Allergy reaction

Allergy or Sensitivity (Intolerance) ?

New &  Improved FACTest^TM (Food Allergen Cellular Test)

The new FACTestTM has not only had an image update, it now also incorporates the latest 3gAllergyTM technology, and a measurement of total IgE antibodies!

Recently this test was developed to incorporate 3gAllergyTM technology. This is a highly sensitive and specific technique that ensures the most reliable and reproducible results ever. The most recent and significant development however took effect from the 28th September. This was the introduction of a Total IgE antibody measurement. The FACTestTM previously did not differentiate between IgE and non-IgE, however a total IgE measurement will allow practitioners to identify if any of the reactions reported may be of IgE origin. An IgE food allergy panel or individual allergen test can then be carried out if required.

If you find the world of allergy confusing we have just produced a 4-page leaflet, ‘Deconfusing Allergy’, that gives you a helping hand in understanding the differences between all the tests and when it is appropriate to use testing. If you would like to receive a copy of this new leaflet please email us at kitorders@iwdl.net.

 

The body may react to food in many different ways, and this has been the cause of much controversy about what does and does not constitute food allergy. Food allergy is probably best defined as an abnormal immunological reaction to food. This means that if an individual is exposed to a food they are allergic to, an immune response occurs which can be measured in the blood. Such a response is swift, clearly defined and is invariably reproducible. It classically involves the production of special antibodies to foods called IgE. These antibodies can be measured in our Acute Food Allergy Test

Food intolerance is also an adverse reaction to a specific food or food ingredient which is not psychologically based. However, food intolerance is not necessarily associated with clearly defined immune reactions in the same way as food allergy, and may involve a number of different reactions. It has been shown that IgE and other types of antibodies are found in the gut wall and release histamine. This has the effect of altering the permeability of the gut to a wide variety of substances, making it more 'leaky'. As a consequence food can be absorbed when it has only been partly digested, so large and unusual food molecules may actually get into the blood stream. These can then trigger a number of immune responses. These chemicals themselves are the cause of many of the unpleasant symptoms seen in food intolerance. 

Most of the evidence suggests food intolerances or sensitivities are influenced by our environment and our own dietary and medical practices. These involve a series of  complex immune reactions, the detection of which needs a specialised test such as the FACT test. 

The Food Allergy Cellular Test (FACTest^TM)

This test is a cellular assay that measures the release of chemical mediators from white blood cells once they have been stimulated and incubated with foods, detecting a much wider range of food intolerances and sensitivities than is possible by conventional means. 

FACTest^TM profiles available:

ALL01 FACTest^TM: This comprehensive FACTest measures all types of immunological reactions to approximately 120 different foods, including common seasonings, colourings, additives and beverages from a single blood sample.

ALL02 FACTest^TM Dairy & Grains Profile: This test measures sensitivities against all cow's, sheep's, goat's and soya products, common grains and yeast. A marker called tissue transglutaminase (tTGA), which is highly specific at identifying untreated Coeliac Disease, is also measured.

ALL03 FACTest^TM Additives Profile: This profile measures reactions to commonly found food additives.

ALL04 FACTest^TM Antibiotics & Analgesics Profile: This profile measures reactions to commonly used antibiotics and analgesics.

ALL08 Comprehensive Food Allergy Profile:
This profile consists of the full FACTest, IgE Food Allergy Panel and a marker called tissue transglutaminase (tTGA). tTGA which is highly specific at identifying untreated Coeliac Disease, is also measured.

To view the analytes measured in each of our FACTests please click on the following link: FACTest^TM Analytes Measured

Signs and symptoms associated with food intolerance:

• Gastrointestinal: severe bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, excess wind, nausea, vomiting, colitis
• Genitourinary: bedwetting, chronic bladder infection
• Immune: chronic infections, frequent ear infections
• Mental/emotional: anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, inability to concentrate, insomnia, irritability and mental confusion.
• Musculoskeletal: bursitis, joint and muscle pain, arthritis
• Respiratory: asthma, chronic bronchitis, wheezing.
• Skin: acne, eczema, hives, itching, skin rashes.
• Misc: Palpitations, water retention, headaches/migraines, hypoglycaemia, rhinitis, weight gain, fatigue.

Pricing

Description		(RRP) Price
Food Intolerance Test (FACTestTM)		£245.00
FACTestTM Dairy & Grains Profile		£105.00
FACTestTM Additives Profile		£95.00
FACTestTM Antibiotics & Analgesics Profile		£95.00
IgE Acute Food Allergy Profile		£140.00
IgE Inhalant Profile		£140.00
FACTestTM & IgE Inhalant		£280.00
Comprehensive Food Allergy Profile		£300.00
Individual Allergens		£30.00

To order test go to Having a Test