<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Specialty Laboratoies has an ad in the Spring, 1997 issue of the American Celiac Society as well as an article on Celiac Disease: The Tip of the Iceberg written by Linda D. Dearing, M.S. is most informative. However, when I telephoned their 1-800 tel number yesterday the young man who answered was almost chilly. I asked what the procedure was for accepting blood, how should my 86 year old mother's physician get her blood to them, etc. His reply, "the doctor can call us." I pulled and politely grilled him until I got the address in Santa Monica, Ca. When I asked if the specimen needed to be cool/cold/on ice or if they have special packs to send out for speciments, he kept say, "it depends upon which test; its up to the doctor". I said they were for celiac sprue.... Finally, I gave up. Question: My mother lives in Tryon, NC and goes to either Hendersonville, NC or Spartenberg, S.C. to see various doctors. I recall sometime back an email on an excellent lab in North Carolina for the testing of blood for celiac. Could someone please email the list or me with the name of that lab? And/or are there other labs, not in California, where the doctor can send my mother's blood? Though she is 86 her mind is extremely alert, however she is spitting up blood, has an ulcer that is not caused by bacteria and horrible osteoperosis. Since I have celiac sprue she wants to be tested for it, too. She will be most appreciative. Thank you Sarah (I'm taking advantage of a USAir E-Saver and flying there this weekend so will take whatever info I can with me, for her to give to her doctor(s).) Sarah Barnett Washington, D.C. [log in to unmask]