Doctor Vs. Test Results

[brizzo]

Just a quick question to anyone who wants to answer. I got enterolab results back and they where positive. I told my doc and he wants to do a blood test for celiac. only problem is that I have been on a gluten-free diet for 2 months now. Am I wasting my time doing the blood test. Will it show a false negative?

[AndreaB]

I have read that the blood work wouldn't be reliable outside of even a few weeks, unless you had a lot of damage. You're numbers are low like mine. I was gluten lite when I did the enterolab tests and opted out of getting bloodwork done.

Really, it's up to you, whether you want to go through with it for a possible false negative. I had allergy/intolerance testing done before enterolab so I knew I was moderately intolerant to begin with.

[LKelly8]

I think after two months gluten-free you're pushing it - but then again doctors routinely test patients who've been gluten-free six months to a year for refractory sprue and/or compliance.

So if you do get tested, and it's still high, then you get an "official" by-bloodwork-diagnosis making your doctor happy AND you know there's something gluteny in Denmark.

[tarnalberry]

Especially with the low numbers that enterolab found, I'd bet that a standard blood test would show you quite negative and wouldn't bother. but that's my own opinion about what I would do in the situation.

[lonewolf]

Have you been officially diagnosed with DH? If so, that's pretty much a clear sign of Celiac.

[Ursa Major]

Have you been officially diagnosed with DH? If so, that's pretty much a clear sign of Celiac.

Yes, you say in your signature you've been a DH sufferer since 2003. If you have been officially diagnosed with DH, then you automatically also have a firm celiac disease diagnosis, and need to be gluten-free for life, no question about it, and no more tests needed.

And yes, it is highly unlikely you would get a positive blood test after two months gluten-free, and I think it would be a waste to even try.

[brizzo]

Sorry, I should probably change that DH thing.... I am positive for gluten sensitivity from enterolab. I have self diagnosed the DH thing because of about a 70% improvement in my skin symptoms with a gluten-free diet.

[CarlaB]

I posted so you could see my Enterolab numbers. Enterolab tests were done in March, 100% gluten-free in December, gluten-lite for three years prior to Dec. blood work, which was negative.

I get a rash on my scalp, too. Much of it looks like blisters. My doc says it's likely from the constant inflammation in my system rather than DH. It's improving now that I'm gluten-free, but my system isn't as inflammed anymore either.