

I wouldn't use Enterolab for anything.  The genetic tests are probably accurate but a lot of the other stuff they "test" for isn't medically accepted.

I got my genetic test from Quest.  But it seems to me that the basic Celiac blood panel (for antibodies) was about the same price as the genetic test.  You can call them and ask.

I don't see a clear distinction between looking for antibodies verses looking for particular genes.  That part wasn't clear to me from reading their options.  I don't think  one can order the strict genetic test without the stool test.  But I submitted a question to them regarding that.  Thank you so much for your reply.  I will look into "Quest".

[Gemini]

2 hours ago, lamusto said:

I don't see a clear distinction between looking for antibodies verses looking for particular genes.  That part wasn't clear to me from reading their options.  I don't think  one can order the strict genetic test without the stool test.  But I submitted a question to them regarding that.  Thank you so much for your reply.  I will look into "Quest".

Enterolab's gene testing is very reliable as gene testing is very common now and straightforward.  There is nothing questionable about it.  However, the other stool testing that they offer is not currently recognized as reliable and it isn't.  You cannot test for Celiac Disease utilizing stool samples, as of yet.  Maybe someday someone will come up with one that is peer reviewed and accepted by mainstream medicine but don't waste your money on it now. 

I had my gene testing done through Enterolab because doctors didn't do gene testing for Celiac 12 years ago when I was diagnosed. The blood work version done in hospitals was too expensive and they have antibody testing for Celiac.  I was diagnosed with Celiac through blood work from mainstream medical doctors, along with positive genetic tests from Enterolab. You should be able to order gene testing by itself through them but if they bundle it with other tests, I wouldn't bother.

 

[ravenwoodglass]

In addition to the advice you have already gotten one caution. If you should happen to not have one of the 2 genes most commonly checked for it isn't for sure that you couldn't be celiac. There are rare cases, like mine, where people are diagnosed celiac but don't carry one of those two genes.  Getting a celiac panel is IMHO a better route to take.  Also if you have a low income or no insurance check with your local hospital as some will do a sliding fee scale on tests done through them.