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

Low IgA, dr won’t test IgG

Runningyogi
 Share

Recommended Posts

Runningyogi Rookie
Runningyogi
Posted

Just wondering how common this is. I had tTg-IgA and gliandin IgA tested and they both came back at 2, which is without a doubt a “negative result.” However my IgA was 48, the lab cited 79-335 as “normal” and flagged me as low. My PCP said the test shows no celiac, I had already googled and discovered the low IgA situation so I asked her about testing IgG and she said it wasn’t necessary. 

 

Is my IgA just not low enough? I obviously make the antibody just not at a normal level. 

Has anyone else been told this, if so did you push for further testing or get a second opinion? I’m mostly trying to just rule some things out, my son has EoE so it’s not totally unlikely im suffering from something more than IBS. Thanks!

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted
(edited)
5 minutes ago, Runningyogi said:

Just wondering how common this is. I had tTg-IgA and gliandin IgA tested and they both came back at 2, which is without a doubt a “negative result.” However my IgA was 48, the lab cited 79-335 as “normal” and flagged me as low. My PCP said the test shows no celiac, I had already googled and discovered the low IgA situation so I asked her about testing IgG and she said it wasn’t necessary. 

 

Is my IgA just not low enough? I obviously make the antibody just not at a normal level. 

Has anyone else been told this, if so did you push for further testing or get a second opinion? I’m mostly trying to just rule some things out, my son has EoE so it’s not totally unlikely im suffering from something more than IBS. Thanks!

Your total IGA is not too low for Celiac testing.  The test range isn't specific to Celiac.

"Any level of IgA above 20 mg/dl should make the tTG-IgA test valid, regardless of age."

Open Original Shared Link

 

Edited by kareng
cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
(edited)

Your Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is low or below range, but it is enough to determine if the celiac tests work.  It would have to be close to zero.    So, two negatives is probably correct.  However, some celiacs are seronegative.  Some, like me, do not test positive to all the celiac tests (DGP, TTG and EMA).  (I test positive to only the DGP).  Some people at the time of testing might gluten free or gluten light.  In those cases, an endoscopy may be ordered.  

Do you have any deficiencies like low iron or B-12?  That can also help determine a celiac diagnosis.  Or do you already have another autoimmune disorder, like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or autoimmune diabetes?  

I am sorry to hear about your son suffering;g from EOE.  

Edited by cyclinglady
Runningyogi Rookie
Runningyogi
Posted
  • Author
41 minutes ago, cyclinglady said:

Your Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is low or below range, but it is enough to determine if the celiac tests work.  It would have to be close to zero.    So, two negatives is probably correct.  However, some celiacs are seronegative.  Some, like me, do not test positive to all the celiac tests (DGP, TTG and EMA).  (I test positive to only the DGP).  Some people at the time of testing might gluten free or gluten light.  In those cases, an endoscopy may be ordered.  

Do you have any deficiencies like low iron or B-12?  That can also help determine a celiac diagnosis.  Or do you already have another autoimmune disorder, like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or autoimmune diabetes?  

I am sorry to hear about your son suffering;g from EOE.  

I suffered from low iron for a few years but then had an IUD placed and my iron levels have been normal since.  No other autoimmune that I know of. Just a long history of IBS. 

Thanks for your help! 

GFinDC Veteran
GFinDC
Posted

I think they say that around 5% of people with celiac disease also have low IgA production.  I'd try another doctor for the complete celiac panel.  There are other antibodies they can test and you might show up positive on one of them.  Maybe search for local celiac support group and ask them for a doctor recommendation.

Runningyogi Rookie
Runningyogi
Posted
  • Author
12 hours ago, GFinDC said:

I think they say that around 5% of people with celiac disease also have low IgA production.  I'd try another doctor for the complete celiac panel.  There are other antibodies they can test and you might show up positive on one of them.  Maybe search for local celiac support group and ask them for a doctor recommendation.

 

Thank you! I am seeing lots of conflicting info on low IgA and how it affects the testing. It’s also difficult because when I search most results are for IgA deficiency and not low IgA (deficiency is the close to zero result from what I understand)

i did find a couple of sites that mentioned low IgA specifically and did say to check the IgG, but at this point I feel like a hypochondriac chasing a diagnosis. 

Anyway, thanks for your help everyone. I have a GI appointment next month so I just need to decide if I should trial myself off gluten before hand or wait on the off chance he wants to run another test. I’m just kind of sick of being sick and I’ve felt better off gluten in the past. (I was off gluten due to nursing my wheat, barley and rye allergic son for almost two years)

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted
1 hour ago, Runningyogi said:

 

Anyway, thanks for your help everyone. I have a GI appointment next month so I just need to decide if I should trial myself off gluten before hand or wait on the off chance he wants to run another test. I’m just kind of sick of being sick and I’ve felt better off gluten in the past. (I was off gluten due to nursing my wheat, barley and rye allergic son for almost two years)

Please wait to go gluten free as if you go gluten free now the doctor won't be able to test you for celiac.  If your son is 'allergic' to wheat, rye and barley it sounds like he may be celiac. Your being diagnosed could help him as well as yourself.

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

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Runningyogi Rookie
Runningyogi
Posted
  • Author
55 minutes ago, ravenwoodglass said:

Please wait to go gluten free as if you go gluten free now the doctor won't be able to test you for celiac.  If your son is 'allergic' to wheat, rye and barley it sounds like he may be celiac. Your being diagnosed could help him as well as yourself.

He actually outgrew the wheat allergy! Hooray!  He has traditional, IgE mediated, food allergies. He's still allergic to barley and rye.

I think it's probably best to leave the gluten in just in case, even though it really looks like celiac is not what I have. 

erika1petrus Newbie
erika1petrus
Posted

Hello ? I have low IgA. My doctor said that IgA is the immune protein that keeps one from getting sinus infections & breaks down gluten & dairy in the gut. With low IgA, a celiac test will come back with a “false positive”. I was told to treat myself as if I have celiac disease & that the consequences of eating gluten are the same. I am never supposed to eat gluten or dairy. Hope this helps!

tessa25 Rising Star
tessa25
Posted
21 minutes ago, erika1petrus said:

With low IgA, a celiac test will come back with a “false positive”

Low IGA can cause TTG IGA and DGP IGA celiac tests to show a false negative.

Welcome to the forum!

Runningyogi Rookie
Runningyogi
Posted
  • Author
4 hours ago, tessa25 said:

Low IGA can cause TTG IGA and DGP IGA celiac tests to show a false negative.

Welcome to the forum!

Thanks! It’s interesting because the link someone shared above says as long as the IgA is over 20 the test is accurate but I’ve read annecdotal stuff suggesting otherwise. 

cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted
39 minutes ago, Runningyogi said:

Thanks! It’s interesting because the link someone shared above says as long as the IgA is over 20 the test is accurate but I’ve read annecdotal stuff suggesting otherwise. 

That link is pretty spot on.  The University of Chicago is a leading celiac research center.  We are discussing testing for celiac disease (used as a control test) and not issues with a low Immunoglobulin A and the health issues that arise from that. 

Some celiacs are seronegative period (rare).   If you think your IgA results are incorrect, then ask for the IgG test versions.   If you  and your GI strongly suspect celiac disease, your GI should order an endoscopy.  

You should remain on gluten until all testing for celiac disease is complete.  Since your GI appointment is just a month away, I would advise sticking to a full gluten diet.  Some research centers advise 2 to 4 weeks prior to an endoscopy.  We have seen too many members who just did 2 weeks and then received a negative biopsy result.  Was it because their bodies were slow to generate antibodies and two weeks was just not long enough?  Who knows?  Now they are in diagnostic limboland.  Use the more conservative number, would be my non-medical advice.  

Keep in mind, that sometimes we jump to conclusions with out all the facts.  I could have sworn my niece had celiac disease.  Turns out it was Crohn’s.  I could have sworn I had active celiac disease with my symptoms and an elevated celiac antibodies.  My recent repeat endoscopy revealed healthy villi.    My  current issues were with a new diagnosis — Chronic Autoimmune Gastritis. 

Runningyogi Rookie
Runningyogi
Posted
  • Author

Yeah sorry wasn’t trying to insinuate that the link was wrong. Also, i don’t have any strong feelings that I have celiac. I don’t know WHAT I have unfortunately! I was just trying to rule it out and then I had the low IgA which led to me to researching that and I was curious if that was indicative of something yadda yadda...I fell down an Internet rabbit hole. Lol

  • 3 months later...
pupppy Apprentice
pupppy
Posted

You have iga deficiency... it's called partial iga deficiency. Anything under the range is iga deficient and can invalidate the iga test. According to mayoclinic's algorithm they are supposed to run the igg tests so you are right. I don't know what that other link is saying, but I think you are right

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

pupppy Apprentice
pupppy
Posted

 

On 4/12/2018 at 3:45 PM, cyclinglady said:

Your Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is low or below range, but it is enough to determine if the celiac tests work.  It would have to be close to zero.    So, two negatives is probably correct.  However, some celiacs are seronegative.  Some, like me, do not test positive to all the celiac tests (DGP, TTG and EMA).  (I test positive to only the DGP).  Some people at the time of testing might gluten free or gluten light.  In those cases, an endoscopy may be ordered.  

Do you have any deficiencies like low iron or B-12?  That can also help determine a celiac diagnosis.  Or do you already have another autoimmune disorder, like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or autoimmune diabetes?  

I am sorry to hear about your son suffering;g from EOE.  

You're wrong. Partial iga deficiency is still iga deficiency and the doctor is supposed to run igg tests. 

pupppy Apprentice
pupppy
Posted
On 4/12/2018 at 3:42 PM, kareng said:

Your total IGA is not too low for Celiac testing.  The test range isn't specific to Celiac.

"Any level of IgA above 20 mg/dl should make the tTG-IgA test valid, regardless of age."

Open Original Shared Link

 

You and your link are wrong. Algorithms for testing state that if iga is out of range they should test for igg.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Scott Adams
      0

      Why Celiac Diagnosis Still Takes Years—and How to Change That

    2. JoJo0611
      - JoJo0611 posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      Awaiting Biopsy results

      I have had my endoscopy this morning with biopsies. My consultant said that it looked like I did have coeliac disease from what he could see. I now have to wait 3 weeks for the biopsy results. Do I continue eating gluten till my follow appointment in three weeks.
    3. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to emzie's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Stomach hurts with movement

      Hi @emzie and welcome to the forum. Perhaps could be residual inflammation and bloating that is causing sensitivity in that area. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2013 and I remember some years ago my sister telling me around that time that she had a lady in her church, also a coeliac, who had real pain when she turned her torso in a certain...
    4. emzie
      - emzie posted a topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Stomach hurts with movement

      Hi! One of the usual symptoms I have with a gluten flare up has deviated a bit and I thought I'd search for advice/opinions here. Also to see if anyone goes through similar stuff. Monday all of a sudden I got really bad pain in my stomach (centre, right under the chest, where the duodenum would be located). I ended up having to throw up for 2 hours, my body...
    5. Flash1970
      - Flash1970 replied to Ginger38's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      3

      Shingles - Could It Be Related to Gluten/ Celiac

      Hi. So sorry to hear about your shingles. There is a lidocaine cream that you can get at Walmart that will help numb the pain. That's what I used for mine. It can't be put near your eyes or in your ears. I hope your doctor gave you valacyclovir which is an antiviral. It does lessen the symptoms. If it is in your eyes, see an ophthalmologist. They have...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,455
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    jscal6
    Newest Member
    jscal6
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • JoJo0611
      Awaiting Biopsy results

      By JoJo0611 · Posted

      I have had my endoscopy this morning with biopsies. My consultant said that it looked like I did have coeliac disease from what he could see. I now have to wait 3 weeks for the biopsy results. Do I continue eating gluten till my follow appointment in three weeks.  
    • cristiana
      Stomach hurts with movement

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi @emzie and welcome to the forum. Perhaps could be residual inflammation and bloating that is causing sensitivity in that area.  I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2013 and I remember some years ago my sister telling me around that time that she had a lady in her church, also a coeliac, who  had real pain when she turned her torso in a certain direction whilst doing exercises, but otherwise was responding well to the gluten-free diet. As far as I know is still the picture of health. I often end up with pain in various parts of my gut if I eat too much rich food or certain types of fibre (for some reasons walnuts make my gut hurt, and rice cakes!) and and as a rule, the pain usually hangs around for a number of days, maybe up to a week.   When I bend over or turn, I can feel it.  I think this is actually due to my other diagnosis of IBS, for years I thought I had a rumbling appendix but I think it must have just been IBS.  Reading the experiences of other sufferers, it seems quite typical.  Sensitized gut, build up of gas - it stands to reason that the extra pressure of turning can increase the pain. When I am glutened I get a burning, gnawing pain in my stomach on and off for some days - it isn't constant, but it can take up a few hours of the day.  I believe this to be gastritis, but it seems to hurt irrespective of movement.   Anyway, you are doing the right thing to seek a professional opinion, though, so do let us know how you get on.   Meanwhile, might I suggest you drink peppermint tea, or try slices of fresh ginger in hot water? A lot of IBS sufferers say the former is very helpful in relieving cramps, etc, and the latter is very soothing on the stomach. Cristiana
    • emzie
      Stomach hurts with movement

      By emzie · Posted

      Hi! One of the usual symptoms I have with a gluten flare up has deviated a bit and I thought I'd search for advice/opinions here. Also to see if anyone goes through similar stuff. Monday all of a sudden I got really bad pain in my stomach (centre, right under the chest, where the duodenum would be located). I ended up having to throw up for 2 hours, my body was trying to get rid of something from all sides and it was just horrible. Since then I havent been nauseous anymore at all, but the pain has stayed and it always worsens the moment i start moving. The more I move the more it hurts, and when i rest longer it seems to dissapear (no movement). I've had this before, but years ago I think around when I first got diagnosed with coeliac, where each time I moved, my stomach would hurt, to the point where I went to the ER because doctors got freaked out. That only lasted 1 night though, and Now it's already wednesday, so 3 days since then, but the pain persists and remains leveled. it doesn't get crazy intense, but it's still uncomfortable to the point I cant really go out because Im afraid itll turn into a giant flare up again. I couldn't think of where I could possibly have been glutened at this bad of a level and why it hasn't passed yet. I went to the GP, and as long as I have no fever and the pain isnt insane then its fine which I havent had yet. Tomorrow im also seeing a gastroenterologist specialized in IBS and coeliac for the first time finally in years, but I thought I'd ask on here anyway because it still hasnt dissapeared. It also hurts when someone presses on it. Maybe it's just really inflamed/irritated. I'm just frustrated because I'm missing out on my uni lectures and I do a sports bachelor, so I can't get behind on stuff & next to that i'm also going to go to the beach with my boyfriend's family this weekend: ( 
    • Flash1970
      Shingles - Could It Be Related to Gluten/ Celiac

      By Flash1970 · Posted

      Hi. So sorry to hear about your shingles. There is a lidocaine cream that you can get at Walmart that will help numb the pain.  That's what I used for mine. It can't be put near your eyes or in your ears. I hope your doctor gave you valacyclovir which is an antiviral.  It does lessen the symptoms. If it is in your eyes,  see an ophthalmologist.  They have an antiviral eye drop that can be prescribed.  Shingles in the eye could cause blindness.  I was unsure whether you have celiac or not.  If you do,  follow the diet.  I believe that extra stress on your body does affect everything. Shingles can recur. If you start getting the warning signs of nerves tingling,  see the dr and start taking the valacyclovir to prevent a breakout. If I sound technical,  I am a retired pharmacist. 
    • Scott Adams
      celiac disease and braces

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      You are right to be proactive, as research does indicate that individuals with celiac disease can have a higher predisposition to enamel defects, cavities, and periodontal issues, even with excellent oral hygiene. While many people with celiac successfully undergo orthodontic treatment without complication, your caution is valid. It may be beneficial to seek a consultation with an orthodontist who is familiar with managing patients with autoimmune conditions or who is willing to collaborate with your daughter's gastroenterologist or a periodontist. They can perform a thorough assessment of her current oral health, discuss your specific concerns about recession and decay, and create a tailored hygiene plan. This second opinion could provide a clearer risk-benefit analysis, helping you decide if addressing the cosmetic concern of the lower teeth is worth the potential risks for your daughter, especially if they are not currently affecting function or her confidence. 
×
×
  • 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.