Blood Test Results(20yo): Celiac?

[dfgray]

Hi Scott, I just came across your article regarding blood tests to determine celiac disease and wanted to thank you for writing it so clearly. Today I pulled out my 20 year old test results from Immumo labs and followed along as I reread the article.
 

I was first tested in April 2005. At the time I was told that I’m highly sensitive to gluten and must avoid but the practitioner would not say I had celiac disease without a biopsy to confirm.
 

Based on the information in the article, it looks like there’s a 97% chance that I have celiac disease [here are my results: IgG ELISA test :106 units; IgA ELISA: 135 units; tTG: 251units). The range for all the tests is: <20=negative, 20-30=week positive, >30units =moderate to strong positive]. Am I correct in my assessment? Is there any doubt that I have celiac? I’m not looking for medical advice but I’d love your opinion on this. I have eaten strictly gluten free for 20 years now and wouldn’t ever consider otherwise regardless. Thanks in advance, and thanks again for your article. Dana

[Scott Adams]

Based on your test results (IgG ELISA: 106 units, IgA ELISA: 135 units, tTG: 251 units), all of which are well above the >30 units threshold for moderate to strong positive, there is a very high likelihood—as you noted—that you have celiac disease. While a biopsy was traditionally considered the gold standard for confirmation, your exceptionally elevated antibody levels, combined with your long-standing gluten sensitivity and strict adherence to a gluten-free diet, strongly support the diagnosis. Given that you’ve been gluten-free for 20 years, a biopsy now might not be reliable (since it requires gluten exposure to detect damage). Your assessment aligns with current understanding—many experts would consider these results diagnostic in the right clinical context. That said, if you ever needed formal confirmation (e.g., for medical documentation), a discussion with a gastroenterologist about potential gluten challenge testing (though challenging) could be an option. Regardless, your proactive approach to avoiding gluten is absolutely the right course! Thanks for sharing your experience—it’s a great example of how patient awareness and adherence can manage celiac effectively.

There are benefits to not having a formal diagnosis, for example people with a formal diagnosis may face higher life insurance costs, as well as higher private health insurance costs.

[dfgray]

I appreciate your insights. Thank you