Confused about blood lab results.....

Amooliakin · Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 388 Location: NYC

OK - I finally got the blood tests back from my and my son's tests..... They say we are negative, and that's fine and good. But what else do these numbers mean? And does the word "negative" mean we don't have the gene for Celiac? And if I don't have it but my daughter does then does this necessarily mean she got it from the father's side (in this case the donor's side)?

I would ask all this of the doctor, but her attitude seems to be that she does the first meeting and the endoscopy and then her job is DONE. I can't get her on the phone to save my life.... Rolling Eyes

So here are the numbers. Anyone with an opinion or interpretation, feel free to chime in!

Anti-Gliadin IgG ELISA (AGA lgG) ME 1.5 U/ml MY SON 6.5
Anti-Gliadin IgA ELISA (AGA IgA) ME 0.1 U/ml MY SON 0.4
Anti-Humand Tissue Transglutaminase
IgA ELISA (TTG IgA) ME 0.6 U/ml MY SON 0.7
Anti Endomysial IgA IFA (EMA IgA) ME and MY SON Negative
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Amy - Mom to two kids, one with Celiac, and assorted pets...

The Edifying Conscience · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 3000

1. Unless you requested gene testing those tests probably weren't run.

2. You're right in the backyard of one of the best CD facilities in the country...Columbia and Dr. Peter Green. I would suggest you call them if they might be willing to help you interpret your blood test results, possibly start using their services (dietitian, support group, etc.) and see their physicians. If I was in NY that's where I would go. [I'm so hoping that you're not going to tell me your MD is at Columbia.]

3. There should be normal ranges for each of the tests. Each lab has different normal ranges so you'll have to post them.
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Amooliakin · Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 388 Location: NYC

I did request the gene testing and the first page of the lab pages says that the test was done. I was hoping some of the gobble-de-gook I posted was the gene test. But I guess not. I can call Prometheus Labs in San Diego where they tested the blood I guess. It drives me NUTS that I can't reach the doctor!

The reference ranges are as follows:

AGA IgG <10.0 U/ml
AGA IgA < 5.0 U/ml
TTG IgA < 4.0 U/ml
EMA IgA Negative

The doctor we used is at Mt. Sinai - a good hospital. We got her through my daughter's pediatrician. And when we started out with her we had NO IDEA that Celiac was even a possibility... or we would have gone to Columbia.
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Amy - Mom to two kids, one with Celiac, and assorted pets...

Amooliakin · Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 388 Location: NYC

At the end of the page it also has a number for Total IgA which is 131 for me and 167 for my son.

For that they say the ranges are 8 - 220 if you are under 3 years old, 41 - 395 if you are 3 - 13 years old, and 44 - 441 if you are over 13 years.

Question

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Amy - Mom to two kids, one with Celiac, and assorted pets...

The Edifying Conscience · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 3000

Amooliakin · Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 388 Location: NYC

Yes - I do feel VERY VERY lucky that we went to the doctor we did and that she so quickly diagnosed celiac. Despite the fact that she never returns calls, she was absolutely on the ball when it came to talking with our daughter and explaining the possibilities to us at our first (and only) meeting. She clearly knows her stuff.

I do wish though that either she, or a nurse, or someone at her office would respond to the questions of the patients after diagnosis.

It has to be someone's job... right?

Sigh Rolling Eyes

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Amy - Mom to two kids, one with Celiac, and assorted pets...