Biocard Celiac Test - Is It Accurate?

[Katea]

Hi,

I have just done the Biocard test and it resulted 'negative'. Can this be reliable?

I have long been suffering from GI problems and was diagnosed with IBS about 9 years ago. Since around 2007 I have also been diagnosed with sinusitis and asthma, for which I receive inhalers and steroid spray. I have also been diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia and have been taking Ferrous Sulphate tablets for about 3 years (as level seems to be stable with them). I have had a rash on my back and abdomen for years. It is not like the pictures of DH that I have seen on the net nevertheless it is a permanent eczma, which is very itchy. I also suffer from dry eyes and mouth though I tested negative to rheumatoid arthritis blood tests this summer (but had higher than the indicated range of aspartate tranferase?).

As the above seem to be consistent with gluten intolerance and coeliac I decided to exclude gluten and started to feel better after a few days (though had a few accidents since). I was off gluten for at least 4 consecutive days last week, had an accident last Saturday (severe reaction including stubbing, open wound pains in my bowel) and again on Tuesday. I decided to eact gluten bread yesterday evening and this morning. I did the test this lunchtime.

Is it possible that the test result may not be accurate (I got the control line appear)? Is it still possible that I may be coeliac but either the test was faulty or the recent reduction in gluten intake caused it?

I look forward to hearing your opinion!

[Lisa]

If you suspect gluten is the cause of your concerns. I suggest a full Serologic Celiac Panel. This is what you doctor should order:

Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) both IgA and IgG

Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) - IgA

Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) - IgA

Total IgA level.

[Michi8]

Biocard has its limitations. If you are IgA deficient, then a negative result on the Biocard test would be inconclusive. Best to have the full celiac panel run by a lab.

Michelle

[nora-n]

About your rash. sounds like DH, because of your other symptoms, and because it is itchy.

If you can get it biopsied during an outbreak, then you are celiac too, officially.

DH is caused by the ttg3 antibody, as opposed to ttg2 in celiac.

The ttg-test does not pick up ttg3, only ttg2.

Gluten ataxia is caused by ttg6, and I have not seen tests for that either.

The biopsy must be taken from halthy skin, as the IgA is used up in the lesions, and during an outbreak.

nora

[Lisa]

DH result as a response to gluten intake and develops on the skin . Celiac Disease results as an autoimmune response in the small intestines. They have many common denominators, but yet are different.

[Totalnewbie]

Hi Lisa,

I am so glad that I have found your post. I have spent countless hours trying to find the best test for gluten intolerance/sensitivity but they seem to be not very accurate.

Would you say that the full Serologic Celiac Panel is my best bet? If the results come back normal then does it mean that I am 100% OK or still there could be some issues that the test did not detect? Are there any other tests that I should take to get sure 100% that I do not have any gluten issues or full Serologic Celiac Panel is all that I need?

BTW is gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivity the same thing?

Thank you very much in advance.

Alina

If you suspect gluten is the cause of your concerns. I suggest a full Serologic Celiac Panel. This is what you doctor should order:

Anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) both IgA and IgG

Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) - IgA

Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) - IgA

Total IgA level.

[Lisa]

Hi Lisa,

I am so glad that I have found your post. I have spent countless hours trying to find the best test for gluten intolerance/sensitivity but they seem to be not very accurate.

Would you say that the full Serologic Celiac Panel is my best bet? If the results come back normal then does it mean that I am 100% OK or still there could be some issues that the test did not detect? Are there any other tests that I should take to get sure 100% that I do not have any gluten issues or full Serologic Celiac Panel is all that I need?

BTW is gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivity the same thing?

Thank you very much in advance.

Alina

Hi and Welcome! Here is some current information for you, which you might find helpful:

https://www.celiac.com/categories/Celiac-Disease-Diagnosis%2C-Testing-%26amp%3B-Treatment-%28Gluten%252dFree-Diet%29/

[Totalnewbie]

Hi Lisa,

I did look at the link and the articles but I do not see any definitive, straightforward info there.

Does the fact that you directed me somewhere else mean that the full Serologic Celiac Panel is not a comprehensive test? What is the best test(s) then?

Also I am still confused if gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity and celiac are the same thing and if the same test(s) are used for all of them.

I appreciate your help in that regard.

Thank you.

Alina

Hi and Welcome! Here is some current information for you, which you might find helpful:

https://www.celiac.com/categories/Celiac-Disease-Diagnosis%2C-Testing-%26amp%3B-Treatment-%28Gluten%252dFree-Diet%29/