Q & A

Return to ->Ask the Doctor->Tests and Their Results

QUESTION: I have 3 boys all on gf diet. All three had positive blood work and one of my identical twins had a full workup with dna analysis with enterolab. He has 2 genes one primarily responsible for CD and one for gluten intolerance as explained per the nurse for enterolab. Both my husband and I have had dna analysis and came back negative for CD. I would have thought one of us should be negative. Can you please clarify the situation?

DR. FINE: I would have to know what genes exactly your child had detected by EnteroLab, but assuming one of these genes was DQ2 or DQ8, then one of the parents would have to have at least one copy of this gene as you indicate. With all that gluten sensitivity in your family, I suspect it is true that one of the parents does have this gene, and perhaps it was missed in testing. While I cannot rule out the possibility that the EnteroLab result was wrong, our test actually looks for the genes present, and does not just ask if one gene is present in a yes or no manner. In this way, it is a test with a more clear result (what it is, not what it is not). Thank you for your question.

Disclaimer