Anti-Endomysial Test

[sandy-sas]

Hi Everyone,

I have tried to get this information myself and just haven't had any luck. My husband has been diagnosed with celiac on blood test results. One of the tests was and anti-endomysial which came back at 3+. Can anyone tell me what the normal value is for that test and also what does that test measure?

TIA

Sandy

[ravenwoodglass]

Could you post the names of the tests and their results and reference ranges? We could tell you more that way. Not all tests have to be positive for someone to have celiac. In fact the rate of false negative is pretty high. The last I checked the false negative rate for celiacs on blood tests was 20% and false negatives on biopsy are all too common also. No matter what the test results people should try the diet after all testing is finished.

[sandy-sas]

Could you post the names of the tests and their results and reference ranges? We could tell you more that way. Not all tests have to be positive for someone to have celiac. In fact the rate of false negative is pretty high. The last I checked the false negative rate for celiacs on blood tests was 20% and false negatives on biopsy are all too common also. No matter what the test results people should try the diet after all testing is finished.

Hi,

He only had two tests done. This is how it reads

Anti-transglutaminase IgA 28.0 U/mL RefRange: (<7) (high)

Anti-Endomysial antibody 3+

The second test has no RefRange beside it or normal values. That's why I was wondering what that test was for and what the normal values are. I'm in Canada so the numbers may be different too.

Thanks

Sandy

[nora-n]

Okay, now we see it actually was the EMA test.

Sometimes labs list the tissue trasnlgutaminase test (Ttg) as anti endomysium test, since that one was the well known old test, while it is the newer Ttg test they ran.

But now we see they did both and that means that both the Ttg was high, and the EMA was positive.

The EMA test is done using a piece of monkey esophagus or umbilical cord, and the blood test, and then they ahve to look at it through an electron microscope in the dark, looking for flourescent light in it, which are the IgA antibodies.

There is no range since there is just light or not, and 3 just means strong light.

There should probably be some images of antibodies like that on the web.

The test for DH is almost similar, but it is a tissue sample from the patietn with DH and they look at it in hte electron microscope. There are images of those on the web.

[sandy-sas]

Okay, now we see it actually was the EMA test.

Sometimes labs list the tissue trasnlgutaminase test (Ttg) as anti endomysium test, since that one was the well known old test, while it is the newer Ttg test they ran.

But now we see they did both and that means that both the Ttg was high, and the EMA was positive.

The EMA test is done using a piece of monkey esophagus or umbilical cord, and the blood test, and then they ahve to look at it through an electron microscope in the dark, looking for flourescent light in it, which are the IgA antibodies.

There is no range since there is just light or not, and 3 just means strong light.

There should probably be some images of antibodies like that on the web.

The test for DH is almost similar, but it is a tissue sample from the patietn with DH and they look at it in hte electron microscope. There are images of those on the web.

Thank you very much for that information. I understand it now! I can see now why the doctor walked in and just flat out told my husband he had celiac. The doctor said he would be getting a biopsy next but we have been waiting for a month and a half and have not been able to get in to see anyone. My husband said screw it and went on the diet anyway. The office staff said they were still waiting and that when all was said and done it may be 4-6 months before he gets the biopsy. We're in Canada. I actually went to my own doctor yesterday and asked to be tested myself. My brother also has celiac and I have hashimoto's thyroid and fibromyalgia. Not to mention a half a dozen other problems. About ten years ago I guess I tested positive for ANA antibodies. My doctor said some people do and unless I develop symptoms I shouldn't worry about it, so I didn't. Now I'm wondering if I should have. I asked my doctor if my results are positive for celiac will I have to have the biopsy and she said no! She doesn't do the biopsy anymore because the newer tests are so accurate, she goes by blood tests and diet to start.

Thanks again for that information, I really appreciate it.

Sandy