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Does anyone know if you have to be actively eating gluten in order for
blood tests for celiac to be accurate?

I was referred to a gastro by my internist and -- after a lengthy lecture
about how rare it is to have a gluten allergy or intolerance -- he ordered
blood tests for Anti-Gliadin and Anti-Endomysial (sp?).

Except for accidental ingestion, I have been gluten free for about seven
years.  I went to the Dr. because I had horrible diarehha and burning
soreness on the skin outside.  Well, this gastro would not even examine the
skin irritation I had.

A week later, I took antibiotics for a sinus infection and, lo and behold,
the intestinal symptoms cleared up immediately.  I suspect I had a raging
bacterial infection when I went to see the gastro and he did not even treat
me for it.

Anyhow, I have not had the blood tests. Do you think they would show
anything if I'm not eating gluten.  I would be willing to ingest it as a
one-time thing to prove celiac on the blood test if that is all it took.
Anyone know?

I'll summarize.

Megan
Kent, Ohio

* Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *