Should I Have Gluten Before My Celiacs Blood Test

[Syann]

Hello!

My name is Syann and I'm new to this network. I'm so happy I found this awesome resource!

I'm wondering if anyone can guide me with the celiac blood test I'm about to take. I've cut out gluten since August, so for about 5-months, because of thyroid issues.

I was about to take a Celiacs blood test around that time as well because of neurological symptoms along with a host of other issues including digestive and vision, but it got postponed, because well it's 2020.

I'm now ready for the blood test, but I'm wondering if I should re-introduce gluten for the test. If I've been gluten free for that long will the test be as accurate?

I've contacted my functional medicine practitioner as well, but I would super appreciate perspective from anyone who would like to share. I'm just starting my gluten-free journey and potential celiacs-diagnosis.

Thanks so much!

Syann

 

 

 

[trents]

Your testing would not be valid if you have been gluten free for that long. If you are feeling better after eliminating gluten from your diet, however, that may tell you all you need to know. When all is said and done, even if your testing was positive, it all winds up in the same place. That is, eating gluten free. However, if you are one of those people who need to have an official diagnosis in order to stay on track with the gluten-free diet or if you would benefit from an official diagnosis from the standpoint of medical care or insurance.

[GFinDC]

Hi Syann,

Trents is right.  You would need to do a gluten challenge to get accurate test results at this point.  that means eating at least some gluten every day for a period of time before the tests.  Your doctor can tell you how much gluten and how long to eat it before testing.  Usually it is a 2 week gluten challenge for the endoscopy and 6 to 12 weeks for the blood antibody testing.  Endoscopy often can take 3 months or more to be scheduled.  So you would want to get the endoscopy date locked in first before planning your gluten challenge.