Help! Which Testing Option Is Most Accurate?

[almostnrn]

I am finally forcing the issue of celiac testing for my son and eventually my daughter. I have brought the issue up on several occasions to their doctors and they have dismissed me with stupid stuff like, they are growing well, they look healthy, blah, blah, blah. Well, my middle son has so many non-GI related symptoms I am at the point of flat out demanding it. Now that I am understanding the disease better and have been gluten free for quite a while I can really note the difference in his behavior, attitude, headaches, etc..by just watching what kind of food he is consuming. So which test is my best option to push for? I have read that blood tests can be iffy but is that still the best thing to start with? We are a military family, so I can't just jump straight to a GI doctor or specialist. My gut tells me to start with blood work and then regardless of the results tell him he has it and put him on a gluten free diet to see if he responds well to it. Any input would be GREATLY appreciated because I just don't know what direction to head into!

[happygirl]

Hey Amy:

I would definitely start with the bloodwork, but make sure you have the FULL Celiac panel run, not just the IgG and IgA (as many doctors only run).

You have every reason to have them tested----all Celiac experts recommend that ALL first degree relatives are tested, even if they don't have symptoms. You might also want to consider gene testing for them (so you will know if they have the risk of having Celiac down the road, as they may be fine now, but not later on).

Good luck

Laura

[almostnrn]

Thanks Laura! I will definately push for that and go to the appointment armed with all the information I can find!

[cajun celiac]

I would definitely start with the bloodwork, but make sure you have the FULL Celiac panel run, not just the IgG and IgA (as many doctors only run).

Laura-

What are the other blood tests? I had a biospy done last month and it came back suggestive of celiac so I've been eating gluten free since then and my symptons have gotten better but not completely. I had blood work done last week (I ate gluten for 2 days leading up to the test) and today the nurse told me the results were normal. When I asked her what the name of the blood test were she said anti-glidin, ttg?, and anti-endoyosial? I am sure I am spelling these wrong. I don't know what to think about the results. Should I ask for any other tests?

Thanks

[jerseyangel]

Jillian,

I'm not Laura , but here is the panel--

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG

Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA

Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA

Total Serum IgA