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Do You Need To Start Eating Gluten For Enterolab Tests?

Anise

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Anise Rookie
Anise
Posted

Hi all... (waves)

I'm a brand new newbie! Happy to be here with all y'all. I had a question about the best way to eat before taking the Enterolab tests. I've been on a gluten free diet for just one week and the difference is AMAZING. I just ordered the tests (can't remember exactly which ones... the $250.00 package.) Should I go back to eating gluten right now so that the correct results will be most likely to show up? It says on the Enterolab website that you don't need to, but then I saw somewhere else that you should (for these tests, not talking about the blood tests.)I hate to do it, but if it's necessary I think I'd better. I was certainly eating enough of it before, though!

Cathy

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Corkdarrr Enthusiast
Corkdarrr
Posted

Where did you see that you need to eat gluten prior to an Enterolab test? I've never seen that - their website states pretty clearly that you need not eat gluten, and that the test is more accurate if you stay on your current diet rather than changing things around.

That's one reason that the test makes everyone so happy around here - no need for a painful gluten challenge!

Maybe someone else has seen the same info you did and will chime in? But as far as I know, there is absolutely no reason to start eating gluten again for an Enterolab test. Especially if you're feeling so much better!

Welcome to the board - you will find an incredible wealth of knowledge here. I have been gluten-free for almost 3 months, and I don't know where I'd be if I wasn't able to search and post random questions that happen to come up througout the course of a day.

-Courtney

burdee Enthusiast
burdee
Posted

Enterolab says their tests are sensitive enough to detect antibodies in stool samples up to 2 years after someone stops eating gluten. Usually new celiacs have enough 'slips' or accidental gluten, that the sample has plenty. I sent my sample almost 3 months after I stopped eating gluten. I STILL had a positive test. Unless you have absolutely abstained from gluten for over a year, I suspect your body will still have enough gluten antibodies for their tests. See this link at the Enterolab site for information about the tests: Open Original Shared Link That specifically says you don't need to reintroduce gluten into your diet. However, if you're uncertain you can always call or email Enterolab your questions.

BURDEE

AndreaB Contributor
AndreaB
Posted

Welcome! :D

You do not need to be eating gluten for enterolab tests. I was very gluten light for 1 1/2 months when I did the test.

You will find a lot of information on this site and a lot of kind, caring people.

Please, if you will, let us know your results after you get them back.

Anise Rookie
Anise
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for all the replies! :)

I'll definitely post the results once I get them... it'll be a while, since I just sent off for the test. Does it actually take 3 weeks to get the results back?

It was a PAIN to spend the money, but I felt that I needed to at least find out. I already have a restricted diet and having to ALSO cut out gluten would be fairly horrifying, so I felt that I had to have some testing done before deciding to do it long term. HOWEVER, I'm at the point where I'll eat one rice cake per day while standing on my head and whistling the 1812 Overture if that's the only thing that will work. :P

I've done the elimination diet in the past, so I know that identifying and getting rid of problem foods really does work. If this encourages anybody... I used to have terrible candida problems, and since cutting out sugar (and ALL sweeteners except stevia) 100% (which was a long, miserable process,) as well as all caffeine, I have had no flareups in several years.

Anyway... I'll be sure to keep y'all posted...

  • 4 weeks later...
Anise Rookie
Anise
Posted
  • Author

UPDATE:

The Enterolab tests came back positive; the blood tests (from my GI specialist) came back negative. My Dr. wants to do an endoscopy. The only PROBLEM is that it's $2300 and insurance will not cover ONE CENT. ADVICE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!

AndreaB Contributor
AndreaB
Posted

If you are satisfied with the enterolab results there is absolutely no reason to do the biopsy/enoscopy. Some people have reported difficulty with insurance with a positive celiac diagnosis on their records.

Although it really is up to you, depends on what "proof" you want. Enterolab is reliable as far as many are concerned.

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      You really saved me as I was on day 4 of 3 g per day for 6 weeks. Thank you very much!
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      Hey there, You mentioned that current guidelines recommend to eat the equivalent of 4-6 slices of wheat bread for several weeks. Is it ok to do less for a longer period of time, for example 2 slices for 6 weeks? Also, does this recommendation apply to blood tests as well as the biopsy, or do they each have different timelines? Thanks in advance!
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