Allergy & Intolerance Test

Our standard combined allergy and intolerance test is a fast and cost-effective way of screening for 78 triggers of the most common food intolerances and allergies. Using ELISA testing for raised IgE and IgG4 antibodies, this blood spot test offers accurate lab results to enable you to adjust your diet and lifestyle to reduce or avoid triggers.

Results are delivered to you via one easy-to-understand report. The personal food intolerance and allergy report include the following key elements:

– Explanations of the testing process.
– IgE reactions to items screened
– IgG4 reactions to items screened.
– Elimination diet recommendations.

Our expert team of intolerance and allergy technicians and lab managers have over 20 years of combined experience in allergy & intolerance testing and work from our category 2, ISO9001 accredited Allergy and intolerance testing laboratory.

The Science Behind Allergy and Intolerance Testing

Using ELISA testing for raised IgE antibodies to detect 38 allergies and 40 IgG4 antibodies to detect food intolerances, this test offers accurate lab results to enable you to optimise your diet and lifestyle. By testing both IgE and IgG4 antibodies we give you a more comprehensive picture of possible causes of symptoms aiding more effective elimination or further investigation.

How Does Allergy Testing Work?

Raised IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies are a recognized indicator of an allergy reaction. IgE allergy reactions are usually less common than intolerances (IgG) and present as a more immediate reaction.

How Does Intolerance Testing Work?

Raised IgG4 (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies indicate you have a food intolerance. IgG4 responses are more common than IgE (allergy), which causes an immediate reaction.

How our Food Allergy and Intolerance Test works

What’s tested?

Food intolerances, food allergies and inhalant allergies. Including common causes of allergy and intolerance symptoms such as eggs, grains, fruits, meat, wheat, pollens and fish.

Purchase and Delivery

Following the simple and secure payment process, you will receive free delivery of our CE-approved sample collection kit within 3 working days including easy instructions on how to complete your test.

Sample and Results Explained

Just a few spots of blood are required using a pin-prick lancet within the kit. Send everything to our labs in the envelope provided, and we’ll do the rest. We notify you when your sample arrives, and you will receive results from our lab to your email and our app in under 7 days.

Also Included:

• A full guide on how to perform an elimination diet of reacting items.

Food Intolerance and Allergy Symptoms

Our combined allergy and intolerance tests can help you identify the triggers related to digestive symptoms associated with food intolerances and other more immediate symptoms related to allergies. Depending on whether you have an allergy or intolerance, will experience different symptoms. You can read more about these differences between food allergies and intolerances on our website.

Food intolerance symptoms include:

• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Migraines
• Itchy eyes

Further symptoms you may experience if you have an allergy include:

• Mouth swelling
• Breathing difficulties
• Vomiting
• Skin rashes

Discover if food intolerances or allergies are the causes of your symptoms in this fast and easy-to-use combined allergy and intolerance test. Use the results to help you eliminate triggers and adjust your diet and lifestyle.

How to take your sample

1

Receive your testing kit in the post.

2

Clean your finger and use the finger prick to take your sample.

3

Fill the blood spot card with your sample.

4

Send your sample to our labs for testing.

The Science

This test uses the IgE and IgG4 in your blood sample for intolerance and allergy testing, but what does that mean?

At Allergy Test Ireland, we’re proud to offer the possibility to test for both IgE and IgG4. Our Allergy & Intolerance test offers both immunological and non-immunological responses, giving you a full overview of your body and the more specific reactions caused when you are fighting foreign substances via antigens.

Why IgE and IgG4?

The interpretation of the IgE: IgG4 ratio is useful to determine the possibility of an allergic reaction. If it is higher, there is a high likelihood of an allergic reaction occurring, whereas the low ratio shows a low-grade allergic reaction. To identify food allergens that cause chronic inflammatory diseases, it’s required to test the total IgG, whereas IgE is determined only in presence of a Type I or Type 1 allergy. Scientific studies have shown that people with inflammatory and alimentary intolerance have had IgG directed against food antigens alone, but not IgE. An elimination diet elimination based on IgG antibodies (elimination of food with high IgG/IgG4 levels) as demonstrated great ability to manage symptoms in people with IBS and migraines.

We are not offering a quick solution, but the possibility to map out your body like never before. Our range of tests are not used for the diagnosis of chronic or acute food allergies or intolerances as explained in our Test Facts. The easy-to-understand test results report can be combined with your medical history and the help of your GP or an allergist to start this journey for a better version of yourself. To find out more about the science of IgE and IgG4 testing, click here.

References

1. Velikova T et al. Methods for detection of food intolerance. RAdvFoodSci: 2018: 1(3): 106-119
2. Bock SA, AAAAI support of the EAACI Position Paper on IgG4. The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. 2010; 125(6): 1410.
3. Ishikawa R, Tsujimura Y, Obata K, Kawano Y, Minegishi Y, Karasuyama H, IgG-mediated systemic anaphylaxis to protein antigen can be induced even under conditions of limited amounts of antibody and antigen. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2010; 402(4): 742-6.

What’s inside the testing kit?

1 x Alcohol wipe
1 x Band-aid
1 x Absorbent pad
1 x Six Spot Blood Card
2 x Lancets CE 0344 (pin-prick system)
1 x Return envelope
1 x Activation card with an adhesive label

• Raised IgE values prove clinically significant in identifying an IgE-Mediated Allergy.
• Removal of raised IgG4 items may improve lifestyle based on testimonial evidence.
• Testing is carried out in a variety of locations worldwide.
• CE approved sample collection kit.
• Results do not constitute a medical diagnosis on their own, but may be used by your doctor or nutritional therapist to help form a diagnosis or rule out a condition.
• Quantitative data using an ELISA testing methodology. All values measured in Kilounits per antigen per litre (KUA/L), our scale uses a universal cut off point of 0.35 in classifying a reaction.
• >97% reproducible results. IgG4 values may change over time with diet.

Important

Blood (ELISA) tests define an intolerance/sensitivity as a specific IgG4 antibody reaction and an allergy as a specific IgE antibody reaction (IgE-Mediated).

All information in the reports produced is intended to support nutritional advice to optimise your diet. The results cannot be used to diagnose, treat or cure medical/health conditions.

The use of antihistamines prior to or during the blood sample collection process may affect your results, please contact our team for further advice.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health providers if you have a medical condition and/or medical symptoms. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it.

• Same day dispatch on orders placed by midday
• Easy return envelope enclosed with your kit
• 14-day cancellation period if you change your mind
• Fast track option available at the checkout, get your blood results within 48 hours of your sample arriving at our laboratory
• Nutritional therapist sessions available at the checkout are used to discuss your results.