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bs"d

Brief history: Strong family history of Celiac's. I've been low to no gluten
for 4-5 years, just because I felt better, had tested positive for candida
albicans overgrowth, and suspected hypoglycemia. So, it just seemed like the
prudent thing to do. Now I find out about this Celiac's stuff, and it's
complicating things a bit. Since Celiac's is so much more serious than
anything else I suspected I had, I want a definitive diagnosis for the sake
of my many children and grandchildren.

Here's where my questions come in. What do these terms mean?

Reticulin Abs, S

ARA

IgA Reticulin Antibody

IgG Reticulin Antibody

My first set of tests, termed "Celiac Disease Profile" was either "performed
or referred" by Mayo Medical Laboratories.

The "Reticulin Abs, S" part of the profile was 1:40, positive. My doctor
said it was a weak positive, something to do with when they diluted it...I
didn't follow that part.

For now, the main thing I want to know is this: I know from what I've read,
from the Mayo Medical Laboratories own site, and from what the community
here has written, that the ARA (antireticulin antibody) is considered an
obsolete test.

See: http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Overview/9275

But is the ARA the same as what is listed on my profile? Is that the same as
the IgA Reticulin Antibody or IgG reticulin Antibody and if it is not, then
what is the difference?

Here is the test Mayo Medical Laboratories offers which include the
Reticulin IgG and IgA, IFA. And what does IFA stand for? Anyone know of a
good online medical dictionary that would help with this? Or better yet,
anyone have a spoon? I have been reading so much in the last 3 weeks, if
someone has a simple, clear answer for me, I would so appreciate it.

http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Overview/91483
http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/91483

I have the test results in front of me, and the terminology leaves me a bit
confused. I've googled and googled. I'm googled out. I've read all kinds of
articles, forums, the archives here. I've read "Dangerous Grains" by Baly
and Hoggan, I'm Reading "Celiac Disease" by Green and Jones. They don't even
cover the "reticulins" in there. Disappointing.

I've called the lab, no one has called back. I've called my doctor. He seems
confused by my question. I've emailed several people. I've called the local
gastroenterology folks, liability issues constrain them from answering
unless I'm their patient. That will probably happen, but it hasn't yet.

That's really all I'm wondering for now. I'm sure after the second round of
tests, I'll have some more... 

Thanks ahead of time.

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