Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

New Here...do Test Results Mean I Have Celiac?

Mom2Boys

Recommended Posts

Mom2Boys Newbie
Mom2Boys
Posted

I am working with a new doctor to try and figure out why I am tired and sleepy so much and he ordered a lot of tests. When I spoke to him last night, he went over my labs with me. Based on the Gliadin AB IGG being 38 (a positive result is >17), he said he's almost certain I have Celiac. He said the only way to confirm for sure is to have a biopsy done, but he doesn't think it's necessary. My Gliadin AB IGA was 7 and <11 is considered negative. He also ordered HLA typing for Celiac, but those results aren't back yet. He told me I needed to eliminate gluten from my diet and get tested for additional food allergies. I am hypothyroid and he said that is likely from the gluten sensitivity.

All of the testing is confusing. Is the Gliadin AB IGG a strong indicator for celiac or should there be further testing to confirm?

Thanks for any help!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

I personally would just go ahead and start the diet as your doctor advised. If you do choose to go for a biopsy keep eating gluten until that is done and since there is a chance of a false negative with the endo do start the diet as soon as the endo is done.

JillianLindsay Enthusiast
JillianLindsay
Posted

It's a personal choice too. Some people absolutely need to know 100% for sure that they have celiac disease before embarking on the high-maintenance gluten-free diet. Others only need a positive response on the diet to motivate them to stay gluten-free :) Also you may want to see if your DR is willing to give you a complete Dx (diagnosis) for insurance purposes. Depending on where you live, some people get a tax break on the more expensive gluten-free foods, or a subsidy for groceries, etc. I am also waiting for my HLA typing results. Good luck and welcome to the forum!

Mom2Boys Newbie
Mom2Boys
Posted
  • Author

Thanks for the replies! I just got back from the bookstore with the "Gluten-Free Bible" that my doc recommended, so hopefully it will be helpful and not too technical. My doc was explaining that he likes to rely on the IGG results more so than the IGA results; is this typical? My doc is conventionally trained but takes a more alternative approach to his practice. He was saying that he wants to do more IGG food testing, but most insurance companies won't cover it...anyone know why not? Also, what will the HLA results show?

Thanks so much!! (Sorry so many questions.)

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Here is some information for you:

Open Original Shared Link

This is a great place to learn about the diet. Welcome

happygirl Collaborator
happygirl
Posted

You may be interested in running the total IgA, the tTG IgA, and/or EMA IgA tests - discuss with your doctor.

GFPamela Newbie
GFPamela
Posted

what will the HLA results show?

I think the article at celiac.com, "Ten facts you need to know about celiac genetic testing" by Scot Lewey was really helpful to me. And there are others too. I'm waiting for preauthorization by my insurance company, but I'm still going to have a biopsy after a five-week 'gluten challenge' (after being gluten free for 2 yrs). It would have been easier 2 years ago, but I was not well informed. However, many people are satisfied by the positive effects of the diet, so it's a very personal decision. Good luck.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


momxyz Contributor
momxyz
Posted

The anti-gliadin IgG is considered more sensitive than some of the other tests (it will detect a disease state more often than some of the other tests) but, some consider it to be less specific (it may be positive in disease states other than celiac).

But I wonder if some of the "false positives" are true positives, because if you read long enough on this board, you will encounter more than one person who may have had a positive antibody but a negative biopsy.

I think its really good that your Dr. order the HLA test, and I would read all the info offered by the posters in this thread!

BettyinMD Newbie
BettyinMD
Posted

I don't think companies like to cover a bunch of testing, because there isnt anything in it for them!

If you are allergic/intolerant to a food(gluten) then the cure is to not eat it! <_<

BettyinMD Newbie
BettyinMD
Posted
I am working with a new doctor to try and figure out why I am tired and sleepy so much and he ordered a lot of tests. When I spoke to him last night, he went over my labs with me. Based on the Gliadin AB IGG being 38 (a positive result is >17), he said he's almost certain I have Celiac. He said the only way to confirm for sure is to have a biopsy done, but he doesn't think it's necessary. My Gliadin AB IGA was 7 and <11 is considered negative. He also ordered HLA typing for Celiac, but those results aren't back yet. He told me I needed to eliminate gluten from my diet and get tested for additional food allergies. I am hypothyroid and he said that is likely from the gluten sensitivity.

All of the testing is confusing. Is the Gliadin AB IGG a strong indicator for celiac or should there be further testing to confirm?

Thanks for any help!

Were you already gluten free when you had those tests done? Or does it matter?

I understand that one can be gluten intolerant but NOT have celiacs...are the tests the same I wonder?

I only ask, cause lately there seems to be a few of us with hypothyroid that suspect gluten intolerances, and so Im just trying to learn..I had my follow up appt yesterday, but didnt even get in to see the doc..(logn story)

Keep us posted!! :)

Chuck8268 Rookie
Chuck8268
Posted
I am working with a new doctor to try and figure out why I am tired and sleepy so much and he ordered a lot of tests. When I spoke to him last night, he went over my labs with me. Based on the Gliadin AB IGG being 38 (a positive result is >17), he said he's almost certain I have Celiac. He said the only way to confirm for sure is to have a biopsy done, but he doesn't think it's necessary. My Gliadin AB IGA was 7 and <11 is considered negative. He also ordered HLA typing for Celiac, but those results aren't back yet. He told me I needed to eliminate gluten from my diet and get tested for additional food allergies. I am hypothyroid and he said that is likely from the gluten sensitivity.

All of the testing is confusing. Is the Gliadin AB IGG a strong indicator for celiac or should there be further testing to confirm?

Thanks for any help!

I was always under the impression a biopsy was the gold standard.But maybe that has changed since my Diagnosis over 6 yrs ago.

Chuck

Mom2Boys Newbie
Mom2Boys
Posted
  • Author
Were you already gluten free when you had those tests done? Or does it matter?

I understand that one can be gluten intolerant but NOT have celiacs...are the tests the same I wonder?

I only ask, cause lately there seems to be a few of us with hypothyroid that suspect gluten intolerances, and so Im just trying to learn..I had my follow up appt yesterday, but didnt even get in to see the doc..(logn story)

Keep us posted!! :)

Hi BettyinMD. No, I wasn't gluten free when the tests were done. My doc wants me to go off gluten and then will retest the gliadin antibody levels in 4 months. I've been reading more and I need to give my doc a call. It sounds like other tests are normally used to help diagnose celiacs, but not the gliadin tests I had done. Apparently, the gliadin tests are good for follow-up to see if the antibodies to gliadin (a component of gluten) are going down. I'm still awaiting results of the HLA typing for celiacs, but I think that just shows the genetics that could make one more susceptible to having celiacs. I want to ask my doc why he ordered the gliadin antibody tests and not the other ones mentioned in this post; I'm sure he has his reasons.

I am hypothyroid, too. The doc said that my hypothyroid could be a result of the celiacs or gluten intolerance. I went to this doc because my family MD wasn't really helping much. I've been feeling very tired and my family doc just blames everything on my extra weight. I'm in PA, but my new doc is in MD. I really like him, but just wish he was closer.

Mom2Boys Newbie
Mom2Boys
Posted
  • Author
I was always under the impression a biopsy was the gold standard.But maybe that has changed since my Diagnosis over 6 yrs ago.

Chuck

Hi Chuck. Yes, you are right. My doc is more alternative in his approach and just feels there's no need to put me through the biopsy if he's fairly sure it's celiacs. As I learn more, I may decide to have one done. I know he would prescribe it if I wanted to have it done.

Mom2Boys Newbie
Mom2Boys
Posted
  • Author

Thank you for all the help...I've been reading everything recommended and trying to absorb it all. If I turn out to be gluten intolerant and not have celiacs, what is the difference? Both would require eliminating gluten from my diet, right?

Can gluten be found in things other than foods, like cosmetics, lotions, pills, supplements, etc.? How do you know what is safe to use and what isn't?

Thanks!!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to SilkieFairy's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      2

      IBS-D vs Celiac

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that y...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Amy Barnett's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Question

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid mul...
    3. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams commented on Scott Adams's article in Multiple Sclerosis and Celiac Disease
      2

      Gluten-Free Diet Linked to Reduced Inflammation and Improved Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis (+Video)

      Better to know late than never, and it is too bad they did not test you for it earlier!
    4. Scott Adams
      0

      Koikoi Trading Inc., Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat and Sesame in FU ZHOU FISH BALL

    5. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      8

      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      oh that's interesting... it's hard to say for sure but it has *seemed* like oats might be causing me some vague issues in the past few months. It's odd that I never really connect specific symptoms to foods, it's more of an all over feeling of unwellness after eating them. If it happens a few times after eating the same foods- I cut back...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,322
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Moooey
    Newest Member
    Moooey
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      What you’re describing really does not read like typical IBS-D. The dramatic, rapid normalization of stool frequency and form after removing wheat, along with improved tolerance of legumes and plant foods, is a classic pattern seen in gluten-driven disease rather than functional IBS. IBS usually worsens with fiber and beans, not improves. The fact that you carry HLA-DQ2.2 means celiac disease is absolutely possible, even if it’s less common than DQ2.5, and many people with DQ2.2 present later and are under-diagnosed. Your hesitation to reintroduce gluten is completely understandable — quality of life matters — and many people in your position choose to remain strictly gluten-free and treat it as medically necessary even without formal biopsy confirmation. If and when you’re ready, a physician can help you weigh options like limited gluten challenge, serology history, or documentation as “probable celiac.” What’s clear is that this wasn’t just random IBS — you identified the trigger, and your body has been very consistent in its response.
    • Scott Adams
      Question

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Here are some results from a search: Top Liquid Multivitamin Picks for Celiac Needs MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin Essentials+ – Excellent daily choice with a broad vitamin/mineral profile, easy to absorb, gluten-free, vegan, and great overall value. MaryRuth's Liquid Morning Multivitamin – Classic, well-reviewed gluten-free liquid multivitamin with essential nutrients in a readily absorbable form. MaryRuth's Morning Multivitamin w/ Hair Growth – Adds beauty-supporting ingredients (biotin, B vitamins), also gluten-free and easy to take. New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin and New Chapter Liquid Multivitamin Orange Mango – Fermented liquid form with extra nutrients and good tolerability if you prefer a whole-food-based formula. Nature's Plus Source Of Life Gold Liquid – Premium option with a broad spectrum of vitamins and plant-based nutrients. Floradix Epresat Adult Liquid Multivitamin – Highly rated gluten-free German-made liquid, good choice if taste and natural ingredients matter. NOW Foods Liquid Multi Tropical Orange – Budget-friendly liquid multivitamin with solid nutrient coverage.
    • catnapt
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By catnapt · Posted

      oh that's interesting... it's hard to say for sure but it has *seemed* like oats might be causing me some vague issues in the past few months. It's odd that I never really connect specific symptoms to foods, it's more of an all over feeling of unwellness after  eating them.  If it happens a few times after eating the same foods- I cut back or avoid them. for this reason I avoid dairy and eggs.  So far this has worked well for me.  oh, I have some of Bob's Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot cereal and I love it! it's hard to find but I will be looking for more.  for the next few weeks I'm going to be concentrating on whole fresh fruits and veggies and beans and nuts and seeds. I'll have to find out if grains are truly necessary in our diet. I buy brown rice pasta but only eat that maybe once a month at most. Never liked quinoa. And all the other exotic sounding grains seem to be time consuming to prepare. Something to look at later. I love beans and to me they provide the heft and calories that make me feel full for a lot longer than a big bowl of broccoli or other veggies. I can't even tolerate the plant milks right now.  I have reached out to the endo for guidance regarding calcium intake - she wants me to consume 1000mgs from food daily and I'm not able to get to more than 600mgs right now.  not supposed to use a supplement until after my next round of testing for hyperparathyroidism.   thanks again- you seem to know quite a bit about celiac.  
    • trents
      IBS-D vs Celiac

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @SilkieFairy! You could also have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) as opposed to celiac disease. They share many of the same symptoms, especially the GI ones. There is no test for NCGS. Celiac disease must first be ruled out.
    • trents
      how much gluten do I need to eat before blood tests?

      By trents · Posted

      Under the circumstances, your decision to have the testing done on day 14 sounds very reasonable. But I think by now you know for certain that you either have celiac disease or NCGS and either way you absolutely need to eliminate gluten from your diet. I don't think you have to have an official diagnosis of celiac disease to leverage gluten free service in hospitals or institutional care and I'm guessing your physician would be willing to grant you a diagnosis of gluten sensitivity (NCGS) even if your celiac testing comes up negative. Also, you need to be aware that oats (even gluten free oats) is a common cross reactor in the celiac community. Oat protein (avenin) is similar to gluten. You might want to look at some other gluten free hot  breakfast cereal alternatives.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.