Gluten Sensitivity, The Gluten Syndrome, Gluten Reactivity, The Gluten Connection, Test Comparisons

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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. See 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 Markers Body Systems* Mediums

Gliadin (AGA) Anti Gliadin Antibodies IgA, IgG, IgM, ALCAT Blood (serum), Stool, Saliva

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

tTG (tissue transglutaminase - 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 - positive/negative Blood or cheek swab

OR Your HLA DQ type

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

Some believe genes are not needed in all cases,

and blame toxins, stress and infections as causal)

Additionally, some labs test for known cross reactive foods and other substances, gluten substitute grains/foods and organs/tissues most prone to gluten damage due to their similar protein structure.

Organ/tissue function tests are similar in purpose to a villi biopsy in that they check for damage in organs and tissues that are not convenient to biopsy.

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.

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.

The immune system may still be too hypersensitive (runs in "high gear"). 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 raw foods, and simplify their lives to avoid stress.

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 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.

* 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

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 - (see Neuroimmunology Labs)

Kimball Genetics

Mayo Clinic

Maryland - University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

Neuroimmunology Labs

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 will simply show positive for foods eaten frequently. Many patients claim the results help them pinpoint their problem foods.

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 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 (wheat) and gluten (gluteomorphin) 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.