Please Help...which Test Is Best

[Guest micah]

Hello,

I've been gluten free since 6/19/07 and very sick since 2/98. Going gluten free has helped some of my symptoms so far...but I think it would be nice to have some information the tests would provide. Does anyone have any suggestions on which is the best test at Enterolab? I'm wanting to spend the least amount that will give me enough information to help myself.

Thanks,

Micah

[gdsaddler]

I used the gluten sensitivity stool test for $99 that is what my doctor recommended. BUt you must be eating gluten for the test to be accurate

[burdee]

The advantage of Enterolab tests is that you DON'T have to be eating gluten for 3 months before the test, for an accurate measurement of IgA gluten antibodies. I tested 2-1/2 months after I went gluten free and still had positive results on all the tests of their full test panel (gluten and milk sensitivity, Ttg, malabsorption and celiac gene test). Blood tests which measure IgG depend on the patient being sick enough that the gluten antibodies leak into the blood. Elab stool tests can detect IgA gluten antibodies which form in the intestines long after the patient stops eating gluten. Reread the test info on the Elab website. I believe they say your tests will be accurate for over a year after you stop eating gluten.

You said going gluten free helped 'some of your symptoms so far'. If you still have symptoms you may still be consuming gluten or you may also have dairy or other food sensitivities. If you can afford Elab's full panel of tests, I'd recommend you order that. That's the best value for your money. You test everything up front and don't have to go back and retest for other celiac or gluten intolerance markers with Elab or other docs. However if you decide to test with Elab, commit to trust the results and their interpretation. It's rather counterproductive to pay money for tests and then discount the results and/or their recommendations.

BURDEE