Great Plains Laborator explains IgE versus IgG Allergies

[Caryn]

IgE versus IgG Reactions

Allergies are defined as specific reactions within the immune system involving an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Immediate responses such as hives, congestion or swelling typically result from IgE activity. Traditional scratch testing identifies IgE triggers such as pollen or peanuts, which can cause symptoms that range from annoying to lethal.

Very different responses are delayed allergy reactions. If they occur more than two hours after eating a food, they may result from immunoglobulin G (IgG) rather than IgE activity. IgG reactions may cause symptoms such as sleep disturbances, subsequent bed wetting, sinus and ear infections, or crankiness. Blood tests rather than scratch tests are the only way to screen for IgG allergies.

Where immunoglobulins are involved, the word “allergy” can legitimately be used to describe symptoms after exposure. A reaction to gluten or casein sometimes shows up in IgG or IgA blood testing, and is, therefore, referred to as an “allergy.”

[ives6797]

ok I am seriously considering ordering test kits from great plains... but that are teh most important ones? It's all going to be out of pocket...

http://nbnus.com/testkits/conditions.php?osCsid=a598d094d3d1299ea6d8410b91660b91

I imagine I would want the IgE and the IgG both?? Or could I get by with just one? If I get that, would I also need the Gluten/Casein peptides or would that kinda be included already in the IgG/IgE?

Help!?

Also, do you take the test kits (blood ones) to a lab? and then I imagine I pay them as well. Unless iot is just a finger prick type of deal.

ok, one more-- does being GFCF skew any of the results?

Thanks for any help you can offer! It is MUCH appreciated!!!!

[Caryn]

Being GFCF will skew the results on an IgG test.  We were told to reintroduce the cow milk prior to testing (he had been off of it since he was 2 1/2). Even though we did that a week before the test he still did not register allergic to the cow milk. We keep it to a bare minimum these days just in case.
I believe that the study I linked to about fluctuating antibodies begs the question. I think exposure has a lot to do with peaks in antibody levels, but I believe the antibodies take quite a long time to go down to 'normal' levels. I have read that in some cases it is over a year before the person's levels go down.
It is confusing to say the least. If you want a positive celiac diagnosis they tell you the person needs to eat gluten every day for one month prior to testing, some say more.
Really, all you need to know is if the celiac gene is present, because then you know that the body will generate antibodies anytime gluten is ingested. I belong to a group who's moderator often sends us research articles. There is some talk about there possibly being up to nine genes, but for right now there are two definitely identifiable genes for celiac. Some people have both. Enterolabs does a genetic screen for gluten. They also have a gluten and dairy test, and they do a stool test which is much more sensitive than the typical blood test and will give you a positive even if you are already gluten free.
But being GFCF will affect the results in an IgG test, definitely. There are stories of parents who get their kids tested and find they have multiple allergies. They do an elimination diet and retest maybe a year later and discover their child has 1 or 2, so they reintroduce the original allergens with gusto and in a few months all the symptoms return. So there is the question of whether the IgG is valid when you are already on an avoidance diet. (We saw that firsthand with the milk).
We are going to do the Enterolabs testing very soon. It is on the to do list. I want to get all my boys gene tested so that we can better plan for the future (ie: if an asymptomatic child has the gene we know we need to be on our guard). 

[Tami]

Dawn,

I would go with the IgG, as you most likely would have already noticed any "typical" allergic responses (hives/congestion/swelling) that the IgE detects.  The IgG allergies are "hidden" or latent reactions, sometimes days later.

The Great Plains IgG is not a finger stick.  It is a blood draw.  I went to a local lab and had it done.  There was a $15 fee.

I discussed the whole elimination-skewing-results thing with them.  I was told that a long elimination could indeed affect results, but that a highly reactive food would not drop to "negligible."  She said gluten in particular takes a really long time to clear the system, up to a year.  My son was GF for 5 weeks prior to the test.  His gluten and gliadin were off the charts high.

How long has he been gluten/casein free?

Tami

[ives6797]

Thaks for all the info, ladies.

He had been GFCF since early August. Though I will say he had had some small slips (like for birthday party) so not completely 100%, but close.

[Tami]

Dawn,

I think your window of opportunity is still open.  Since he has been gluten free for some time, I would try to have the testing done immediately.  You can discuss it with the lab, but my understanding is that if his results come back in the "moderate reactivity" or "low reactivity" range, you would assume that he is highly reactive.

Tami

[ives6797]

or should I take him off the diet for a month, to be on the safe side? (A month, because Caryn mentioned a month above). I just want to make sure it is accurate, since I am spending the $ out of pocket for it.

[Caryn]

Dawn,

Is he exhibiting symptoms that you want to get to the bottom of? Are you feeling that the diet isn't working enough? Are you thinking he has another major intolerance, like corn? Or are you thinking he really doesn't have a gluten or milk intolerance?

I am just wondering if it might be better to wait until summer, if you can, to change his diet (if he is in school). You may see a regression and it may be difficult for him to cope if there are a lot of expectations on him at school.

Caryn

[ives6797]

I was thinking that too... off the diet, he has a lot of tics and hyperactivity.

The diet works really well. I want to get an exact list, so I know whether anything else may be a problem, even if it is smaller than gluten/casein. Also, I guess what I'd like is to get it accurately on paper, to show the dr, school or whoever I need to "convince", though they may not put any stock into it still.