Visit the Microscopic Colitis Foundation Website
enterolab- worth it??
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
enterolab- worth it??
i have celiac disease (9 yrs now) just got diagnosed with mc.....is it worth it for me to try enterolab to see if i am allergic/sensative to anything else, like soy, diary? i have been staying away from most diary or as much as possible....have some cheese here and there....thought? thanks!
I think the answer to that is how much peace of mind you might derive from knowing. I held off several years before having the testing done. Turned out I was gluten & soy. I was extremely relieved that the list wasn't more extensive (especially dairy).
Welcome to our family..........
Shirley
Welcome to our family..........
Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
It seems that questions about the accuracy/reliability/value, etc., of the Enterolab tests come up almost every week or so, so this issue has been addressed many times here. Once again, here is my opinion of Enterolab, and their tests:
I certainly understand your concern, because the internet is indeed full of scams, and the shady record of many such labs, in the past, is the main reason why most GI doctors are slow to embrace the technology used by Enterolab, (they've been stung before, and such memories tend to linger forever).
Enterolab was founded by Dr. Kenneth Fine, over 10 years ago. Dr. Fine has MC himself, which is the reason why he started researching the disease, in the first place. He is the person who discovered the link between diet and MC, and he is the creator of the "Pepto-Bismol" treatment, (he developed it over 10 years ago, but many GI docs are just now beginning to recognize it as a possible treatment for MC).
Enterolab is a fully accredited lab, and since it is located in Dallas, Texas, you can check his professional reputation online, at the Texas Board of Medical Examiners. The last time I looked, he had zero negative entries on his record. His tests are patented, all over the world, and no other labs are licensed to use his technology, so that's why you don't see anyone else offering stool tests for food intoleraces, that actually work - he holds all the patents for this particular technology.
The downfall of most labs is their poor repeatability record, because individual technicians judge the results differently, so they report different results. Only one individual does all the testing at Enterolab, and he holds a PhD, so their tests are far more repeatable, reliable, and accurate, when compared with other lab results. For example, Dr. Fine's stool tests can detect gluten sensitivity several years before the disease becomes severe enough to raise the antibody level in the blood to a level where the classic celiac blood tests can detect the disease. IOW, the stool tests are several orders of magnitude more sensitive than the blood tests.
If you will read some of the celiac discussion boards, you will discover that Enterolab has accumulated thousands upon thousands of satisfied customers over the years that they have been in business. There is no way that they could have done that if their test results were not highly accurate and reliable. I'm not suggesting that there are absolutely no unhappy customers out there, but I haven't come across a single one, so far, and I've scanned a heck of a lot of internet discussion boards related to this topic.
Are the tests infallable? No. We don't live in a perfect world, and no medical test is 100% reliable, 100% of the time. The tests at Enterolab occasionally show a false negative result, (due to limitations imposed by the mathematics involved in setting cutoff points for test results). That's why Dr. Fine always says to view such results with suspicion, if that particular food seems to be a problem, despite a negative test result. IMO, they're the only game in town, if you want to test for food sensitivities. There are other labs offering so-called food sensitivity tests, but none of them come close to the standard of accuracy and reliability maintained by Enterolab.
And no, I'm not on their payroll, nor am I affiliated with them in any way, other than the fact that I am a very satisfied customer. Just for the record, I have only ordered 3 food sensitivity tests from them, (egg, yeast, and soy). All three results were negative, and sure enough, I do not react to those foods. At the time that I ordered the tests, though, I wasn't sure, so this saved me a lot of misery and aggravation, since I didn't have to wonder if I was sensitive to them, and I didn't have to worry about keeping them out of my diet.
That's why, in a nutshell, Enterolab gets an unequivocal thumbs up from me.
Tex
I certainly understand your concern, because the internet is indeed full of scams, and the shady record of many such labs, in the past, is the main reason why most GI doctors are slow to embrace the technology used by Enterolab, (they've been stung before, and such memories tend to linger forever).
Enterolab was founded by Dr. Kenneth Fine, over 10 years ago. Dr. Fine has MC himself, which is the reason why he started researching the disease, in the first place. He is the person who discovered the link between diet and MC, and he is the creator of the "Pepto-Bismol" treatment, (he developed it over 10 years ago, but many GI docs are just now beginning to recognize it as a possible treatment for MC).
Enterolab is a fully accredited lab, and since it is located in Dallas, Texas, you can check his professional reputation online, at the Texas Board of Medical Examiners. The last time I looked, he had zero negative entries on his record. His tests are patented, all over the world, and no other labs are licensed to use his technology, so that's why you don't see anyone else offering stool tests for food intoleraces, that actually work - he holds all the patents for this particular technology.
The downfall of most labs is their poor repeatability record, because individual technicians judge the results differently, so they report different results. Only one individual does all the testing at Enterolab, and he holds a PhD, so their tests are far more repeatable, reliable, and accurate, when compared with other lab results. For example, Dr. Fine's stool tests can detect gluten sensitivity several years before the disease becomes severe enough to raise the antibody level in the blood to a level where the classic celiac blood tests can detect the disease. IOW, the stool tests are several orders of magnitude more sensitive than the blood tests.
If you will read some of the celiac discussion boards, you will discover that Enterolab has accumulated thousands upon thousands of satisfied customers over the years that they have been in business. There is no way that they could have done that if their test results were not highly accurate and reliable. I'm not suggesting that there are absolutely no unhappy customers out there, but I haven't come across a single one, so far, and I've scanned a heck of a lot of internet discussion boards related to this topic.
Are the tests infallable? No. We don't live in a perfect world, and no medical test is 100% reliable, 100% of the time. The tests at Enterolab occasionally show a false negative result, (due to limitations imposed by the mathematics involved in setting cutoff points for test results). That's why Dr. Fine always says to view such results with suspicion, if that particular food seems to be a problem, despite a negative test result. IMO, they're the only game in town, if you want to test for food sensitivities. There are other labs offering so-called food sensitivity tests, but none of them come close to the standard of accuracy and reliability maintained by Enterolab.
And no, I'm not on their payroll, nor am I affiliated with them in any way, other than the fact that I am a very satisfied customer. Just for the record, I have only ordered 3 food sensitivity tests from them, (egg, yeast, and soy). All three results were negative, and sure enough, I do not react to those foods. At the time that I ordered the tests, though, I wasn't sure, so this saved me a lot of misery and aggravation, since I didn't have to wonder if I was sensitive to them, and I didn't have to worry about keeping them out of my diet.
That's why, in a nutshell, Enterolab gets an unequivocal thumbs up from me.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
-
MBombardier
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 1523
- Joined: Thu Oct 14, 2010 10:44 am
- Location: Vancouver, WA
I have gradually been persuaded to do the Enterolab tests (when I have the money) by the people on this board. I, too, thought it was a scam when I first ran across it, but during the weeks that I have been a part of this forum I have grown to know that the people here really know what they are talking about, and to trust their opinion of Enterolab.
I plan to do the same thing as you have done, Tex. Sometimes I think I react to dairy, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I think I react to soy, sometimes I don't. It will be a relief to know conclusively whether I am sensitive to them or not. And though the good results I am getting from going gluten-free are unarguable, I would like to know the genetic makeup of my gluten sensitivity, especially for the sake of my kids.
I plan to do the same thing as you have done, Tex. Sometimes I think I react to dairy, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I think I react to soy, sometimes I don't. It will be a relief to know conclusively whether I am sensitive to them or not. And though the good results I am getting from going gluten-free are unarguable, I would like to know the genetic makeup of my gluten sensitivity, especially for the sake of my kids.
Marliss Bombardier
Dum spiro, spero -- While I breathe, I hope
Psoriasis - the dark ages
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Dec 2001
Collagenous Colitis - Sept 2010
Granuloma Annulare - June 2011
Dum spiro, spero -- While I breathe, I hope
Psoriasis - the dark ages
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Dec 2001
Collagenous Colitis - Sept 2010
Granuloma Annulare - June 2011
I found the Enterolab results motivating. IOW, I am a numbers person. My intuition told me to go gluten free because I can't stay on steroids forever. Then when I saw the Enterolab results, that just sealed the deal, even though I was not a strong positive.
As Tex says, are the results perfect? No. Are they more accurate than not? Yes. Are they a good indictor to tell you what to stay away from food-wise? Yes. Should you eliminate most of the trigger foods anyways? Probably.
Rich
As Tex says, are the results perfect? No. Are they more accurate than not? Yes. Are they a good indictor to tell you what to stay away from food-wise? Yes. Should you eliminate most of the trigger foods anyways? Probably.
Rich
"It's not what I believe. It's what I can prove." - A Few Good Men
Enterlab
Personally, I think the lab is a big waste of money. Also, Dr Fines diet did nothing for me. I was very disappointed after my phone conference with him 10 years ago.
I found my own diet and went into remission for 4 years.
Karen
I found my own diet and went into remission for 4 years.
Karen
Good evening!
My experience is the opposite of Karen's. If it were not for Dr. Fine, I believe I probably would still be sick today. When my MC was diagnosed over 10 years ago, Dr. Fine was testing only for gluten and yeast intolerance. Both of those tests were positive for me. Thus, I was pretty much on my own to determine my other (multiple) intolerances. I wasted time trying the SCD, until I requested a telephone conference with Dr. Fine and learned that a full dairy intolerance was much more likely with MC. (The SCD is really for those who are only lactose intolerant, since it allows yogurt and aged cheeses - definite no-nos for most of us with the full dairy intolerance that goes along with MC). I have had a number of phone chats and emails with Dr. Fine over the years, and he has been a huge help to me in learning to tweak my diet. I was in full remission for 10 years (had negative biopsies during colonoscopy on 7/2/10). Had my first flare in August of this year when my dog died. However, I am now completely back on track, which I am sure is due to having followed my restrictive diet for so long. I believe it is because of Dr. Fine that I have never had to take medication for MC.....I have been able to manage it with diet alone.
Love,
Polly
My experience is the opposite of Karen's. If it were not for Dr. Fine, I believe I probably would still be sick today. When my MC was diagnosed over 10 years ago, Dr. Fine was testing only for gluten and yeast intolerance. Both of those tests were positive for me. Thus, I was pretty much on my own to determine my other (multiple) intolerances. I wasted time trying the SCD, until I requested a telephone conference with Dr. Fine and learned that a full dairy intolerance was much more likely with MC. (The SCD is really for those who are only lactose intolerant, since it allows yogurt and aged cheeses - definite no-nos for most of us with the full dairy intolerance that goes along with MC). I have had a number of phone chats and emails with Dr. Fine over the years, and he has been a huge help to me in learning to tweak my diet. I was in full remission for 10 years (had negative biopsies during colonoscopy on 7/2/10). Had my first flare in August of this year when my dog died. However, I am now completely back on track, which I am sure is due to having followed my restrictive diet for so long. I believe it is because of Dr. Fine that I have never had to take medication for MC.....I have been able to manage it with diet alone.
Love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
-
Joefnh
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 2478
- Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:25 pm
- Location: Southern New Hampshire
It does seem that Dr Fine has a pretty good reputation. On several of the Crohns boards I visit his name had been mentioned there in a favorable way. To date I have been able to determine my sensitivities using the process of elimination. At some point I might do the testing just to see what comes up.
A good question would be, if you have been eating GF/SF/DF, would the Enterolab test be of any value as you wold not be producing any antibodies without any exposure to soy, gluten or dairy.
--Joe
A good question would be, if you have been eating GF/SF/DF, would the Enterolab test be of any value as you wold not be producing any antibodies without any exposure to soy, gluten or dairy.
--Joe
Joe
Joe,
You will produce gluten antibodies for around 2 years after you cut it out of your diet, and the Enterolab antigliadin test will reliably detect it for at least the first year after you cut gluten out of your diet. Unless you slip - if you accidentally ingest any gluten, then the clock may be reset, of course.
The other antibodies fade away very quickly, within a matter of a few weeks, for most of them. After you are on the diet for a sufficient length of time, the tests are useful only for determining whether you have slipped on your diet, and believe it or not, a high percentage of celiacs not only show positive stool test results, years after they begin the diet, but many of them also show positive blood test results, meaning that they are unintentionally ingesting a significant amount of gluten, on a regular basis. IOW, many people are simply not careful enough at avoiding their food sensitivities, even though they think that they are.
Tex
You will produce gluten antibodies for around 2 years after you cut it out of your diet, and the Enterolab antigliadin test will reliably detect it for at least the first year after you cut gluten out of your diet. Unless you slip - if you accidentally ingest any gluten, then the clock may be reset, of course.
The other antibodies fade away very quickly, within a matter of a few weeks, for most of them. After you are on the diet for a sufficient length of time, the tests are useful only for determining whether you have slipped on your diet, and believe it or not, a high percentage of celiacs not only show positive stool test results, years after they begin the diet, but many of them also show positive blood test results, meaning that they are unintentionally ingesting a significant amount of gluten, on a regular basis. IOW, many people are simply not careful enough at avoiding their food sensitivities, even though they think that they are.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Karen,Karen wrote:Personally, I think the lab is a big waste of money.
That's a pretty broad condemnation. Since Enterolab has hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers, some details of the reasons behind your opinion would really help to elucidate your position. Are you saying that your Enterolab test results were invalid? Or are you simply saying that you had additional food sensitivities that you had to track down on your own? IOW, why do you have such a negative view of the lab, when virtually everyone else seems to have a very positive opinion of them?
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.