Help with lab testing

[Bob2022]

Hi there,

I tested weak negative on transglutamise test in September with a score of 4.  I was virtually gluten free at the time and my only exposure was to trace amounts in diet through soy sauce and the like.  I do not eat bread or pasta.  I’ve been waiting for a referral to a GI doctor since then but knew that I would have to eat gluten again for endoscopy, so for the last three weeks I have been trying my best to eat a little more gluten.  I tested earlier this week and all the celiac panel numbers are now lower and I scored a 3 on the transglutamise test, which is negative.  My daughter has celiacs and my sister does too.  Any recommendations on how to proceed? I do feel better gluten free?  Thoughts?

thanks

 

[trents]

Why do you feel such a strong need to get tested? Doesn't your experience and your family history tell you what you need to know. Stop torturing yourself and get serious about eating gluten free!

[Scott Adams]

If you were "virtually gluten-free" at the time of your tests then you would likely get false-negative results, even if you have celiac disease.

Here is more info about how to do a gluten challenge for a celiac disease blood panel, or for an endoscopy:

Quote

"...in order to properly diagnose celiac disease based on serology and duodenal histology, doctors need patients to be on gluten-containing diets, even if they are causing symptoms, and this is called a "gluten challenge."

• Eat gluten prior to celiac disease blood tests: The amount and length of time can vary, but is somewhere between 2 slices of wheat bread daily for 6-8 weeks and 1/2 slice of wheat bread or 1 wheat cracker for 12 weeks 12 weeks;
• Eat gluten prior to the endoscopic biopsy procedure: 2 slices of wheat bread daily for at least 2 weeks;

and this recent study recommends 4-6 slices of wheat bread per day: