I seem to be having a problem inserting quotes. Anyway, Leah wrote:
"Before you spend the money to get the Enterolab tests, please ask your doctor to blood test your IgA antibody level. I made the mistake of paying $700 for the Enterolab tests only to find out that I am IgA deficient. I don't produce any. Since IgA levels is what is looked for in these tests, I got no answers "
My last test was in 2004. Negative was anything below 20.
Antigliadin AB IGG 3.9
Antigliadin AB IGA 7.6
Endomysium AB IGA 4.8
Is that a high enough level to do Enterolab testing? I really want the test, but I don't want to risk wasting my money.
Should I get a new Antigliadin AB IGA level first. Could it have changed since then? I have had watery D since 2003.
Budesonide is helping, but I really want to focus on diet. Still having too many episodes of D if I try to lower my dose of meds. Also having too many days when I have abdominal pain all afternoon after having lunch (pain usually starts about 1-2 hours after eating). All of this in spite of trying to be lactose free, gluten free, and soy free for two and a half months. I am really getting discouraged. Am now ready to order this test if my IgA antibody level is high enough.
Anti Gliadin AB IGA Levels
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
I just got my results for IgA. I, like you, wanted to know if my IgA levels were normal, since I did not want to shell out the fees for Enterolab if the IgA levels were deficient. The test came back within normal range, so I will order Enterolab. I would suggest to anyone who feels like they might be IgA deficient, to get the blood test. My results came back within five days. Worth waiting for, especially when most insurance companies won't cover the Enterolab costs and it comes out of your pocket.
Mandy
Mandy
The test results that you listed appear to be blood test results used to screen for celiac disease, and they do show a negative result (for celiac disease). They do not, however, provide any information on your ability to produce normal amounts of Immunoglobulin A (IgA).Marion wrote:So does that mean that my tests are within normal range and that I can get the Enterolab test?
The blood test for selective IgA deficiency is an entirely different test, and doctors typically don't do the test unless a patient requests it.
If you have been on a GF diet for more than 6 or 8 weeks, redoing a blood test for celiac disease screening would be a total waste of time, money and blood. In fact, if you've been on a GF diet for more than a few weeks, the odds are strongly against a valid (positive) test result.
Just ask your doctor to test you for selective IgA deficiency.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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MBombardier
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An immunoglobulin test measures the level of certain immunoglobulins, or antibodies, in the blood. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to fight antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
The body makes different immunoglobulins to combat different antigens. For example, the antibody for chickenpox isn't the same as the antibody for mononucleosis. Sometimes, the body may even mistakenly make antibodies against itself, treating healthy organs and tissues like foreign invaders. This is called an autoimmune disease.
The five subclasses of antibodies are:
Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is found in high concentrations in the mucous membranes, particularly those lining the respiratory passages and gastrointestinal tract, as well as in saliva and tears.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most abundant type of antibody, is found in all body fluids and protects against bacterial and viral infections.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM), which is found mainly in the blood and lymph fluid, is the first to be made by the body to fight a new infection.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is associated mainly with allergic reactions (when the immune system overreacts to environmental antigens such as pollen or pet dander). It is found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes.
Immunoglobulin D (IgD), which exists in minute amounts in the blood, is the least understood antibody.
IgA, IgG, and IgM are frequently measured simultaneously. Evaluated together, they can give doctors important information about immune system functioning, especially relating to infection or autoimmune disease.
Why It's Done
Once an antibody is produced against a specific antigen, the next time that antigen enters the body, the immune system "remembers" its response and produces more of the same antibodies. In that way, checking for the presence of specific immunoglobulins in the blood can be helpful in diagnosing or ruling out infections or certain other illnesses.
Doctors also rely on the immunoglobulin test as one of the tools to help diagnose immunodeficiencies (when the immune system isn't working properly). A person can be born with an immunodeficiency or acquire it through infection, disease, malnutrition, burns, or as a side effect of medications. Doctors may suspect an immunodeficiency in a child who experiences frequent or unusual infections.
Immunoglobulin levels are also used as part of an evaluation for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease.
I gleaned this information from http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/med ... lins.html#. Even though it's a kid's site, it applies to adults as well.
The body makes different immunoglobulins to combat different antigens. For example, the antibody for chickenpox isn't the same as the antibody for mononucleosis. Sometimes, the body may even mistakenly make antibodies against itself, treating healthy organs and tissues like foreign invaders. This is called an autoimmune disease.
The five subclasses of antibodies are:
Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is found in high concentrations in the mucous membranes, particularly those lining the respiratory passages and gastrointestinal tract, as well as in saliva and tears.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most abundant type of antibody, is found in all body fluids and protects against bacterial and viral infections.
Immunoglobulin M (IgM), which is found mainly in the blood and lymph fluid, is the first to be made by the body to fight a new infection.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is associated mainly with allergic reactions (when the immune system overreacts to environmental antigens such as pollen or pet dander). It is found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes.
Immunoglobulin D (IgD), which exists in minute amounts in the blood, is the least understood antibody.
IgA, IgG, and IgM are frequently measured simultaneously. Evaluated together, they can give doctors important information about immune system functioning, especially relating to infection or autoimmune disease.
Why It's Done
Once an antibody is produced against a specific antigen, the next time that antigen enters the body, the immune system "remembers" its response and produces more of the same antibodies. In that way, checking for the presence of specific immunoglobulins in the blood can be helpful in diagnosing or ruling out infections or certain other illnesses.
Doctors also rely on the immunoglobulin test as one of the tools to help diagnose immunodeficiencies (when the immune system isn't working properly). A person can be born with an immunodeficiency or acquire it through infection, disease, malnutrition, burns, or as a side effect of medications. Doctors may suspect an immunodeficiency in a child who experiences frequent or unusual infections.
Immunoglobulin levels are also used as part of an evaluation for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease.
I gleaned this information from http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/med ... lins.html#. Even though it's a kid's site, it applies to adults as well.
Marliss Bombardier
Dum spiro, spero -- While I breathe, I hope
Psoriasis - the dark ages
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Dec 2001
Collagenous Colitis - Sept 2010
Granuloma Annulare - June 2011
Dum spiro, spero -- While I breathe, I hope
Psoriasis - the dark ages
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Dec 2001
Collagenous Colitis - Sept 2010
Granuloma Annulare - June 2011
Marion, as Tex said you need to get the test that looks for the level of IgA you have. Different test. I wanted my daughter to be tested and the doctor stupidly just ran the Celiac test ( eye roll) .
Marliss did an excellent job explaining it All. Not only am I IgA deficient I am also low on two subclasses of IgG. I ordered a medical alert bracelet because I can die if I am given a blood transfusion with IgA in it. Not happy about that. I also was given a pneumonia vaccine and then was re-tested to see if I built up anti-bodies. NOPE! Now I have to get another with some kind of booster. I think I am lucky that I am as healthy as I am considering all of this. Maybe living a healthy lifestyle all this time has helped me :)
Ask for the other test.
Leah
Marliss did an excellent job explaining it All. Not only am I IgA deficient I am also low on two subclasses of IgG. I ordered a medical alert bracelet because I can die if I am given a blood transfusion with IgA in it. Not happy about that. I also was given a pneumonia vaccine and then was re-tested to see if I built up anti-bodies. NOPE! Now I have to get another with some kind of booster. I think I am lucky that I am as healthy as I am considering all of this. Maybe living a healthy lifestyle all this time has helped me :)
Ask for the other test.
Leah
Thank you all! I feel like I have just had a consultation with a team of specialists (and I have)!
Mandy, thanks for letting me know that we share the same concerns regarding ordering the test.
Tex, I am quite sure that my pcp will order the blood test for Selective IgA deficiency. And thank you for letting me know that this test is different from the IgA results on the Celiac panel. I'll be first in line for your book, as there is so much to learn.
Denise, 60 days off of steroids will be the tough part. I feel like I'd have to know the answers as to what I am intolerant to in order to manage 60 days off of budesonide. And if I could manage 60 days without meds, I might not even feel as if I needed the Enterolab testing. How do I get the answers if I am dependent on meds?
The 60 day rule for Enterolab testing sounds logical to me. Just curious as to how many have had the testing without abiding by that rule! How many of you even knew about that rule in order to get the best possible results?
Marliss, you are giving me an education! Thank you!
Leah, you have to be a very rare person being totally IgA deficient. It could become a blessing that you are aware of this and are now going to wear a medic alert bracelet. It is possible that the $700 test with no results could, conceivably, save your life someday. It might be $700 well spent!
Happiness and Good Health to All!
Marion
Mandy, thanks for letting me know that we share the same concerns regarding ordering the test.
Tex, I am quite sure that my pcp will order the blood test for Selective IgA deficiency. And thank you for letting me know that this test is different from the IgA results on the Celiac panel. I'll be first in line for your book, as there is so much to learn.
Denise, 60 days off of steroids will be the tough part. I feel like I'd have to know the answers as to what I am intolerant to in order to manage 60 days off of budesonide. And if I could manage 60 days without meds, I might not even feel as if I needed the Enterolab testing. How do I get the answers if I am dependent on meds?
The 60 day rule for Enterolab testing sounds logical to me. Just curious as to how many have had the testing without abiding by that rule! How many of you even knew about that rule in order to get the best possible results?
Marliss, you are giving me an education! Thank you!
Leah, you have to be a very rare person being totally IgA deficient. It could become a blessing that you are aware of this and are now going to wear a medic alert bracelet. It is possible that the $700 test with no results could, conceivably, save your life someday. It might be $700 well spent!
Happiness and Good Health to All!
Marion
Just ask your doctor to test you for selective IgA deficiency.Denise wrote:Everyone,
I am a little confuse, what test do I ask for? I know I had the celiac testing and I am assuming by the posts my the celiac tests are incorrect for this testing. I do not want to pay for the Entrolab testing if I am low.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Prior to last year, we usually didn't pay any attention to any possible effect of budesonide on the EnteroLab test results. The risk is that it might suppress the immune system enough to have a significant effect on IgA production. In our experience, though, except in unusual cases, it seems to take almost a year (or more) for budesonide to have any significant effect on IgA production, especially for those taking less than a full daily dose of budesonide.Marion wrote:Just curious as to how many have had the testing without abiding by that rule! How many of you even knew about that rule in order to get the best possible results?
I don't recall how long you've been taking Entocort, but if it's only been a few months or so, and especially if you're taking less than 9mg per day, if I were in that situation I would go ahead and order the tests. Your numerical results might not be quite as high as they would be if you were not taking budesonide, but it's very likely that they will still be adequately high to yield definitive test results. IMO, the sooner the better, because if you are avoiding the foods that you want to test for, your antibody levels are going to decline a little every day, due to the diet. Anti-gliadin antibodies can be detected for at least a year after eliminating gluten from the diet, but after several months, your anti-casein, anti-soy, etc. antibodies may decay to a level that may yield a false negative result.
IMO, eliminating those foods from your diet will have a greater effect on the decay of your antibody levels, in the long run, than any effects that budesonide might impose. Of course, that's just my opinion, and I'm no doctor.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Every time I have had the blood tests for celiac, they also do the separate test for IgA to check if the celiac test will give the right result. That seems to be a standard procedure for Aussie doctors. Guess you US folk have to ask!
An IgA sub class deficiency is actually different to a straight IgA deficiency, but they'll normally test the overall as well as the subclasses.
Leah, Interesting to see there is someone else here with an incompetent immune system. Like you, I am IgG and IgA deficient and healthy. The immunologist keeps threatening to give me IVIG, as I meet every criteria for treatment, except the one about actually getting ill.
Lyn
An IgA sub class deficiency is actually different to a straight IgA deficiency, but they'll normally test the overall as well as the subclasses.
Leah, Interesting to see there is someone else here with an incompetent immune system. Like you, I am IgG and IgA deficient and healthy. The immunologist keeps threatening to give me IVIG, as I meet every criteria for treatment, except the one about actually getting ill.
Lyn