Getting Ready for a Blood Test

[Cynna]

Hello. I am getting ready to have my annual blood work done through my general practitioner. There is a definite thought that I am dealing with celiac disease. I have been tested twice, the last time in 2017. From doing some reading here on the forum, I see that it is wise to ingest gluten for 6 to 8 weeks Before the blood test. I don’t have that much time, as I just found out about this concept today. I can however, do it for 2 1/2 weeks. Will that be OK? Normally, without doing this, my numbers are quite high anyway. If it is OK, what are some tips to survive ingesting gluten prior to the blood test? I’m looking at the test being done on October 8. My appointment is October 18. I’m dreading how I might feel in the next 2 1/2 weeks. I do eat gluten normally, but in small amounts. Eating two pieces of bread a day would not be typical. I’m willing to do whatever I need to do, I’m just fearful of how I’m going to feel. Thank you.

[trents]

Cyanna, welcome to the forum! Unfortunately, I would not expect your testing numbers to be valid after only two and a half weeks of gluten exposure, especially when consuming very limited amounts as you describe. But what do you mean when you say, "Normally, without doing this, my numbers are quite high anyway."? Are you talking about celiac antibody test numbers? If they are quite high, why are you getting tested again? What is the need for it? And why have you continued to consume gluten "normally, but in small amounts". This is all very confusing to me. Can you elaborate, please?

[Scott Adams]

Also, it is more than "wise" to eat at least 2 slices of wheat bread for 6-8 weeks before a blood test for celiac disease, but is the Mayo Clinic protocol, and your results could be artificially low or a false negative if you don't do this. It would likely be a good idea to delay the test until you follow the full 6-8 week protocol.