Frequently asked questions about IgG Food Sensitivity Test

Questions about IgG Food Sensitivity Test

Q: WHAT DOES THE FOOD SENSITIVITY TEST CHECK FOR?

A: Our Food Sensitivity Test checks for Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies produced from sensitivity to certain foods. We do not test for IgA or IgE antibodies (some of those require a lot more blood, which might need to be drawn by a nurse or phlebotomist).

Q: IS THE TEST APPROVED BY FDA?

A: No. This is a lab-developed test (LDT). Our labs regularly develop new tests that are monitored by the state health regulatory bodies as well as CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and may not always require FDA approval. The CLIA certification allows labs to develop such tests.

Q: WHERE IS THE TEST CONDUCTED?

Our test will be carried out by USBioTek, based in Seattle, WA. For over 15 years, the lab has been testing thousands of patients, and hundreds of doctors regularly use it for their patients.

Q: DOES MY TEST INCLUDE A DOCTOR’S CONSULTATION?

A: Unfortunately, no. A consultation adds extra cost, however, we are working on adding telehealth support in case you want to make a separate appointment to talk to a physician.

Q: HOW DO YOU GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THE RESULTS?

A: Each test is run twice to ensure it passes our strict testing protocols. The lab also runs reference samples for calibration to ensure the results are within the expected ranges. Additionally, the lab needs to pass very strict regulatory requirements for state and CLIA certification in order to test human samples.

Q: WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE TEST?

A: The test marks your sensitivities to specific foods on a scale of 0 to IV (from low to high). Based on your results, the lab designs a diet rotation plan that recommends what to eat for next few days. This allows confirmation of any sensitivities flagged in the report, or to ignore others that might be due to cross-contamination from other unknown reasons.

Q: HOW DOES THE REPORT LOOK?

Here is a snapshot of a sample report:

Sample report food sensitivity

Q: HOW DOES THE DIET ROTATION PLAN LOOK?

Here is a snapshot of a sample diet rotation plan:

Diet rotation plan

Q: WHAT MIGHT AFFECT MY RESULTS?

Several factors might affect your results:

  • Certain medicines (especially steroid based medication).
  • If you have not consumed some foods for a long time, the body may not have produced antibodies against them and they may not appear in the results.
  • Cross-contamination of signals as certain chemicals might cause similar antibody response to certain foods.
  • Age: children below the age of 6 months might not have produced enough antibodies. Certain older patients may not have the ability to produce sufficient antibodies to detect.
  • Certain underlying conditions, e.g., auto-immune diseases might interfere with the results.
  • In rare cases, it might not be possible to explain the low or high antibody response observed with the test.

Q:ARE THERE SPECIFIC REASONS PEOPLE MAY HAVE LOW OR HIGH IGG REACTIVITY?

There are cases where low IgG reactivity is observed, for example:

  • About 2.5% of general population might have low IgG antibodies based on one study.
  • Toxic exposure to certain chemicals, drugs or environmental conditions might cause low production of immunoglobulin.
  • Those with advanced age, malnutrition/malabsorption, or chronic conditions might show acquired IgG deficiencies, based on a 2011 report.

High IgG sensitivity may be observed in very sick patients or when the body is producing high levels of immunoglobulins that cross-contaminate the signals.

Q:WHAT’S THE REASON BEHIND THE CONTROVERSY AROUND IGG FOOD SENSITIVITY TESTING?

Because Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies may be elevated due to other reasons, it may not always be easy to pinpoint the exact cause of sensitivity. That’s why following a diet rotation plan, included in the test results, is essential to confirm the results. Without the test, one needs to keep track of all the food items in their diet and work on eliminating them one-by-one. The test allows to narrow down the suspect foods and the diet rotation plan helps confirm the most common offenders among them.

Q:ARE THERE SPECIFIC REASONS PEOPLE MAY HAVE LOW OR HIGH IGG REACTIVITY?

Diagnostic tests are used as a way to eliminate or confirm certain conditions or symptoms. It is important to understand that every test has limitations, and you may not always get the desired results with this test alone.

After reviewing all the above information and when you are ready to order, pick the test you want to order. Check the steps involved in placing the order and carefully follow the instructions after your kit arrives. Once the results are available, we suggest to review them with your doctor. Additionally, it is very important to follow the diet rotation plan to confirm the sensitivities to the suspect foods highlighted in the report. This step is critical in order to eliminate them from your diet.

Q:WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT FOOD SENSITIVITY TEST?

You can contact us via email or phone to learn more. If you would prefer to order it through a doctor and want to know one in your area, we would be happy to connect.

TERMS OF USE:

Our tests do not substitute the advice of a trained physician or health professional. Please do not use the results for diagnosing or treating any health problems. We encourage you to share the results with your primary care physician before making any decision based on the test results.

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