EnteroLab Testing

Polls relevant to Microscopic Colitis, and related issues, can be posted here, to allow for the collection of data that might help to shed some light on this disease, and it's treatment options.

Moderators: Rosie, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh

Have you ordered any tests from EnteroLab?

Yes, and the test results were definitely helpful for my recovery program.
50
78%
Yes, but I feel that the tests were a waste of money.
3
5%
Yes, but I either haven't had time yet to determine whether or not the test results will be helpful, or I'm not sure for some other reason.
2
3%
No, I haven't ordered any tests from EnteroLab yet, but I intend to order some tests in the near future.
4
6%
No, I haven't ordered any tests from EnteroLab, and I don't intend to order any from them.
5
8%
 
Total votes: 64

Massimo
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Post by Massimo »

Dear all,

I've just gone off entocort 2 weeks ago. Is it ok for me to ask for a test from Enterolab or is it too soon ? I don't want to receive false negative as far as It will be very costly for me to do this test (especially sending from France) :(

Thanks :)

Max
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tex
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Post by tex »

Hi Max,

If you were using it for more than roughly 5 or 6 weeks, it might be too soon, depending on how high your antibody levels were before you started the Entocort. I apologize for such a wishy-washy answer, but if you had high antibody levels (which would probably be the case if you have been reacting for a long time, such as years), then it might not matter. If you had relatively low antibody levels though (which would probably be the case if you had only been reacting for a few months), then the Entocort might have suppressed your antibody levels enough that you might receive false negative results.

I can't recall offhand how long the lab recommends waiting if you have been using Entocort long enough to affect test results. Hopefully someone who has a better memory will see this and post the proper time recommendation.

Tex
:cowboy:

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.
Stephanie
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Post by Stephanie »

If I was to order these test, I know I cannot eat gluten, but is a given that it will just come back with. Egg, soy and milk sensitivities? I have just heard that almost everyone will have sensitivities to these 4. I understand that I may have more sensitivities, so in that case it might be helpful, but has others done this test WITHOUT it coming back sensitive to milk egg, gluten or soy? Thanks!
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tex
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Post by tex »

Hi Stephanie,

We are all different, and not everyone tests positive to all of those foods. If you would like to review some test results for some of us, you can see those results at the following links:

Food Sensitivity Test Results For Names A–J

Food Sensitivity Test Results For Names K–Z

The first member on the first list, for example, tested negative to both gluten and dairy products, but positive to eggs and soy. That said, since so many of us are sensitive to those foods, if someone wants to try to achieve remission without investing in those lab tests, the safest bet is to cut all of those foods out of their diet, because if they fail to avoid a single food that causes them to react, they will not be able to stop reacting.

On the other hand, if they base their diet on their actual test results, then they only have to avoid the foods that show positive test results. That's why so many of us order the tests. It eliminates a lot of guesswork, in most cases.

Tex
:cowboy:

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.
Lucky8
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Post by Lucky8 »

I had to answer no because I am IGA deficient. I would have the tests if it were an option for me.
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carolm
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Post by carolm »

Now that I'm in remission and I look back at what it took to get here, the Enterolab tests were definitely helpful for me, mainly because I had test results to validate my diet changes and it reduced any moments of doubt. It also gave me the data to convince my family that the diet changes were 100% necessary. Those results and advice here pointed the way.

Carol
“.... people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
Stephanie
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Post by Stephanie »

Thanks Carol
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JFR
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Post by JFR »

carolm wrote:Now that I'm in remission and I look back at what it took to get here, the Enterolab tests were definitely helpful for me, mainly because I had test results to validate my diet changes and it reduced any moments of doubt. It also gave me the data to convince my family that the diet changes were 100% necessary. Those results and advice here pointed the way.

Carol
Funny you should mention the Enterolab testing as being validating. About a year ago my daughter-in-law was talking about all the people she knew who were now gluten free, without reason in her opinion. I mentioned my Enterolab results and she said, well that's completely different. I found the testing very helpful too but before I even got the results back I had eliminated gluten, dairy, soy and eggs. The testing helped validate what I discovered experientially. I was not at all surprised by the results because my body had already told me it was true. People tend to discount other people's experiences in favor of "objective" measurements, doctors included of course. I think we need a better balance between the objective signs and the subjective symptoms.

Jean
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Kimelizabeth
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Post by Kimelizabeth »

ldubois7
With all of those food intolerance what to you actually eat on a daily basis?
Kim
GF, DF, Egg Free, Soy Free
Hashimotos Tyroiditis
MC with mixed features of CC and LC
MTHFR gene mutation
jcml12
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Re: EnteroLab Testing

Post by jcml12 »

tex wrote:Hi All,

Another member has asked for an estimate of how many of us use EnteroLab testing. So here's a short poll that will hopefully establish an estimate of what percentage of members use EnteroLab testing, and whether or not those who ordered tests feel that the results have been helpful.

Thanks,
Tex
Tex,
Can you please tell me what exactly I would want to ask to be tested for on the EnteroLab Test? I have not had this done and I know my insurance wont cover it but am willing to do the test to make sure I am not eating anything I am sensitive to. I am eating no grains, no gluten, no soy, no dairy and have not eaten red meat in over a year. I have fish, chicken, eggs, pork (lean) and turkey ok. There are veggis I cannot eat as I reacted when I first started this diet about 9 months ago. There are so many choices for tests I would like to know what you might recommend please? Thanks, Jan
Collagenous Colitis, Benign Cramp Fasciculations in lower legs, Thyroid and High Cholesterol
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tex
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Post by tex »

Hi Jan,

Except for those who are vegetarians or vegans, the most useful tests for most of us are the combination of Panels A1 and C1. A1 tests for antibodies to gluten, casein (dairy), soy, and eggs. C1 tests for antibodies to almonds, walnuts, cashews, beef, pork, chicken, tuna, rice, corn, oats, and white potato.

https://www.enterolab.com/StaticPages/T ... #PanelA1C1

You're very welcome,
Tex
:cowboy:

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.
Hopeful
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Post by Hopeful »

I talked to someone at Enterolab just today to find out if it's too soon to be tested after stopping Entecort. She said there are 2 options. Wait 6 months after finishing pills or get a blood test for total secretory IgA. If IgA tests in the normal to high range, I'm good to go for getting the stool test. If not, it's best to wait for another 4-5 months to make sure the Entecort is out of my system. Keep in mind that I had been on it for 4 years - so make take time.

The logistics are also complicated since I live in NY state - no tests can be ordered from here. I have a friend in CT who has agreed to be my "dropbox" when the time comes. Hope it's sooner than later!
Chris
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Post by HappyBird »

In the UK we have York Lab - I ordered an initial screening but haven't done it yet.

My allergies are well documented and well known. I wanted to do the careening but find it difficult to stab my finger for he initial test. I'm a bit if a baby :oops: I want to do the USA test but it takes a great deal of organising to post hazardous waste to EntraLab in the USA. It's expensive too.
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tex
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Post by tex »

Hi,

You're correct that it's a bit of trouble to ship a sample from the UK, but if you call or email EnteroLab, they will tell you exactly how to do it and which carrier to use to minimize the amount of effort required.

We have found that in general, the blood tests are pretty much useless for detecting the type of food sensitivities that we have in our intestines. For our purposes, only the IgA-based stool tests offered by EnteroLab are accurate and reliable.

Tex
:cowboy:

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.
HappyBird
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Post by HappyBird »

Hi Tex.....

I'm seriously considering sending a sample to EnteroLab, no matter how difficult.

I started the elimination diet a few days ago and stopped the Ketoprofen SR I was taking for arthritis. Things started well on my ten items until yesterday when I took a Ketoprofen SR and added (without thinking) apple purée to my diet. In the small hours of the morning I felt the first pangs of cramps but ignored it and woke up to WD which has persisted all day. It must be the Ketoprofen to blame but can't rule out the apple.

Anyway, my DP is reading your book and researching as much as possible for me. I an't concentrate and feel very listless at the moment. I'm keeping a food diary and trying to keep the fluids going. Is there a recommended list of foods to add fist?
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