Is This The Typical Process For Testing?

[Clarabelle]

Hi,

I completed a blood test 3 times for celiac sprue, and all came negative. I still went on to do an upper endoscopy, and the letter came back with positive results for celiac sprue. They included information about Celiac Disease, what changes I'll need to make as a person with Celiac Diseace, etc. This, to me, suggested celiac disease as my diagnosis. However, in another section at the very bottom of the letter (which I initially overlooked!), it stated that I need to come back for a blood test to see if I have Celiac Disease. I'm very confused because my impression was that blood tests are often not accurate, and the results from a biopsy are much more accurate. So, if the initial sprue blood tests were negative, and the biopsy was positive for celiac sprue, why would I have to go back for another blood test? Is this typical, or am I just not understanding how this process works?

[1974girl]

Did you have the gene testing? That might help some. I know other things can mimic celiac blunting. I just freaked out watching a video from a celiac conference in Australia where the man said if the doctors cut the biopsy the wrong way then he can actually be the cause of the blunting. Never thought of that! I guess a doc could whack off the villi. But the gold standard is still the biopsy or so I am told. However, do your symtoms go away when you are gluten free? That would be a great sign. Just try it and see. I have to take my daughter back to see if her antibodies have fallen so if you don't have those...????? Good luck!

[MitziG]

Giardia and soy/ milk intolerance can cause villous blunting. Was the full celiac panel done before? If not, some of the more specific tests may shed some light. Celiac is the USUAL cause but they probably want to be certain. Villous damage combined with positive bloods or a positive response to gluten-free diet will get you a dx.