Enterolab Questions

[anerissara]

I am thinking about doing the Enterolab test for celiac because I've been gluten-free for 4 months and don't want to go back on gluten again to do regular testing. I'm wondering a few things, first of all will it work with my having been gluten-free for this long? Second, has anyone that you know of had results from them that say they are *not* celiac? (just wondering if *everyone* tested comes back positive to some degree). And, anyone have negative experiences using them?

At this point, I don't think I'll ever go back to eating gluten. But, it would be nice to know for sure that I"m on the right track, and although the tests are expensive I think they'd be less expensive than my going back on gluten and then having to pay co-pays to my insurance when I get sick again. Any advice?

[skbird]

Techincally, EnteroLab doesn't give anyone the "Celiac" result as that usually requires a biopsy to prove and they don't do that. I got "negative" results but had been gluten free for 5 months, react to the diet, and was told I should stick with it. I don't have either of the two Celiac genes, either. But I do have two that are related to gluten sensitivity.

I think it was worth it for me to get the testing done through them. Certainly I would have been negative as well through regular testing, but at least this way I could get a better picture.

I think most people who go through EnteroLabs are positive to some extent as they already know they have some problems with gluten. It's not like it's a random sample of patients.

Anyway, 4 months should be ok - supposedly they can detect antibodies at EnteroLabs up to two years later. I got a 9, with <10 being normal so I was just one away from abnormal. That in part is why I believe I do have detectable gluten sensitivity, not just dietary improvement.

Stephanie

[Matilda]

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