Intolerance Test

The standard at home food intolerance test is a fast and cost-effective way of screening for 63 of the most common food intolerances. Using ELISA testing for raised IgG4 antibodies, this blood spot test offers accurate lab results to enable you to adjust your diet to reduce or avoid triggers.

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

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

Raised IgG4 (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies can indicate a food intolerance. IgG4 responses are more common than IgE (allergy), which causes an immediate reaction. Food intolerance reactions can be more difficult to self-diagnose since symptoms can occur hours or even days after consumption of an offending food.

Our expert team of intolerance 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.

How our Food Intolerance Test works

Using ELISA testing for raised IgG4 antibodies to detect 63 food intolerances, this test offers accurate lab results to enable you to optimise your diet and lifestyle.

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.

What’s tested?

Food Intolerances. Including common causes of intolerance such as eggs, grains, fruits, wheat 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 Symptoms

Our intolerance tests can help you identify the triggers related to digestive symptoms associated with food intolerances. This information can then be used to remove or reduce contact with these items or seek a further medical investigation. Common symptoms of food intolerance include:

• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Loose stools

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

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 IgG4 in your blood sample for intolerance testing, but what does that mean?

IgG and IgE antibodies play an important role in our immune system. The immune system helps our body to fight infections and inflammation caused by external invaders known as antigens like viruses, bacteria, parasitic worms and proteins. We have four classes of IgG antibodies: IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4(1). For the Intolerance Test, we are using IgG4 to help us in the identification of those non-immunological responses that can be the cause of common symptoms like: bloating, headaches, stomach pains and diarrhoea.

Why IgG4?

The IgG4 antibodies can influence the inflammatory response but not activate it. We are using IgG4 in our intolerance tests because we are investigating delayed symptoms that could be associated with food and non-food intolerances (1,2). These do not cause an immediate immunological response, however, could still be causing you problems. For food intolerance, the presence of specific IgE and IgG antibodies can be observed. Some subclasses of IgG (mainly IgG4) inhibit the degranulation of basophils and mast cells and the activation of the complement cascade (2).

At Allergy Test Ireland, we use IgG4 exclusively for qualitative intolerance testing. Our tests are not used for the diagnosis of acute or chronic food intolerances; however, we are helping you to draw a map of the reactions that could be the cause of your symptoms. 60% of the world’s population suffers from food intolerance to at least one food antigen. This test is not a quick fix but can help you in your journey to find a better version of yourself. To find out more about the science of IgG4 testing, click here.

References

1. Aalberse RC, Stapel SO, Schuurman J, Rispens T, Immunoglobulin G4: an odd antibody. Clin Exp Allergy. 2009; 39(4): 469-77.
2. Velikova T et al. Methods for detection of food intolerance. RAdvFoodSci: 2018: 1(3): 106-119

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

• Removal of raised IgG4 items may improve lifestyle based on testimonial evidence.
• 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.