Are Test Results Conclusive?

[treyball3]

We just had our nearly 2 year old's stool tested through Enterolab. We are wondering where to go from here- I'm wondering if her results mean that she absolutely has a gluten-intolerance or if the test is not so decisive. I have read mixed reviews for Enterolab's results and the possibility of the test being over sensitive. This is a huge life change and I don't want to make the complete diet changes if we don't have to (although we have for several days since receiving the test results).

Her symptoms are marginal: short stature, loose stools, difficulty sleeping and all around just a "difficult" tempered child.

This is the response that we received from Enterolab:

Gluten Sensitivity Stool Test

Fecal Anti-gliadin IgA 23 Units (Normal Range is less than 10 Units)

Interpretation of Fecal Anti-gliadin IgA: The level of intestinal anti-gliadin IgA antibody was elevated, indicative of active dietary gluten sensitivity. For optimal health; resolution or improvement of gluten-induced syndromes (mainly falling into six categories abbreviated as NAAAGS

[ciamarie]

From what I have heard about at least some of the blood tests, it is very rare to have a false positive. False negatives are about 30% or so. But, since it's from enterolab, I'm not sure how likely it is that an MD would accept those results; unless they were ordered by a Dr.? Have you asked for testing through a Dr. otherwise?

[treyball3]

From what I have heard about at least some of the blood tests, it is very rare to have a false positive. False negatives are about 30% or so. But, since it's from enterolab, I'm not sure how likely it is that an MD would accept those results; unless they were ordered by a Dr.? Have you asked for testing through a Dr. otherwise?

[GottaSki]

Your husband was correct that there are false negative blood tests -- so you had a stool test done that indicates gluten is most definitely an issue for your daughter. Seems like it is time to remove all gluten and look for improvement to confirm the stool test results. I guess you could choose to keep her on gluten and re-test her blood later -- this doesn't sound like a good option to me as gluten could harm her health in the meantime. Many with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance never get a positive blood test or biopsy. Should her stool firm up, her sleep or mood improve you will have a your answer.

I understand how stressful the change in diet can be - feel free to ask questions and search this site to find information to make the transition a bit less stressful.

Good Luck to you and your daughter