Is a Total Serum IgA test a celiacs test ?

[Pollyannna]

Hi everyone, I have akways been glutin sensative but due to other unexplained problems (that could be explained if The test is positive) I decided to ask my doctor for a celiacs test.

The only results I have back is the Total Serum IgA which is normal. Is that it or should I be waiting for more results from my blood ?

Any info or advice please as I dont want to ring the docs & ask the receptionist.

Thanks

[Cooper27]

There should be a second test to check for IGA deficiency, which checks you haven't had a false negative.

Coeliac UK have lots of info on tests if you need something to show your GP

[Pollyannna in reply to Cooper27]

Thanks I will go and have a read.

My IgA results are middle of the scale, but Im still convinced that I am.

[Cooper27 in reply to Pollyannna]

Were you eating gluten prior to the test?

You could also have non-coeliac wheat sensitivity, which gives very similar symptoms.

[Pollyannna in reply to Cooper27]

I was eating mainly oats daily and wholemeal bread twice a week prior but I did have hot cross buns the day before, which made me poorly.

I have continued to have white flour in my diet just in case of biopsy but Im just getting worse so need to give it up soon

[Cooper27 in reply to Pollyannna]

You need to eat gluten consistently, at least twice a day (e.g. toast for breakfast and a couple of biscuits for an afternoon snack) for 6 weeks prior to being tested or you can get a false negative. Oats aren't a gluten containing food unfortunately, they just have a protein similar to gluten that some coeliacs cross-react to, so we can't count them.

If you were only eating toast twice a week, you were potentially not consuming enough to cause raised antibodies for the test.

[Pollyannna in reply to Cooper27]

Thank you for you information, I have now started my 6 weeks intake and have done 1 week so far, however I’m not sure I can do 6 weeks, I cant keep off the toilet, any tips much appreciated.

[Cooper27 in reply to Pollyannna]

Unfortunately there aren't any tips to help with this stage I've asked coeliac UK/gastroenterologists, and there's nothing they can suggest. A lot of people have to give up on the gluten challenge and live with not knowing unfortunately

[Pollyannna in reply to Cooper27]

Thanks 😊

[Pollyannna]

Thanks I will call the docs & explain that I made a mistake.

I’m sure it will go down well, i may have to find a private clinic & pay for one