The Gluten Syndrome.net.top

Patient Perspectives on Gluten Grain Sensitivities,

Gluten Grain Intolerances,  Celiac Disease,

and the risks of Gluten Challenges for Diagnostic Purposes

(Formerly GlutenSensitivity.net,  www.GlutenReactivity.net)

 

 

 

 Home Introduction History Gluten Grain Sensitivities Primer Gluten Grain Sensitivity Circle Chart  7 Viewpoints Comparison Chart Testing discussion Lab Test Charts

NEW! Medical Diagrams

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More:8 crucial points

    Note: Updated Primer coming Note: Updated circle chart coming Note: Updated viewpoints chart coming

Most likely tests to find postives

 

 

Initial Adverse Reactions to GF Diet

  Services and Vendors

For the latest version of each page on this website click "refresh" on your browser tool bar.

                             Last Updated March 18, 2009                          

Gluten Syndrome Laboratory Test Panels

and

Test Panels which Target Villi Damage only (Celiac disease)

 

Panels are in alphabetical order by Laboratory or Celiac center name.

 

This website has no financial interest in any products or services mentioned here

                                                                                          

                                                                                 

NOTE:  Evidence of the gluten syndrome can be hard to find.  It hides very well often!

Some researchers believe no one test panel covers all possibilities. Gluten can break down into pieces for which there are no tests at this time.  Patients who wish to "leave no known stone unturned" must be prepared to run several types of tests, methodically checking all markers, systems and mediums until they exhaust all known possibilities.  There are several known toxic gluten fractions for which no tests are available at this time.  Research on these markers.

Some researchers also believe that disturbances*** may block the markers for which these tests are looking.   They also believe the body may be too exhausted to even properly process the proteins needed to make very many antibodies. Therefore, if a negatively tested patient still suspects a gluten related reaction, the patient is wise to seriously respect his body's message.

 

Panels on this page test for various combinations of the following known markers, in the following body systems, in the following mediums:

 

                          Gluten Syndrome Antibody Markers                          Body Immune Systems*                           Mediums

 

*Gliadin (a "piece" of gluten)  AGA - Anti Gliadin Antibodies     IgA, IgG, IgM, ALCAT                 Blood (serum), Stool, Saliva

Gluten (Whole gluten molecule - rarely tested - WHY NOT!!)      IgA, IgG, IgM                             Blood

Gluteomorphin (a toxic piece of improperly digested gluten)       IgA, IgG, IgM, ALCAT                 Blood

tTG (tissue transglutaminase - elevation indicates gut damage)  IgA, IgG, IgM, ALCAT                 Blood, Stool, Saliva

EMA (anti endomysial antibodies - replaced by tTG)                  IgA, IgG,                                   Blood

Wheat (whole kernel, to test unknown factors)                         IgA, IgG                                    Blood

Overall Intestinal Function (fat malabsorption)                          Molecule size,                           Stool

Genes  - HLA DQ 2, 8 only -  reported positive/negative                                                            Blood or cheek swab

OR your HLA DQ type is reported

Some researchers also recognize HLA DQ 1 and 3 and others.

Some believe genes are not needed in all cases, and blame toxins, stress and infections as underlying causes due to leaky gut or breached mucosal membranes. membranes)                                                   

                   

Non Antibody markers

Some blood test panels do not look for antibodies.  Instead they react the blood with various substances (antigens), in this case gluten related antigens and look for changes in the white cells or specific white cells called lymphocytes that may indicate an immune response.  These changes may be swelling, granulation, apoptosis, halos, etc.  These tests are controversial.  Professional believe they pick up foods the person eats frequently, not necessarily ones to which they have an immune response.  Some patients believe the test help them identify problem foods. 

 

* Several labs now run "deamidated gliadin" which is considered more likely to be positive if an immune response is present.                            

 

Cross reactive foods                     

Additionally, some labs test for known cross reactive foods and other potentially problematic substances, gluten grain substitutes/foods and organs/tissues most prone to gluten damage due to their similar protein structure.  Cross reactive food include

 

Milk, (casomorphins, butyrophilins) - IgA, IgG, IgM

Egg - IgA, IgG, IgM

Corn - IgA, IgG, IgM,

Soy - IgA, IgG, IgM,

Yeasts

Sometimes coffee, chocolate, and sesame may also cross react..

 

Note: Quinoa, buckwheat, millet and other non gluten grains are now suspected to be problematic for some patients**.  It may be helpful to test gluten substitutes also. Some researchers believe that if the gut is still "leaky" (meaning it allows substances to cross the gut wall before they are sufficiently broken down), the body may become reactive to more substances including gluten substitutes.

 

Tissue damage tests and biopsies

Villi and skin biopsies are used by villi focused celiac specialists for diagnosis of an immune reaction to gluten and to prescribe the gluten free diet.  Gluten syndrome specialists do not use the villi biopsy for gold standard gluten syndrome diagnosis but do use it if there are other reasons to examine the gut.  They rely instead on less invasive organ/tissue function tests to check for damage in many organs and tissues that are not convenient to biopsy.  There are many such tests and more coming. 

 

Brain and nervous system - Myelin basic protein (MBP), cerebellar tissue and neurofilaments - IgA, IgG, IgM

Thyroid - Thyroid peroxidase, Thyroglobulin - IgA, IgG, IgM 

Pancreas - Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase  - IgA, IgG, IgM

Stomach - Parietal cells (B 12 function) - IgA, IgG, IgM

Heat Shock Proteins

DPP IV - Digestive enzyme that breaks down gluten and milk

 

Gene tests

According to most researchers, gene tests are not proof that the immune system presently reacts.  They do indicate a predisposition for gluten reaction.  Celiac focused specialists recognize HLA DQ 2, and 8 for celiac predisposition.  Other genes in other locations are under investigation.  Most celiac focused gene tests do not report the patients actual HLA DQ genes.  They report positive or negative for HLA DQ 2 or 8.  If they are positive some labs will provide which subtype upon request.  These tests can run from $400 - $500 and can be much higher if they are ordered through a hospital or celiac center.

 

 Dr. Ken Fine, Enterolab, Dallas, TX - Dr. Fine believes that if gluten is presented to the immune system, meaning if it slips beyond a mucosal barrier like the gut wall improperly digested, the immune system will always react if a gluten syndrome gene is present.  Dr. Fine recognizes HLA DQ 1, 2, 3, and 8 as gluten syndrome associated genes.  Enterolab reports the actual HLA DQ genes the patient possesses, not just positive or negative for HLA DQ 2 or 8.  They run a 1 part gene test , not the second part for certain DQ 2 subtypes.  Here is an explanation.  This test is $169.

 

Dr. Aristo Vojdani, Los Angeles, CA does not believe a gene is necessary for immune response to gluten but it does predispose.  He considered HLA DQ 2 and 8 only as gluten related genes, but nevertheless he believes TOXINS, in particular, (and stress and infections) sufficient to trigger immune response.

 

 

Additional factors and comments

 

The more markers tested in the most places in the body, in the most mediums, the higher the chance of finding evidence somewhere in the body of an adverse reaction to gluten. There is no guaranteed order of testing priority.

 

Patients who test extensively and become convinced that they are not gluten reactive may develop gluten reactivity in the future, often triggered by stressors, toxins, or infections.  According to some researchers, genes are not needed but can predispose to adverse reaction.** 

 

Some patients go gluten free simply because they believe gluten is not good for anyone due to changes in gluten grains and other health issues today.  Without test confirmation, it is more difficult to establish and maintain a lifelong strict gluten free diet, but some patients will not find confirmation with the incomplete tests available today.

 

The hypersensitive immune system

Some professionals believe the immune system may still be too hypersensitive (runs in "high gear") even on the gluten free diet.  They believe it needs to be "shifted back into neutral" to avoid continued overreaction and autoimmune damage.  Many doctors believe this may involve other lifestyle changes beside going gluten free.  Many patients also choose to reduce or avoid toxins, sugars, grains in general, processed fats and food, electromagnetic radiations.  They switch to more nutrient dense organic, pastured animal foods and sometimes some raw foods, and simplify their lives to avoid stress.

 

    * IgA, IgG, IgM are different parts of the immune system

       ALCAT tests the white blood cell reaction to various substances.  It is not an antibody test. 

  ** Dr. Aristo Vojdani PhD, MT, Immunosciences Laboratories, (researcher)

*** Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD  Disturbances may include emotions and body electric issues in some investigators opinions

 

NOTE:  COMING this year, 2009!!

 

A reliable lab has agreed to put together a "progressive" test option for gluten syndrome patients.  This option runs the most inexpensive and most likely to be positive tests first in saliva and blood.  If those tests are negative they continue to test additional antibodies until either a positive is obtained or they run out of available tests.  In this manner the cost is controlled and the patient need only provide specimens once. 

 

If this progressive test is completely run on a patient with negative results, a stool test from www.enterolab.com is still an option or the patient may react to glutenin antibodies for which no tests are currently developed. 

 

For such extreme negative testing patients an elimination diet may give them information if it is instituted long enough for that particular patient.  How long is long enough?  There is no final answer.  This is not an easy situation , but  likely  rare.

In a high percentage of cases when subjects are tested for additional antibodies in more mediums, many more of of them obtain positive results. (ex., in one practice, 77% of patients tested with a complete panel of available gluten related antibodies were positive.)

 

 

 

                                                                                          

 

Click to go directly to a specific lab

ALCAT Worldwide Cell Science Systems

Chicago - University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program

Columbia - Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University

Direct Lab Services

Enterolab

Genova Diagnostics - formerly Great Smokies Laboratories

Immco Diagnostics

 

 

Immunosciences Laboratories - currently a research lab

Kimball Genetics

Mayo Clinic

Maryland - University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

Optimum Health Resources Labs - (formerly York Allergy Labs)

Prometheus Laboratories

 

This is the only gluten related blood test option
for patients who have been gluten free for a very long time.

ALCAT Worldwide  Cell Science Systems

www.alcat.com     email: info@alcat.com

1239 East Newport Center Drive, Suite 101

Deerfield Beach, FL  33442

Phone: (800) US AL CAT (872-5228)   (954) 426 - 2304   Fax: (954)428-8676

The ALCAT test is a separate type of test compared to the antibody panels featured on this page.  This test does not check antibodies. In this method, white blood cells are exposed to various foods and  substances and the reaction of the white blood cells, such as swelling, granulation, etc., is observed.  Adverse white blood cell reactions may occur for many reasons.  The test process does not indicate why the response occurs or if it is autoimmune. It is only believed by some to indicate that there is an adverse reaction.  It does NOT rule out other types of reactions such as antibody formation or processes science has not yet discovered.  For more information see  www.alcat.com

This test is controversial.  Many professionals believe it is not scientifically reliable and will simply show positive for foods eaten frequently.  Many patients claim the results help them pinpoint problem foods but not necessarily gage the severity of the reaction.

Here is a simple analogy to explain the difference between the ALCAT test and traditional blood or stool tests for IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies. To look for antibodies in the IgA, IgG or IgM systems  is similar to calling in the Army, Navy and Air Force to find a criminal. (See "Stories to Help Us Understand" on the "Testing" page).  The ALCAT method is likened to calling in the National Guard.  It's claimed to be another place to look for proof of adverse response.  As with antibody tests, a positive ALCAT test is thought to be proof of a problem, but a negative test does NOT guarantee the substance is safe since OTHER BODY SYSTEMS MAY REACT.

 

Panels  range from 50 items tested to over 200.  Prices range from $87.50 - $999

 

This lab includes gliadin ( a part of wheat gluten) and gluten tests in their panels.  They also test separately for barley, rye and other grains.  Doctor prescription is not mandatory and arrangements are available for a mobile nurse/phlebotomist to perform the blood draw at home.  Post test counseling is included in the test package.  This is the only blood test available for patients who have been strictly gluten free for a very long time.

     

 

Chicago, University of - The  University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program

Founder/Medical Director - Dr. Stefano Guandalini  

Program Director - Carol McCarthy Shilson

5839 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 4069, Room C-491

Chicago, IL 60637

Phone - 773-702-7593       Website www.celiacdisease.net

UniversityiofiChicago  CeliaciDiseasei

Program's Recommended TestsiSpecificallyifor

CeliaciDiseasei

Mediumttested: Blood

Genettest:iBlood

IgA   x     x   x        
IgD                      
IgE                      
IgG                      
IgM                      
TotalIIgA                      
GeneiHLAiDQi2,,8               x      
DetermineiwhichiHLAiDQ                 

 

     
IntestinaliBiopsyi(villi)                      
IntestinaliMalabsorption                      
SkiniBiopsyiforiDH                     x
Colitisttest((GSipanelialso recommended)                      

      

This panel focuses on celiac villi damage only.

 

     Celiac Disease Screener tTG-IgA (specific to villi damage)     Gene test      Additional options EMA -IgA,  and/or Total IgA

 

This is a panel recommended by University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program.  This is not a commercial lab.

 

There are two major perspectives on the gluten syndrome vs. celiac disease that involve how to test and interpret tests.

 

Gluten Syndrome focused researchers believe -

  • antibodies are conclusive proof of immune reaction to gluten and indicate need for the gluten free diet.  They do NOT recommend villi biopsy unless there are other reasons to examine the gut.  They use other comprehensive blood test panels to find multiple tissue and function damage instead of focusing on only one tissue, (villi).

  • there are many gluten related antibodies, and they may show up in any of several areas of the immune system, IgA, IgG, or IgM, or in any of several mediums, such as blood, saliva or stool.  They test as many antibodies as necessary to find the particular antibodies a patient may produce, with much higher rates of positivity than short panels.  However, in the end they consider even the most complete negative test panel necessarily inconclusive since there are known antibodies for which there are no tests at this time (this is uncommon).

  • gluten syndrome patients may have autoimmune damage in any of many possible body areas instead of or as well as villi damage. Therefore they do NOT use the tTG test to screen for reactivity to gluten since it is specific to one area of damage only, the intestinal villi.

  • Dr Vojdani, Immunosciences Laboratories, believes elevated tTG is sometimes but not always present in a gluten related autoimmune reaction.  Therefore he believes it should be included in test panels but not used as a screener.

 

 

Celiac (villi damage focused)  specialists believe -

  • ONLY intestinal villi or skin damage proved by biopsy are "gold standard" indicators of autoimmune gluten damage and treatment with gluten free diet.  If gluten related antibodies are present and not villi or skin damage the antibodies are disregarded as irrelevant or false positive.

  • tTg - IgA alone is an inexpensive screener to identify patients who should be biopsied for villi damage since it is largely specific to villi damage. 

      

                                  

 

 

Columbia, University of - Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University

Dr. Peter H. R. Green MD - Director

For general education and information contact Hal Winfield    Phone 212-342-0251

Website - www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu

CeliaciDiseaseiCenter atiUniversityiof Columbia

recommendediceliac

panel

Mediumttested: Blood

Genettest:i

IgA x x     x          
IgD                    
IgE                    
IgG x                  
IgM                    
TotalIIgA             x      
GeneiHLAiDQi2,,8               x    
DetermineiwhichiHLAiDQ                       
IntestinaliBiopsyi(villi)                 x  
IntestinaliMalabsorption                    
SkiniBiopsyiforiDH                   x
Colitisttest((GSipanelialso recommended)                    

     

This is a short non comprehensive antibody panel.

 

                             Celiac Disease Panel              Gene test                Intestinal duodenal biopsy             Skin Biopsy

 

This panel is recommended by the Columbia Celiac Disease Center.  This is not a commercial lab

 

There are two major perspectives on the gluten syndrome vs. celiac disease that involve how to test and interpret tests.

 

Gluten Syndrome focused researchers believe -

  • antibodies are conclusive proof of immune reaction to gluten and indicate need for the gluten free diet.  They do NOT recommend villi biopsy unless there are other reasons to examine the gut.  They use other comprehensive blood test panels to find multiple tissue and function damage instead of focusing on only one tissue, (villi).

  • there are many gluten related antibodies, and they may show up in any of several areas of the immune system, IgA, IgG, or IgM, or in any of several mediums, such as blood, saliva or stool.  They test as many antibodies as necessary to find the particular antibodies a patient may produce, with much higher rates of positivity than short panels.  However, in the end they consider even the most complete negative test panel necessarily inconclusive since there are known antibodies for which there are no tests at this time (this is uncommon).

  • gluten syndrome patients may have autoimmune damage in any of many possible body areas instead of or as well as villi damage. Therefore they do NOT use the tTG test to screen for reactivity to gluten since it is specific to one area of damage only, the intestinal villi.

  • Dr Vojdani, Immunosciences Laboratories, believes elevated tTG is sometimes but not always present in a gluten related autoimmune reaction.  Therefore he believes it should be included in test panels but not used as a screener.

 

 

Celiac (villi damage focused)  specialists believe -

  • ONLY intestinal villi or skin damage proved by biopsy are "gold standard" indicators of autoimmune gluten damage and treatment with gluten free diet.  If gluten related antibodies are present and not villi or skin damage the antibodies are disregarded as irrelevant or false positive.

  • tTg - IgA alone is an inexpensive screener to identify patients who should be biopsied for villi damage since it is largely specific to villi damage. 

 

 

Can't get a doctor to listen or prescribe testing? 

This lab provides direct testing services through local Patient Service Centers. 

An on staff DLS physician provides the script. 

These are not comprehensive panels.

Direct Lab Services

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 601
Mandeville, LA 70470-0601

Direct Lab Services offers 3 gluten related panels without a prescription from the patient's doctor. 

A staff physician provides the script.  The specimen is drawn at a local LabCorp location. 

Celiac panels are found under the "testing" link in the alphabetical list

 

Celiac Disease Ab Profile    Price: $192

                            Celiac Disease AB Comprehensive Profile    Price: $220

~~~~

Immuno Labs tests available through Direct Lab Services are found under the Tests > Specialty Labs > Immuno Labs link on the Direct Labs website

                                           Immuno Labs AGA - IgA, IgG          Price: $152  Includes Comprehensive Metabolic Profile*

                                                     Immuno Labs tTG - IgA          Price: $149

                                          A milk and egg antibody profile       Price: $139  Includes Comprehensive Metabolic Profile*

* This is a free test that is offered when other tests are ordered. - Comprehensive Metabolic Profile -14  includes liver, kidney, glucose, and electrolytes.  The CMP is a frequently ordered group of 14 laboratory tests that gives important information about the current status of your kidneys, liver and electrolyte and acid/base balance as well as your blood sugar and blood proteins.  Abnormal results, and especially combinations of abnormal results, can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.  Glucose (diabetes testing Kidney(renal panel) Liver panel (Hepatic) Electrolytes (*fasting required)

You must first order through DIRECT LABS and receive the necessary requisition prior to visiting a Patient Service Center (PSC). The PSC will not draw your blood without the DLS paperwork and/or you could get billed the much-higher "Patient Price" without it. 

These are short non comprehensive antibody panels.

      

There are two major perspectives on the gluten syndrome vs. celiac disease that involve how to test and interpret tests.

 

Gluten Syndrome focused researchers believe -

  • antibodies are conclusive proof of immune reaction to gluten and indicate need for the gluten free diet.  They do NOT recommend villi biopsy unless there are other reasons to examine the gut.  They use other comprehensive blood test panels to find multiple tissue and function damage instead of focusing on only one tissue, (villi).

  • there are many gluten related antibodies, and they may show up in any of several areas of the immune system, IgA, IgG, or IgM, or in any of several mediums, such as blood, saliva or stool.  They test as many antibodies as necessary to find the particular antibodies a patient may produce, with much higher rates of positivity than short panels.  However, in the end they consider even the most complete negative test panel necessarily inconclusive since there are known antibodies for which there are no tests at this time (this is uncommon).

  • gluten syndrome patients may have autoimmune damage in any of many possible body areas instead of or as well as villi damage. Therefore they do NOT use the tTG test to screen for reactivity to gluten since it is specific to one area of damage only, the intestinal villi.

  • Dr Vojdani, Immunosciences Laboratories, believes elevated tTG is sometimes but not always present in a gluten related autoimmune reaction.  Therefore he believes it should be included in test panels but not used as a screener.

 

 

Celiac (villi damage focused)  specialists believe -

  • ONLY intestinal villi or skin damage proved by biopsy are "gold standard" indicators of autoimmune gluten damage and treatment with gluten free diet.  If gluten related antibodies are present and not villi or skin damage the antibodies are disregarded as irrelevant or false positive.

  • tTg - IgA alone is an inexpensive screener to identify patients who should be biopsied for villi damage since it is largely specific to villi damage. 

 

 

         Enterolab -  Director, Dr. Kenneth Fine 

 

10875 Plano Rd.  Suite 123, Dallas , Texas 75238 

 

Phone 972 -686-6869

 

Website: www.enterolab.com        Email: info@intestinalhealth.org

 

 

Enterolab

Mediumttested: Stooli(homeitest)

Genettest: Cheekiswabi(homeitest)

IgA x       x         x x x      
IgD                              
IgE                              
IgG                              
IgM                              
TotalIIgA                              
GeneiHLAiDQi2,,8                              
DetermineiwhichiHLAiDQ                 

x

             
IntestinaliMalabsorption                           x  
SkiniBiopsyiforiDH                              

                              

This is a home stool test.

 

This is not a comprehensive antibody panel.

However, due to it's high sensitivity for gliadin and tTG, and its' intestinal function test it finds antibodies much more often than typical celiac panels.

 

No dr. script required.

 

              Gluten Sensitivity Panel (GS) $249         Gene test alone $149       Egg, Soy and Yeast test $199

        Gluten Sensitivity Panel with Milk and Gene test $369     Colitis test $49 (GS Panel also recommended)   

   Test kits available at www.enterolab.com    This is a home test.  Results emailed to patient.  Email support available.

 

This stool panel is part of ongoing announced but unpublished research, is claimed to be more sensitive than blood, and includes an intestinal function test.

Even though this test panel checks only 2 of many possible antibodies, it  has a MUCH higher positivity rate than identical "celiac only" blood tests.

The sensitivity of this test is presumed to be due to earlier presence of antibodies in stool versus blood. 

  However, since only 2 of many possible gluten related antibodies are checked, a negative test result does not rule out the presence of other possible gluten related antibodies or necessarily indicate that the patient can safely consume gluten.  In other words, a positive is conclusive of an immune reaction, a negative is inconclusive. 

 

Intestinal villi biopsy is not recommended by this lab unless there are other reasons to examine the digestive tract and duodenum.  These researchers believe damage may occur in many places in the body including but not limited to the villi, and this invalidates villi biopsy as a diagnostic gold standard.

 

This test is controversial, but patient and even overall professional confidence appears to have risen significantly over the past 8 years, despite lack of formal validation.  Many many patients find the test results match their experience.

 

See www.enterolab.com for essays which explain this research project.

 

* The gene test is a 1 part test meaning it is not as detailed for a few patients for the HLA DQ 2 gene.  See this page (bottom) for explanation.

The specific HLA DQ alleles of the patient are reported whether or not the patient possesses a gluten syndrome gene.

 

There are two major perspectives on the gluten syndrome vs. celiac disease that involve how to test and interpret tests.

 

Gluten Syndrome focused researchers believe -

  • antibodies are conclusive proof of immune reaction to gluten and indicate need for the gluten free diet.  They do NOT recommend villi biopsy unless there are other reasons to examine the gut.  They use other comprehensive blood test panels to find multiple tissue and function damage instead of focusing on only one tissue, (villi).

  • there are many gluten related antibodies, and they may show up in any of several areas of the immune system, IgA, IgG, or IgM, or in any of several mediums, such as blood, saliva or stool.  They test as many antibodies as necessary to find the particular antibodies a patient may produce, with much higher rates of positivity than short panels ye.  However, in the end they consider even the most complete negative test panel necessarily inconclusive since there are known antibodies for which there are no tests at this time (this is uncommon).

  • gluten syndrome patients may have autoimmune damage in any of many possible body areas instead of or as well as villi damage. Therefore they do NOT use the tTG test to screen for reactivity to gluten since it is specific to one area of damage only, the intestinal villi.

  • Dr Vojdani, Immunosciences Laboratories, believes elevated tTG is sometimes but not always present in a gluten related autoimmune reaction.  Therefore he believes it should be included in test panels but not used as a screener.

 

 

Celiac (villi damage focused)  specialists believe -

  • ONLY intestinal villi or skin damage proved by biopsy are "gold standard" indicators of autoimmune gluten damage and treatment with gluten free diet.  If gluten related antibodies are present and not villi or skin damage the antibodies are disregarded as irrelevant or false positive.

  • tTg - IgA alone is an inexpensive screener to identify patients who should be biopsied for villi damage since it is largely specific to villi damage. 

           

 

Genova Diagnostics  (formerly Great Smokies Laboratories)

63 Zillicoa St.

Asheville, NC, 28801

Telephone: (800)522-4762    Fax: (828)252-9303

www.genovadiagnostics.com

8 am - 6:30 pm EST, Monday  - Friday, 

Great Smokies Laboratories

Mediumsttested: Varies

Genettest:i

IgA x x     x      
IgD                
IgE                
IgG x       x      
IgM                
TotalIIgA             x  
GeneiHLAiDQi2,,8                
DetermineiwhichiHLAiDQ                   

          

This is a short non comprehensive antibody panel.

              

When IgA-tTG is positive, testing for IgA-Anti-endomysial Antibodies (IgA-EMA) is routinely performed.

Clinicians also have the option of testing two additional analytes;
- IgA Anti-gliadin Antibodies (IgA-AGA)
- IgG Anti-gliadin antibodies (IgG-AGA)
These antibodies can be performed as part of the initial diagnostic evaluation, or on their own to monitor compliance to a gluten free diet.

 

Dr. script required.  See physician for pricing

 

There are two major perspectives on the gluten syndrome vs. celiac disease that involve how to test and interpret tests.

 

Gluten Syndrome focused researchers believe -

  • antibodies are conclusive proof of immune reaction to gluten and indicate need for the gluten free diet.  They do NOT recommend villi biopsy unless there are other reasons to examine the gut.  They use other comprehensive blood test panels to find multiple tissue and function damage instead of focusing on only one tissue, (villi).

  • there are many gluten related antibodies, and they may show up in any of several areas of the immune system, IgA, IgG, or IgM, or in any of several mediums, such as blood, saliva or stool.  They test as many antibodies as necessary to find the particular antibodies a patient may produce, with much higher rates of positivity than short panels yield.  However, in the end they consider even the most complete negative test panel necessarily inconclusive since there are known antibodies for which there are no tests at this time (this is uncommon).

  • gluten syndrome patients may have autoimmune damage in any of many possible body areas instead of or as well as villi damage. Therefore they do NOT use the tTG test to screen for reactivity to gluten since it is specific to one area of damage only, the intestinal villi.

  • Dr Vojdani, Immunosciences Laboratories, believes elevated tTG is sometimes but not always present in a gluten related autoimmune reaction.  Therefore he believes it should be included in test panels but not used as a screener.

 

 

Celiac (villi damage focused)  specialists believe -

  • ONLY intestinal villi or skin damage proved by biopsy are "gold standard" indicators of autoimmune gluten damage and treatment with gluten free diet.  If gluten related antibodies are present and not villi or skin damage the antibodies are disregarded as irrelevant or false positive.

  • tTg - IgA alone is an inexpensive screener to identify patients who should be biopsied for villi damage since it is largely specific to villi damage. 

 

 

Immco Diagnostics, Inc.

Vijay Kumar, PH.D. - President and CEO

60 Pineview Drive, Buffalo, NY 14228 USA

USA Phone:  800-537-8378  International phone:  716-691-0091  Fax: 716-691-0046

Website:  www.immco.net      email:  info@immco.net

Immcoi

Diagnostics

Mediumttested: Blood

Genettest:iBlood

IgA   x x     x      
IgD                  
IgE                  
IgG   x       x      
IgM                  
TotalIIgA                  
GeneiHLAiDQi2,,8                 x
DetermineiwhichiHLAiDQ                     

     

This is a short, non comprehensive antibody panel.

 

                        Gluten Sensitive Enteropathy (Celiac Disease) Panel - $275        Gene test only - $350          Dr. script required

                                              

There are two major perspectives on the gluten syndrome vs. celiac disease that involve how to test and interpret tests.

 

Gluten Syndrome focused researchers believe -

  • antibodies are conclusive proof of immune reaction to gluten and indicate need for the gluten free diet.  They do NOT recommend villi biopsy unless there are other reasons to examine the gut.  They use other comprehensive blood test panels to find multiple tissue and function damage instead of focusing on only one tissue, (villi).

  • there are many gluten related antibodies, and they may show up in any of several areas of the immune system, IgA, IgG, or IgM, or in any of several mediums, such as blood, saliva or stool.  They test as many antibodies as necessary to find the particular antibodies a patient may produce, with much higher rates of positivity than short panels yield.  However, in the end they consider even the most complete negative test panel necessarily inconclusive since there are known antibodies for which there are no tests at this time (this is uncommon).

  • gluten syndrome patients may have autoimmune damage in any of many possible body areas instead of or as well as villi damage. Therefore they do NOT use the tTG test to screen for reactivity to gluten since it is specific to one area of damage only, the intestinal villi.

  • Dr Vojdani, Immunosciences Laboratories, believes elevated tTG is sometimes but not always present in a gluten related autoimmune reaction.  Therefore he believes it should be included in test panels but not used as a screener.

 

 

Celiac (villi damage focused)  specialists believe -

  • ONLY intestinal villi or skin damage proved by biopsy are "gold standard" indicators of autoimmune gluten damage and treatment with gluten free diet.  If gluten related antibodies are present and not villi or skin damage the antibodies are disregarded as irrelevant or false positive.

  • tTg - IgA alone is an inexpensive screener to identify patients who should be biopsied for villi damage since it is largely specific to villi damage. 

 

 

 

 

Immunosciences Laboratories has moved and is still a research lab.

Watch for further plans and developments.

Test information is left here in the interim for educational purposes.

~~

 Dr. Aristo Vojdani Ph.D., M.T., of Immunosciences Laboratories

Immunosciences Laboratories is a research lab

 

Video clips of Dr. Vojdani

  Part 1  Quicktime Dialup, DSL   Windows Media Dialup, DSL

   Part 2  Quicktime Dialup, DSL   Windows Media, Dialup, DSL

 

                                                    

Questions?  email info@neuroimmunologylabs.com  attn: Jama

Phone:  (310)-657-2684           Fax  (310) 657-1053

       Research articles available at www.immunoscienceslab.com 

The gluten antibodies in this recommended panel are the most complete list for which tests are developed.  Testing of cross reactive foods, and for susceptible tissue/organ damage is also recommended.  Watch for future availability of these panels.

Immunosciencesii Lab.,iInc.

 

Mediumsttested: Blood,isaliva

 

iiiiiiiiiiWheat/gluten

iiiiiiiiiiCrossireactiveifoods

iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiOrganidamageitests

iiiOther

IgA                                      
IgE                                      
IgG                                      
IgM                                      
GeneiHLAiDQi2,,8                                      

  

These are comprehensive Gluten Syndrome, Cross Reactive Foods, and Tissue Damage Panels

 

A gluten (or other food) containing diet is required for the food antibody tests. 

 Dr. Script required.  See www.thedr.com

 

                                                  NEW! Gluten Sensitivity Screen 1 - Saliva Home Test TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE

                                                        Tests deamidated gliadin - IgA, IgM, and tTG - IgA, IgM (4 tests)

                                                         Price:  $125.00    Patients may order test and script here

 

Some patients try the saliva screener first and then move to a more complete antibody panel if the screener is negative.  If the patient makes these tested antibodies, this test is claimed to have a 96% sensitivity. (This means out of 100 positive samples it will accurately pick up 96 of them).

 

NOTE: The saliva tests above will be negative if patient has other gluten related antibodies besides the ones tested, or they are in a different system or medium such as stool, blood.  Dr. Vojdani believes tTG is not elevated in all cases of the gluten syndrome.  See the gluten intolerance diagram on the Medical Diagrams page and The Immunology of Immediate and Delayed Hypersensitivity to Gluten article Full text here

 

         

The 2 panels immediately below this notice are unavailable at this time. 

The gluten related panels are planned including a "progressive" panel. 

Additional predictive tissue antibody tests coming soon.

 

Neuroimmunology of Celiac Disease Panel                   Gluten Autoimmunity Panel. 

        Tests deamidated gliadin - IgA and IgM                                     Tests susceptible tissues/organs for damage

                                       tTG - IgA, IgM                                                                           

         Price:                                                                                    Price: 

 

Watch for a new "progressive" panel in which gluten related antibodies are run only until a positive is obtained or all available antibodies have been tested.  This controls costs and patients need only send in specimens once.

 

Immunosciences Laboratories is a research lab at this time.

 

                       

                         

Questions?  email info@neuroimmunologylabs.com  attn: Jama

 

     ** Cross Reactions with foods , toxins, infections, and other tissues? 

  • In Celiac Disease, A Subset of Autoantibodies against Transglutaminase Binds Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Induces Activation of Monocytes  Published Sept 19, 2006                 Giovanna Zonomi1, Niccardo Navone2, Claudio Lunardi2, Giuseppe Tidente1, Carerina Bason2, Simona Sivori3, Buggero Beri2 Marzia Dolcino4, Enrico Valletta5, Roberto Corrocher2, Antonio Puccetti3,4  Click for abstract and full text

                  1. Section of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Universtiy of Verona, Verona, Italy,

2. Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

3. Section of Histology, Departmant of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy

4. Immunology Unit, Institute G. Gaslini, Genova, Italy,

5. Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy

  • NEW! The Immunology of Immediate and Delayed Hypersensitivity to Gluten  - European Journal of Inflammation Vol 6 No. 1 1-10 (2008) Editorial - A. Vojdani Beverly Hills, CA

              (now Los Angeles, CA) T. O'Bryan, Warrenville, IL,( now Chicago, Il), G. H. Kellermann Neuroscience, WI, USA Full text here  Note: This file contains 2 articles from the  journjournal.  Scroll to the top to find the Vojdani article

  • NEW! The Immunology of Gluten Sensitivity Beyond the Intestinal Tract - European Journal of Inflammation Vol 6 No 2, 0-0 (2008) Aristo Vojdani, PH.D, M.T., Thomas O'Bryan, D.C.  D.C., CCN, DACBN   Full text here

  • NEW!   The Gluten Response in Children with Celiac Disease is Directed toward Multiple Gliadin and Glutenin Peptides - Willemijen Vader, Yvonne Kooy, Peter Van Veelen,

                Arnoud de Ru, Diana Harris, Willemien Benckhuijsen, Salvador Pena, Luisa Mearin, Jan Wouter Drijfhout, and Frits Koning  Departments of Immunohematology and

                Blood Transfusion and Paediatrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands; and the Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

                Gastroenterology 2002; 122:1729-1737  Full text here

Immunosciences Laboratories is a gluten syndrome focused lab.

 

There are two major perspectives on the gluten syndrome vs. celiac disease that involve how to test and interpret tests.

 

Gluten Syndrome focused researchers believe -

  • antibodies are conclusive proof of immune reaction to gluten and indicate need for the gluten free diet.  They do NOT recommend villi biopsy unless there are other reasons to examine the gut.  They use other comprehensive blood test panels to find multiple tissue and function damage instead of focusing on only one tissue, (villi).

  • there are many gluten related antibodies, and they may show up in any of several areas of the immune system, IgA, IgG, or IgM, or in any of several mediums, such as blood, saliva or stool.  They test as many antibodies as necessary to find the particular antibodies a patient may produce, with much higher rates of positivity than short panels yield.  However, in the end they consider even the most complete negative test panel necessarily inconclusive since there are known antibodies for which there are no tests at this time (this is uncommon).

  • gluten syndrome patients may have autoimmune damage in any of many possible body areas instead of or as well as villi damage. Therefore they do NOT use the tTG test to screen for reactivity to gluten since it is specific to one area of damage only, the intestinal villi.

  • Dr Vojdani, Immunosciences Laboratories, believes elevated tTG is sometimes but not always present in a gluten related autoimmune reaction.  Therefore he believes it should be included in test panels but not used as a screener.

 

 

Celiac (villi damage focused)  specialists believe -

  • ONLY intestinal villi or skin damage proved by biopsy are "gold standard" indicators of autoimmune gluten damage and treatment with gluten free diet.  If gluten related antibodies are present and not villi or skin damage the antibodies are disregarded as irrelevant or false positive.

  • tTg - IgA alone is an inexpensive screener to identify patients who should be biopsied for villi damage since it is largely specific to villi damage. 

 

Kimball Genetics

101 University Blvd., Suite 350, Denver, CO   80206

Tel. (800)-320-1807  (303)-320-1807  Fax (303)-388-9220

Hours 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM  M-F

KimballiGenetics

Mediumttested: Blood

Genettest:iBlood oriCheekiswab

IgA x x     x      
IgD                
IgE                
IgG x              
IgM                
TotalIIgA             x  
GeneiHLAiDQi2,,8 (seeinoteibelow)               x
DetermineiwhichiHLAiDQ                   

 

This is a genetics lab that also offers a celiac gene test

and a short non comprehensive gluten antibody panel.

 

                                                      Celiac Disease DNA (gene) test - $395 (cash $355.50) Additional family members $316.00

   Celiac Disease Antibody Panel  Celiac Disease DNA and Antibody Panel

                                                              

                                                                               Reports positive/negative meaning "yes" or "no" for HLA DQ 2/8

            Full  HLA - DQ2/8 genotype (specific alleles) available upon request by patient's physician

                                                                                Kimball Genetics counselors are very informative and helpful.

 

* Gene test is a 2 part test, meaning the alpha and beta portions are performed.  This means it is more detailed for the HLA DQ 2 gene for a few patients.

 

There are two major perspectives on the gluten syndrome vs. celiac disease that involve how to test and interpret tests.

 

Gluten Syndrome focused researchers believe -

  • antibodies are conclusive proof of immune reaction to gluten and indicate need for the gluten free diet.  They do NOT recommend villi biopsy unless there are other reasons to examine the gut.  They use other comprehensive blood test panels to find multiple tissue and function damage instead of focusing on only one tissue, (villi).

  • there are many gluten related antibodies, and they may show up in any of several areas of the immune system, IgA, IgG, or IgM, or in any of several mediums, such as blood, saliva or stool.  They test as many antibodies as necessary to find the particular antibodies a patient may produce, with much higher rates of positivity than short panels yield.  However, in the end they consider even the most complete negative test panel necessarily inconclusive since there are known antibodies for which there are no tests at this time (this is uncommon).

  • gluten syndrome patients may have autoimmune damage in any of many possible body areas instead of or as well as villi damage. Therefore they do NOT use the tTG test to screen for reactivity to gluten since it is specific to one area of damage only, the intestinal villi.

  • Dr Vojdani, Immunosciences Laboratories, believes elevated tTG is sometimes but not always present in a gluten related autoimmune reaction.  Therefore he believes it should be included in test panels but not used as a screener.

 

 

Celiac (villi damage focused)  specialists believe -

  • ONLY intestinal villi or skin damage proved by biopsy are "gold standard" indicators of autoimmune gluten damage and treatment with gluten free diet.  If gluten related antibodies are present and not villi or skin damage the antibodies are disregarded as irrelevant or false positive.

  • tTg - IgA alone is an inexpensive screener to identify patients who should be biopsied for villi damage since it is largely specific to villi damage. 

 

 

This panel is unfinished

Mayo Clinic

Mayoiclinic

Mediumttested:

Genettest:i

IgA                                                
IgD                                                
IgE                                                
IgG                                                
IgM