Are These Blood Test Results Conclusive?

[Katea]

I saw my GP today who presented me with the blood test results as follows (this is all that was tested as 'coeliac disease screen'):

R SERUM IMMUNOGLOBULIN A 1.7 g/L (0.8-2.8)

R S IGA TISSUE TRANSGLUTAMINASE 5.0 u/ml (0-15)

The GP said to me that although I have no 'true coeliac' it does not mean that I have no gluten intolerance. I suffer from bad intestinal aches (sharp and localised pains that 'travel'), bloating and loose stools. I also have asthma and sinusitis and had been taking ferrous sulphate for 3 years to keep my iron deficiency under control. My eyes, and mouth are constantly dry no matter how much water I drink during the day. I think my mum may have undiagnosed coeliac as she suffers from very severe psorisis, underactive thyroid (so does her sister) and constant liver/ gastric problems.

I have seen improvement when following gluten-free diet for the last few days and I had rather immediate and noticeable reaction when unknowingly consumed gluten containing products. I also have sufferred from rather bad withdrawal symptoms of headaches, nausea and disorientation.

My gp is very understanding and she has referred me to a gastroenterologist despite the blood test result. She also told me to stick to the gluten-free diet until I have seen the gastroenterologist.

I have read a lot about the 'full panel' blood test and was wondering, blood test alone, is the above result conclusive?

Any comments will be much appreciated!

[ravenwoodglass]

First and most vital is that you need to keep eating a full gluten diet until you see the GI doctor. If you go gluten free now before the biopsy it will for sure be negative. IF your going back to a full gluten diet makes you very ill that is also quite diagnostic of a problem with gluten. It is called a gluten challenge. You don't need a doctors permission to go gluten free.

[Katea]

I suppose the information I am looking for is it still possible to have positive biopsy with these blood results? I am wondering if there is much point in me going through the procedure if it is clear that I only suffer from an intolerance and Coeliac can be ruled out?

Thank you!

[ravenwoodglass]

I suppose the information I am looking for is it still possible to have positive biopsy with these blood results? I am wondering if there is much point in me going through the procedure if it is clear that I only suffer from an intolerance and Coeliac can be ruled out?

Thank you!

Yes it is still possible to have celiac. There are folks that have neg bloods and still have a positive biopsy. It is possible to have celiac even with both negative bloods and biopsy. You have to be just as strict with the diet whether you have gluten intolerance or biopsy proven celiac. The treatment is the same. Having 'just' gluten intolerance is not an indication that damage is less severe. At times it simply means that the right spot wasn't biopsied or the biopsy wasn't read properly. It can also mean that the gluten reaction is choosing to hit another area, like the brain, before it gets to severe gut effects. If gluten is toxic to you it is toxic no matter what part of your body is being attacked.