My Lab Results

[Shar76]

Got my Enterolab results today:

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Gluten Sensitivity Stool Test
Fecal Anti-gliadin IgA 6 Units (Normal Range is less than 10 Units)



TEST INTERPRETATION(S):

Interpretation of Fecal Anti-gliadin IgA: The level of intestinal anti-gliadin IgA antibody was below the upper limit of normal, and hence there is no direct evidence of active gluten sensitivity from this test. However, because 1 in 500 people cannot make IgA at all, and rarely, some immunocompetent people can still have clinically significant reactions to a food antigen despite the lack of a significant antibody reaction (because the reactions primarily involve T cells), the level of fecal anti-gliadin antibody can be normal despite clinically significant gluten sensitivity. Therefore, if you have a syndrome known to be associated with gluten sensitivity (of which there are many but mainly falling into six categories abbreviated as NAAAGS – neuropsychiatric, autoimmune, asthma, abdominal, glandular deficiencies/hyperactivity, or skin diseases) or symptoms of gluten sensitivity (such as abdominal symptoms - pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and/or constipation, chronic headaches, chronic sinus congestion, depression, arthritis, chronic skin problems/rashes, fibromyalgia, and/or chronic fatigue), a gluten-free diet may help you despite a negative test.

If you have no syndrome or symptoms associated with gluten sensitivity, you can follow a gluten-containing healthy diet and retest in 3-5 years; or you may opt to go gluten-free purely as a preventive measure. If you have been on a gluten-free diet or reduced gluten diet for many months or years at the time of testing, this can (but not always) reduce your fecal antigliadin antibody level into the normal range despite underlying gluten sensitivity. (Usually it takes two or more years of a gluten-free diet to normalize a previously elevated fecal antigliadin antibody level, depending on the strictness of the diet; however, sometimes, this time period can be shorter, especially if the original value was only minimally elevated.)

For additional information on result interpretation, as well as educational information on the subject of gluten sensitivity, please see the "FAQ Result Interpretation," "FAQ Gluten/Food Sensitivity," and "Research & Education" links on our EnteroLab.com website.

For more information about result interpretation, please see http://www.enterolab.com/StaticPages/FaqResult.aspx
Stool analysis performed and/or supervised by: Frederick Ogunji, Ph.D., EnteroLab
Molecular Gene Analysis performed by: American Red Cross
Interpretation of all results by: Kenneth D. Fine, M.D., EnteroLab
Thank You For Allowing EnteroLab to Help You Attain Optimum Intestinal And Overall Health.
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OK, gang, now I'm more confused than ever. As some of you may remember I only did Gluten because it was all I could afford at the time. But I certainly did NOT expect a normal result.

I have been GF for 3 weeks now, and suddenly I seem to be turning around. Even had some tiny Normans for the last 2 days. I'm going to remain GF, but I guess the confusion for me is, what in the world caused the CC in the first place. (My money's still on well water, but not a lot of money. lol)

Anyway, wanted to share my news and gather any input you may have. :-)



Shar
xoxox

[tex]

Hi Shar,

If you are seeing improvement after 3 weeks on the diet, that's pretty strong evidence that you are sensitive to gluten, despite a negative test result. You may be one of those individuals mentioned in the interpretations part of the test discussion who are not capable of producing normal amounts of immunoglobulin A. That would mean that none of the tests would work correctly for you (including the classic celiac blood tests). They would all show false negative results.

It's difficult to guess what might have triggered the disease, because there are many possible causes. But at least you've discovered that diet changes can successfully control your symptoms, and that's the main thing.

Congratulations on your fast improvement. Do you mind if I add your test result to our collection here?

Tex

[Shar76]

Hey Tex,

Yes, of course you may post my results. I'll go and look, but was wondering if you know, off the top of your head, if anyone else has tested negative for Gluten Antibodies?

I will definitely remain GF because it seems to have helped, and maybe more so, because I actually like the diet. Frankly the thought of a piece of bread or a cookie makes me think eeewwww / yucky right now. (Time to Listen to my body!) Not only is the D resolving but I have more energy and my spirits are many-fold better being GF. Seems a win-win.

As for the cause, that's just me always wondering why, why, why about Everything, but as you said, the main thing is symptom control. I may actually be able to leave the house now, and for that I am grateful. :)

Will keep you posted.


Shar

[tex]

Yes, several members have received negative test results.

Thanks, I'll add your results.

Tex