Are These The Right Blood Tests?

[ForTrent9]

My 9 year old had his blood drawn today, these are the tests ordered:

CBC

Comp. Metabolic Panel

FREE t4

TSH, ultrasensitive

CELIAC Ab Panel

Iron

Vit. D -25 Hydroxy

[mushroom]

This is the full celiac panel:

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgA

Anti-Gliadin (AGA) IgG

Anti-Endomysial (EMA) IgA

Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA

Deamidated Gliadin Peptide (DGP) IgA and IgG

Total Serum IgA

It is hard to know what is meant by CELIAC Ab panel. If it is only the tests with "antibody" in its name, it may not include the DGP (a newer test), or the total serum IgA which is an important control for all IgA testing. Can you call the lab and ask them what they consider to be a CELIAC Ab panel? And if it does not include the last two I would ask my doctor to include them if I were you, if it is not too late.

The other tests are a complete blood count and metabolic panel as it says, thyroid function, iron and vitamin D.

[Lisa]

I agree with Mushroom. I, too am not too sure what the Celiac AB panel involves, but she posted the current serologic testing in her previous post. It's a complete series of six test, which speak to each other...for a more definative diagnosis. I would insist on nothing less.

It's also good to be tested for other issues. There could be a common link or this issue could be very independent from a gluten issues.

Best of luck to you with your testing.

[Lady Eowyn]

Hi

Seeing the above tests, I was told by doc yesterday that for a celiac blood test (UK) I would only need to consume gluten for two weeks and that the test is sensitive. Didn't ask which test this is as previously believed that you had to eat lots of gluten for three months which I cannot do. I am self-diagnosed but have DH and no real doubt in my mind, just every so often have misgivings and wonder if i'm just on a fad. Negative results would make me feel so stupid. Does having DH mean celiac blood tests have higher incidence of false negative? I showed anti gliadin antibodies on saliva test which recommended gluten free. Have had DH (self diagnosed but classic case) and Hashi's since teens. Sensitive to iodine - reaction with DH and hypothyroid - and Sooooooooooo can't eat gluten!!!

Feeling very down with self-doubt at the moment - doc relying on useless TSH, reduced dose (thyroid hormone) last Nov and now have lots of old enemies (hypo symptoms) back.

Any advice on tests?

Will ring doc and find out what blood test he was on about.

[Celiac Mindwarp]

My UK doctor said one week gluten challenge, but changed to 6 weeks when I showed her the coeliac UK advice.

We seem to have different tests as standard, but I have yet to get anyone to tell me what they are. Mine came back negative, with no ranges.

There is no need to feel stupid. Diagnosis is a difficult process, and often confusing. Once your testing is done, it is worth trying strictly gluten-free. This is often the best test.

I did this, and my GI diagnosed me non celiac gluten intolerant on the basis of my reaction to the gluten challenge (I bailed after 3 weeks and will never repeat) and response to gluten-free diet.

I feel way better than a few months ago.

Good luck with your journey, ask lots of questions

[Lady Eowyn]

Hi Mindwarp

Been gluten free over 12 months and think a 3 month challenge might be the end of me - would be unable to function. On two weeks with gluten being mentioned by doc, just thought that perhaps it was worth a try for official diagnoses. While I don't need this for myself, I get fed up with the reaction of others giving you that 'yeah, yeah' look - you know the one I mean! - especially the doc!

I mentioned to him about reaction to other foods, soy, dairy, rice, pots ...... he said if I was cutting out foods, including gluten, I was bound to start getting reactions to them - what does that mean ??????

Feeling in a bad place at the moment - so am probably best ignored .

[Celiac Mindwarp]

Hi, I think we just need to keep asking questions and following our guts (ha ha). I am finding working out the other intolerances extremely difficult. I would say stick around, not sure being ignored is the way to go.

I did have a test at 3 weeks, though it was negative. If you have already started eating gluten, maybe do the 2 weeks and get the test. Personally, I wouldn't do it again now.

I was upset when I got a negative for celiac. I am keeping going with the non celiac gluten intolerance. I think because I take it seriously, other people do, mostly. I think we just gotta keep going. I had a bad day today, but coming here and knowing I am not alone helps.

Sending hugs Mw