Enterolab Vs. Blood Test/blood Test Ranges

[GFG]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with Celiac via an Enterolab gene and stool panel in June. I began a gluten free diet at that time.

Because I have two children (2 and 6) we decided to have them tested through the same test. Their results indicated the gene and the manifestation though different for each child (and autoimmune response for one and malabsorption for the other). We have met with their doctor and due to our combine lack of knowledge of the Enterolab method we decided to also get the blood panel since they are still eating gluten. Lastly we have an appointment with an 'expert' we heard speak on NPR who is a lifetime Celiac research physician for kids based out of CU and Children's Hospital in Denver which is near where we live.

Here are my questions:

1) Has anyone done both the Enterolab stool test and the traditional blood panel? If so how did you find the results to correlate or not? I realize Enterolab maintains their methods are more sensitive but I'm anticipating some disconnects and would like to understand the experiences of others.

2) Can anyone tell me the normal ranges for the aspects of the blood panel? Our 2 year old's results are partially in. His Iga is 'normal' but Igg is 40 and out of the range. Also his blood count are borderline which his doctor feels could be related to an intolerance of gluten. Still waiting for the ttg and another I've forgotten. I don't know how to interpret these without knowing the ranges.

3) What is the difference between 'gltuen intolerance', 'gluten sensitivity' and 'Celiac'? Is the end cure for all the same; don't eat gluten?

I appreciate any insights! Toni

[skbird]

Hi! I wanted to respond the the differences between gluten intolerance, sensitivity and Celiac. Basically, gluten intolerance (at least measurable by labs) is the big picture and Celiac is part of that. Celiac is the most well-known gluten intolerance, and then there is dermatitis hepetiformis, which affects the skin. Some people are both Celiac and DH. There are also other forms of gluten intolerance, Gluten Ataxia is one, which is a neurological presentation of gluten intolerance.

I was tested through EnteroLab and I do not have either of the two Celiac genes, however I have two genes that are linked to gluten intolerance and while I may not have damage in my gut, all my obvious symptoms are just like that of someone with classic Celiac. When I first was learning of this, I thought gluten intolerance was a lesser condition, now I have learned enough about it to realize that Celiac is the tip of the iceburg and that other gluten intolerant syndromes/diseases/reactions occur and are just as serious.

I think sensitivity sometimes refers to a lesser reaction to it, but is basically another word for intolerance.

I have both gastrointestinal symptoms and neurological ones (including mood problems - I was formerly diagnosed as bipolar because of my mood problems) which wreak havoc on my life if I have as much as a couple of Tums (which contain unnamed gluten). So treatment for me is avoidance of gluten just as it is for a Celiac. Maybe additional vitamins to cover any shortages I have in my body.

I can't tell you about the differences between the tests as I haven't had the traditional ones done - I went gluten free first and then did EnteroLab 5 months later which actually only showed me as being a high normal level of antibodies. But my dietary challenge is always very obvious so I will never go back to gluten, at least not knowingly.

I hope that helps you some. I'm sure someone else will know more about the test info.

Take care

Stephanie

[KaitiUSA]

Were only the IgG and IgA done on your kids? The full panel with the tTG and EMA and total serum IgA should also be done. The IgA can come back negative if your child is IgA deficient which is seen in some celiacs. This will make an otherwise positive test turn negative.

Gluten sensitivity will not cause the damage that Celiac does but either way you should be gluten free.

[GFG]

Were only the IgG and IgA done on your kids? The full panel with the tTG and EMA and total serum IgA should also be done. The IgA can come back negative if your child is IgA deficient which is seen in some celiacs. This will make an otherwise positive test turn negative.

Gluten sensitivity will not cause the damage that Celiac does but either way you should be gluten free.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually the entire panel you described was done for both the children; only the two tests I mentioned has returned to our doctor. I know you commented on a different post I did awhile ago that tTg is becoming the 'gold standard' for children's diagnosis. I've read that elsewhere as well. We are anxiously waiting the full results! Thanks for your thoughts! Toni

[KaitiUSA]

Yes, the tTG will be replacing biopsies in at least kids diagnosis in the near future. It is a great test. You see more doctors diagnosing with just blood tests then putting them through biopsies too. However, it is still said the biopsy is the gold standard(I personally do not like them...they can rule celiac in with a positive but they can not rule it out with a negative...it is alot more invasive then blood tests too)

Let us know when the rest of the results are in Have either been experiencing symptoms?

[GFG]

Yes, the tTG will be replacing biopsies in at least kids diagnosis in the near future. It is a great test. You see more doctors diagnosing with just blood tests then putting them through biopsies too. However, it is still said the biopsy is the gold standard(I personally do not like them...they can rule celiac in with a positive but they can not rule it out with a negative...it is alot more invasive then blood tests too)

Let us know when the rest of the results are in Have either been experiencing symptoms?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You know they have some symptoms that could be attributed (skin condition in my son; mysterious stomach aches, fatigue in my daughter) or could be explained by other things. We also did a milk allergy test and my daugther is allergic to whey. They tested positive both for the gene and manifestion of gluten intolerance via the Enterolab gene and stool test. Because that is a newer technique and the tolerance of the test are less familiar we decided to do the blood test too. For a benchmark we had my husband do the Enterolab test; he has the gene but not the manifestion (which makes us feel better about Enterolab, that they don't yeild a positive result to everyone tested). We'll see! Thanks for your support and information!