Do I need a doctor's prescription to have this test done?
In general, any individual can order any test(s) for themselves. A doctor's prescription is not required. However, if you have insurance and would like us to bill your insurance company for the service, you should request the service through your doctor. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further assistance on this during normal business hours, 8:30 - 5:00, PST.

How much blood is needed for the food allergy testing?
Usually 3 ml of serum (approximately 6 ml of whole blood) is required for our complete 96 IgE/IgG food antibody panel. However, in difficult cases, we may accept half of the required quantity. With our Aller-Food Check IgG food antibody panel, only a few drops of blood absorbed onto our micro-collection strips are all that’s required!

Should I be fasting before the blood draw?
No. Fasting is not required. We do suggest that the blood draw be done at least 3 hours after a meal.

Should I be eating differently before taking this test?
Yes, you should eat many different kinds of foods for at least a week before taking the test. This will greatly enhance the amount of circulating antibodies for detection namely, those responsible for immediate-onset reactivity. However, in some cases you should avoid eating these offending foods as they may cause a severe anaphylactic reaction. Secondary exposure to such foods may prove fatal. Please consult your physician if you have any questions concerning this test.

What information will the allergy report provide?
The report will provide information in the following categories: Foods with No Reaction - Foods in this column may be eaten freely. Low - Low amount of antibodies are present against specific foods. You may still eat these foods freely. Moderate - Moderate amount of antibodies are present against these specific foods. It is suggested to avoid these foods for a 3-month period, and rotate these foods every 4 days afterwards. High - There are elevated antibodies in the body against these specific foods. It is suggested to avoid these foods for at least 6-9 months, depending on your health conditions, and re-introduce carefully later.

We recommend that you consult your healthcare practitioner for any questions you may have concerning the report.

Can I have this test done if I am taking "Steroidal" drugs such as cortisone?
Steroidal drugs such as cortisone may suppress the immune system, and thus reduce the antibodies present, causing a dampening in the results on the report. Thus it is advisable to stop taking the steroidal drug for at least 3 weeks before taking the test. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your current medication regime.

What should I expect from the report?
Our report will provide information on antibody levels against 96 specific foods. They include foods in several different categories: Dairy, Seafood, Poultry, Meat, Vegetables, Fruits, and miscellaneous items (coffee, honey, etc) . It is suggested to follow the customized rotation diet which accompanies your report. Abstain from the reactive foods, and start rotating the foods that are in the low or no-reaction category. In most cases, if your condition is due to allergic reactions to food, you may notice clearing of your symptoms within 3-4 weeks. Faster clearance of symptoms may be observed among children.

What should I do if I have taken the test, followed the diet, and still have not found relief from my symptoms?
You should take the report and consult your doctor as other factors may play a role in affecting your current health status. It is important to realize that any test result as it relates to the individual is at the doctor's discretion taking into consideration a full subjective history and presenting symptoms in addition to other signs.

Are the antibody assessment panels suitable for infants?
At birth, the immune system is not fully developed. Most of the antibodies in infants are acquired from the mother, transferred via the placenta before birth. A physiologic hypogammaglobulinemia is present by age 2 to 6 months, which usually resolves after 6 months as the infant starts to produce its own antibodies. Normal levels may not be reached to about 12 to 36 months. This is more common among premature infants who may be profoundly hypogammaglobulinemic. Antibodies transferred through the breast milk during feeding may reflect the mother’s diet and dietary sensitivities.

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