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Trying To Read Test Results


Crystalkd

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Crystalkd Contributor

I'm asking this because I'm having other medical issues that I'm trying to resolve and maybe the test results aren't being look at correctly or others could be messed up by low levels

I've been gluten-free for almost two years now even though test results were negitive. I got a copy of the results after those test were run and decided to take another look at them. I'm igA deficent by 1 point. I know that this causes the blood test for Celiac to be pointless. My question is this: Given the fact that I have Cerebral Palsy as well what can low igA cause and what other blood test can it mess up.

Also in the Prometheus Celiac PLUS evaluation that is Serology and Genetics does the low igA only throw off the igA part of the test? They also tested HLA-DQ2 which was negitive but DQ8 was positive.

I have come to relize that the doc that ran the tests before I went gluten-free may make up in his mind what he thinks is wrong. He just tried to put me on a anti-depressant for acid reflux. He also found I have a hiatal hernea that wasn't there 2 years ago and a gall bladder poylop.

Thanks guys!


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Lisa Mentor

Doctors now adays feel that most everything is stess related.

Your hiatal hernia can certainly give you reflux.

Crystalkd Contributor

I know I have reflux. I'm fine with that. I've had problems with acid for a while. My main question is what other tests can being igA deffient throw off. And what does testing positive for the HLA-DQ8 gene mean? And does low igA mess with the genetic test like it does the blood tests. I've been tested for many auto immune disorders since and there are still lingering issues besides the acid. It's like there's one more missing peice to the puzzle and maybe it's right in front of my face.

lizard00 Enthusiast

I'm IgA deficient, too. I don't know what other tests are IgA based, but since IgA is an antibody, my guess is it would be specific to immune system issues, if it is used in other testing. If you are not gluten free already, ask your doctor to run the IgG version of the tTG test. It is useful in those of us with IgA deficiency. It's not as specific to celiac as the IgA, but if it comes back elevated, it can be helpful in the diagnostic process. I didn't know about this test at the time, and never had it done.

It doesn't throw off any genetic testing, because whether your are IgA deficient doesn't change your genetic makeup. Testing positive for the gene means that you have a genetic marker associated with celiac disease. It doesn't mean that you will develop celiac, but it can help put some pieces together, especially if you have inconclusive blood tests. My doctor used my results to assess my risk, and used my dietary response to diagnose me.

Your test result from Prometheus should give you your risk factor based on your genetic results.

Crystalkd Contributor
I'm IgA deficient, too. I don't know what other tests are IgA based, but since IgA is an antibody, my guess is it would be specific to immune system issues, if it is used in other testing. If you are not gluten free already, ask your doctor to run the IgG version of the tTG test. It is useful in those of us with IgA deficiency. It's not as specific to celiac as the IgA, but if it comes back elevated, it can be helpful in the diagnostic process. I didn't know about this test at the time, and never had it done.

It doesn't throw off any genetic testing, because whether your are IgA deficient doesn't change your genetic makeup. Testing positive for the gene means that you have a genetic marker associated with celiac disease. It doesn't mean that you will develop celiac, but it can help put some pieces together, especially if you have inconclusive blood tests. My doctor used my results to assess my risk, and used my dietary response to diagnose me.

Your test result from Prometheus should give you your risk factor based on your genetic results.

Thank you. Before the gluten-free diet I had a laundry list of conditions that cleared up almost entirely on the diet but I'm starting to amass another list. It's shorter than the orginal. I was wondering if being low on igA by even 1 point could be throwing other tests off. I'll bring it up with my internist at the next appointment. It's confusing and I want to be on as little meducation as possible. Because the internist is convinced it's Ceilac and a gluten allergy but together he wants my mom to get tested to see what hers comes up with since we think it comes from her side. I'm trying to avoid the mess I ended up in two years ago. I have learned the hard way that seemingly unrelated things can and often are in my case at least connected.

Di-gfree Apprentice

Hi Crystal, Have you been tested for thyroid problems? Hashimoto's, to be specific. I had/still have occasionally acid reflux and hiatal hernia (the latter which I, of course, still have... I imagine - lol). And I think those were symptoms of my Hashimotos (which I was diagnosed with a year ago). You have to have tsh, Free T3, Free T4, and TPO antibodies tested. And, if you do a search, here, you'll find more info about it. Of course, your thyroid may be absolutely fine...

Check out this website, too: :)

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