Ask the Doc: Can a little gluten affect my blood test?
Posted Aug 14 2011 12:00am
Q. Can one or two recent “glutenings” create a positive TTG test even if I’ve been really compliant for 4 years?
A. It depends on how intense were your “glutenings”! A few crumbs here and there, or a huge serving of pasta, with several slices of bread, or a piece of cake, can make the difference between a positive anti-tTG and a negative test. The truth is no one really knows for sure. In certain research protocols, 7 grams of gluten are used in challenges to bring a normal intestinal biopsy in a proven celiac patient who has been gluten-free to an abnormal one, but I am unaware of any data about tTG levels. Besides, each individual may respond differently to the same amount of gluten; if your test has turned positive after only a little gluten intake, then you know that you are more sensitive and vulnerable.
A. It depends on how intense were your “glutenings”! A few crumbs here and there, or a huge serving of pasta, with several slices of bread, or a piece of cake, can make the difference between a positive anti-tTG and a negative test. The truth is no one really knows for sure. In certain research protocols, 7 grams of gluten are used in challenges to bring a normal intestinal biopsy in a proven celiac patient who has been gluten-free to an abnormal one, but I am unaware of any data about tTG levels. Besides, each individual may respond differently to the same amount of gluten; if your test has turned positive after only a little gluten intake, then you know that you are more sensitive and vulnerable.
Health and happiness,
Dr. Aron
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