Celiac Testing for My Kids

[ThisGalsGlutenFree]

Hi! I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2014 on the basis of a positive tTG-IgG test. My doctor ordered only tTG-IgA and tTG-IgG tests for me; I tested negative on the IgA test, but didn't have a total serum IgA test, so I don't know if I'm deficient. I didn't have a biopsy, but my life changed dramatically for the better after adopting the gluten-free diet, so I've been satisfied with the  celiac diagnosis. 

I had my kids tested after my diagnosis. Each tested negative then, but now my son has a couple of symptoms that make me suspect the development of the disease. I'm looking for the most inexpensive but reliable way to test him (we have to pay out of pocket for these tests). Does it stand to reason that I could request only  tTG-IgA and tTG-IgG tests for him, since they were sufficient for me? 

Thanks in advance for your insight!

Lynda

[cyclinglady]

If they are very young, consider adding the DGP tests.   Small children, especially toddlers, often do not test positive to the TTG tests.  For my teen, I make sure the entire set of tests are ordered since I only test positive to the DGP IgA (and I am NOT a toddler ?).  

Shop around for lab prices.  Sometimes offering cold hard cash can yield a decent discount.  Everything is negotiable or at least worth a try.  

Make sure your son has been in a gluten diet for at least two months.  I am trying to get my kid retested but I think I am going to have to wait until she is back at school.  Our house is gluten free, so getting her to consume gluten daily has been a hassle.  She does not have serious symptoms (neither did I), but it would be nice to prevent other autoimmune issues (that is based on my own non medical theories).  AI issues run strongly on both sides of our family.  

[ThisGalsGlutenFree]

Thank you for your reply! We’ll shop around and try to find a good discount. I hope that your daughter (and my son) is in the clear!