Testing Sh*t

[IDontGiveA]

Hi! Im back with more Qs....


I recently ordered the tests online from enterolab, but I am now thinking of canceling. I know many people here have experience with them and highly recommend them, however another poster here recommended another company (metametrix.com) for parasite testing. Upon further research it seems to me that they are doing almost if not exactly the same thing as enterolab. Specifically they are both stool exams that test for IgA antibodies. It seems that the metametrix test is more comprehensive, testing for parasites for example, and in fact the only thing that enterolab seems to have that metametrix does not is the gene sensitivity test. They also have a blood test for sensitivity to 90 foods. Of course taking both tests would be ideal; however they are very expensive for me. Also, metametrix has a lab local to me where I can consult with a doctor and take their tests. Below is some information about the metametrix exam. I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone that has some insights into these tests, familiarity with metametrix or if I am misunderstanding something..

Thanks!!

http://www.metametrix.com/content/Home
http://www.healthremedies.com/igg_food_ ... etrix.html




GI Effects Stool Analysis Profile
Description:
GI Effects is the latest advancement in stool analysis for truly comprehensive results. GI Effects is unlike any other stool analysis profile, going beyond the standard parameters for identifying gastrointestinal disorders. GI Effects use DNA analysis to identify microbiota with 100% accuracy including anaerobes, a previously immeasurable area of the gut environment.
GI Effects Stool Analysis Profiles go beyond "old stool technology" to bring you the most comprehensive stool analysis to date. GI Effects Profiles use DNA analysis to identify microbiota with 100% accuracy — including anaerobes, a previously immeasurable area of the gut environment. In addition to much more comprehensive bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology, GI Effects Profiles report drug resistance genes, antibiotic and botanical sensitivities, gliadin-specific sIgA, Elastase1, plus other inflammation, digestion, and absorption markers clinicians requested — with no hidden or add-on costs.
SAMPLE REPORT
Gastrointestinal Function is important for general health. This includes finding a balance between beneficial microbial flora in the gut to enhance health benefits. GI health is key in digestion, nutrient usage, and ridding the body of waste and pathogens. Poor digestion and malabsorption can lead to immune function disorders, nutritional insufficiencies, and disease state. Poor GI function can lead to food allergies and other toxicities.
Your intestinal tract contains significant amounts of bacteria, some beneficial, some neutral, and some that can be harmful. It is essential to know the microbial balance of your GI tract, especially if you have chronic health problems. Health enhancing intestinal bacteria serve to prevent the overgrowth of potentially harmful bacteria in the gut.
Analytes included in tes:
Obligate anaerobes
Bacteroides sp.
Clostridia sp
Prevotella sp.
Fusobacteria sp.
Streptomyces sp.
Mycobacteria sp.
Eubacteria sp.
Facultative anaerobes
Lactobacillus
Bifidobacter
Obligate aerobes
E. coli
OPPORTUNISTIC BACTERIA
Aerobes
Klebsiella pneumoneae
Bacillus sp.
Citrobacter freundii
Haemolytic E. coli.
Psuedomonas sp.
plus many others
PATHOGENS
Pathogenic Bacteria
H. pylori
C. difficile
Campylobacter
E.H.E. coli

Pathogenic Parasites
Entamoeba histolytica
Giardia lamblia
Cryptosporidia
MYCOLOGY
PARASITOLOGY
ADIPOSITY INDEX
Firmicutes
Bacteroidetes
DRUG RESISTANCE GENES
BENEFICIAL SCFA
Total SCFA
n-Butyrate
Acetate %
Butyrate %
Propionate %
Valerate %
INFLAMMATION
Lactoferrin
WBC's
Mucus
IMMUNOLOGY
Fecal sIgA
Anti-gliadin IgA
ADDITIONAL TESTS
pH
Occult Blood
RBC's
Color
DIGESTION
Elastase1
Triglycerides
Putrifactive SCFA
Vegetable Fibers
ABSORPTION
LCFA's
Total Fat
Cholesterol

[tex]

I know nothing about Metametrics, except what I have seen posted on this board. I am familiar with Enterolab, though, and I can tell you this:

They use a unique testing method that is patented all over the world, and no other lab, (anywhere in the world), is licensed to use their technology. There are several other companies which offer stool tests, for determining food intolerances. None of them are reliable, (and there are independent test reports available on the net, to verify that). Only the Enterolab tests are reliable and accurate. If you doubt that, scan some of the celiac boards, and see what their consensus of opinion about Enterolab happens to be. I've read posts by thousand of satisfied Enterolab customers, but to date, I have never seen a post by a dissatisfied customer. That's certainly not true of any of the other labs that do stool tests.

Be aware that most lab tests for parasites are notorious for being very unreliable, and very insensitive. Blood tests for food sensitivities are so unreliable as to be almost totally worthless, unless a patient happens to react at virtually world-class levels.

Yes, all of the advertisements and descriptions look great, don't they. They have to, if a company is going to round up enough business to show enough profit to keep the doors open. Before you throw any money at some other lab, though, I would strongly encourage you to look around, to try to find not just a few, but many happy customers of that lab, in order to try to determine if the lab actually performs, as advertised. After all, a bargain is not a bargain, if it's worthless, no matter how great it sounds in the ads.

I'm not affiliated in any way with Enterolab, and I certainly don't receive any compensation from them - I'm just another happy customer, and there are hundreds of thousands of us who feel this way. If you can get an endorsement similar to this from a similar cohort of happy Metametrics customers, then go for it.

Tex

[IDontGiveA]

Thanks for the reply tex, as usual, you make some good points. I agree with doing research about a company, and finding endorsements, which is why I posted this question. In fact, tex if you can tell me where I can find those 'independent reports' I would appreciate it.
I am new to all of this, and it can be challenging to dig beyond the ads and descriptions. Yes, I have only heard good things about Enterolab, but I have not found much about metametrix. I have not heard about anyone using them for gluten testing, however I have found posts like the one here about how they found parasites when other tests did not.

I was unaware that blood tests are that unreliable. Again, the descriptions from metametrix sound like their blood tests are different and work better that others as it sounds like their test for parasites does. My doctor wants me to take a blood test for food allergies, and its quite expensive.

Like you said if it sounds good and is a bargain, but doesn't work, its worthless, and I dont have the money to waste on things that do not work. I now understand that most people consider Enterolab the most reliable for gluten testing, however if you want to be tested for parasites and foods other than the ones Enterolab offers, are there any other options recommended?



Thanks....

[Polly]

Hi IDGA!

I'd have to agree with Tex here. I have no personal experience with the lab you mention, but I do know that oodles of folks with our disease have been helped immensely by Dr. Fine's tests. The tests you describe are extremely comprehensive, but I'm not sure that most GI docs would even know what to do with all the info. Of course, any pathogenic bacteria could be treated with antibiotics, but the fact that one has more or less of a type of good bacteria doesn't really help much. Also, blood tests for our kind of food sensitivities mostly are't helpful - stool tests are far better. Unless, of course, you have anaphylactic-type reactions to food (hives, numb mouth, throat constricting). I would imagine your own doc has tested your stool for ova and parasites at some point - it's pretty standard procedure when one develops chronic diarrhea.

I'd put my money on Enterolab, since those tests appear the most helpful with the usual case of MC.

Let us know what you decide to do,

Polly

[tex]

Here's a report from a study that tested stool test kits offered by German labs, regarding the detection of gluten-sensitive enteropathy:

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/332/7535/213

Concerning testing for parasites, here's an endorsement from one of our members, regarding Metametrics' method of testing for parasites. I know nothing about that test, but if the description is not just a "snow job", (about using DNA technology), it sounds promising, for the detection of parasites.

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8279

I agree with Polly, of course, that the blood tests are helpful for detecting classic allergies that may result in anaphylaxis, but for detection of food sensitivities in the digestive system, they are not sensitive enough to be of much help, except in advanced cases. For detecting food sensitivities, Enterolab really doesn't have any competition, (no valid competition, anyway).

Tex

[IDontGiveA]

Thanks for the replies, I really do appreciate the help. This is one of the few forums Ive seen were people actually genuinely seem to care and have a clue what there talking about.

Tex - whew, after reading that article I am leery of any stool test. Talking of snow jobs, it sounds like you may be almost as skeptical as me.

Polly - My doctor told me that my issues are either one of or a combination of bacterial infection/parasites/food allergy-gluten. The first thing he had me do is take a stool test which came back negative, however he had me take a course of antibiotics anyway - obviously he does not put much stock in these tests himself. It was after reading cludwig's post that I began trying to find out about metametrix.

With all the positive press, its hard not to go for the Enterolab tests, so I think I'll stick with them. If I can scrap up the dough I still want to try the metametrix for parasites, as I have traveled a lot and now live in a tropical area in a developing country.

The blood tests Im still a little confused about as my doctor wants me to take one, and I do trust him, he is an allergy specialist with ties to my family. I would really like to find a reliable test for foods that enterolab does not offer. Below is some propaganda from metametrix about their blood test and related celiac tests. It would be great if someone would care to share their opinion whether they think its a sales job or if maybe they are doing something different as it seems to suggest to me.......

http://www.metametrix.com/content/Direc ... es90-Serum
http://www.metametrix.com/PDFs/Celiac-disease.pdf



IgG4 antibodies are associated with non-atopic or "delayed" food reactions that can worsen or contribute to many different health problems. These reactions are considered the most common form of immunologically mediated food intolerance. An IgG4 response to food is actually more common than the IgE response, which causes an immediate reaction. IgG4 acts as a blocking antibody, protecting the individual from potentially fatal IgE reactions. These reactions are more difficult to notice since they can occur hours or even days after consumption of an offending food. In some cases, a person's reaction to a food may occur several days after eating the offending food and the link between the food and their symptoms may not be connected. These "hidden" food allergies are caused by increasing blood levels of IgG4 antibodies in reaction to specific foods.

Metametrix Innovation in IgG Antibody Testing

New patent-pending IgG4 assay allows our test to show less false positives leading to better patient compliance.
First test to quantitate IgG4
Eliminates non-specific binding, lowering false positives without rejecting true positives

[tex]

Yes, the IgG antibodies are legitimate, and they do correlate with delayed reactions connected with food sensitivities. The problem is that they are just not very reliable for detecting food intolerances, in general. IOW, sensitivity and discrimination of the tests themselves is an issue. Think about it. The reactions are occurring in the gut, not in the blood. Why look in the blood for a marker to identify the reactions? Those IgG blood tests are not a total waste of money, they are just "weak", when compared with Enterolab's stool tests. Everyone likes to use blood tests, because they are quick and easy, (and sanitary, compared with stool tests), but you get a trade-off in accuracy. Also, the nature of the blood tests make it very easy to test for "zillions" of allergens, which looks good to prospective clients, but again, the trade-off means much lower accuracy, compared with the stool tests. Stool tests are very, very specific - you won't see any false positives with the stool tests, though they are quite common with blood tests.

I believe that Dr. Fine originated that "Tip of the Iceberg" viewpoint, roughly 15 years ago, when he began publishing his findings about detecting gluten-sensitive enteropathy, before the small intestine shows significant damage. He followed up with this lecture, in 2003:

https://www.enterolab.com/StaticPages/E ... gnosis.htm

Statistically, according to Dr. Fine's research, here is the difference between blood tests, and the stool tests that Enterolab uses, as far as reliably detecting disease, is concerned, (these results were verified by endoscopic biopsies):

* 100% of untreated celiac patients are antigliadin IgA positive by fecal test, compared to only 76% by blood (n= 17).
* 76% of microscopic colitis (a type of chronic diarrhea) patients are positive by the fecal test, compared to 9% by blood (n= 57).
* 57% of symptomatic people (digestive problems?) are positive by the fecal test, compared to 12% by blood (n= 58).
* 62% of people with autoimmune disease are positive by the fecal test.
* 29% of asymptomatic (healthy) people are positive by the fecal test, compared to 11-12% by blood (n= 240).

The bottom line is that the blood tests "work", but they are not in the same league as the stool tests, with regard to sensitivity, and discrimination.

Tex

[IDontGiveA]

Thanks once again for sharing your perspective, Tex. Your explanation has cleared up a lot for me and I feel a lot more comfortable now choosing which if any other tests I will take......

[Rosie]

IDGA, you posted:

The blood tests Im still a little confused about as my doctor wants me to take one, and I do trust him, he is an allergy specialist with ties to my family. I would really like to find a reliable test for foods that enterolab does not offer. Below is some propaganda from metametrix about their blood test and related celiac tests. It would be great if someone would care to share their opinion whether they think its a sales job or if maybe they are doing something different as it seems to suggest to me.......

In today's newspaper there was an article about the blood tests for food allergies, and the take-home message, like Tex's, is that blood and skin tests are not reliable. In the quote below I posted an url to the article and a piece from it:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/health/sfl- ... ?track=rss

In a study published in January in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers from the University of Manchester performed food challenges with 79 children who had positive skin or blood tests for peanut allergy. A huge portion -- 66 -- were found not to be allergic. The findings confirm two studies released in 2007 out of Sydney Children's and Johns Hopkins hospitals reporting large discrepancies in the results of skin and blood tests for peanut allergies.

That says the peanut blood and skin tests had an 84% false positive rate, which is pretty disturbing. Think of all the parents who were freaking out over the life-threatening possibility of peanut exposure, and it wasn't necessary.

Those of us with MC have enough genuine food intolerances without causing us even more distress with eliminating other food groups because of grossly unreliable blood and skin tests.

Rosie