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I have been told that my child's blood test for coeliac are "normal". But I have also been told that blood tests can change with age. So, when do I repeat her blood tests for gluten/coeliac?"
I reply:
This is such an important question. There are several aspects - interpretation of existing blood tests, and when to do more blood test. Also, what tests should be done.
An important fact is that coeliac disease and gluten-sensitivity are progressive conditions. This means that normal tests today (right now) do not rule out coeliac disease or gluten problems in the future. So, if you stay on eating gluten, and if you continue to experience symptoms, then more blood tests in the future should be done to check your coeliac/gluten status. You can develop a gluten problem at any time. I have recently seen Helen who is 40 years old. She now has full blown coeliac disease. I tested her 3 years ago and all of her tests were normal. For children, repeating blood tests is very important. Keep your children under surveillance for gluten reactions. Check their growth every year. Also, if they are having tummy symptoms, tiredness, grumpy, migraine, headache, behaviour problems – then get their blood tests checked again. People check themselves periodically for heart disease and cancers. The same for gluten. Do regular checks. One blood test a while ago does not clear you for life. Cheers, Dr Rodney Ford. Take home message - do periodic blood tests for gluten sensitivity. |
