 An allergy is an immune system response to a foreign substance that's not typically harmful to your body. These foreign substances are called allergens. They can include certain foods, pollen, or pet dander. Your immune system's job is to keep you healthy by fighting harmful pathogens.
Markers Covered:
Food Allergy Markers:
IgG Food Antibodies
Testing for adverse food reactions is useful for individuals who suspect that a food is responsible for causing their symptoms, but can't quite identify which food(s). The presence of circulating antibodies may affect each patient differently. Circulating IgG food antibodies are not diagnostic for a specific condition, but indicate an immune response to that food. The immune response could be a normal response that would not necessarily cause symptoms. Therefore, test results should always be viewed in the context of the overall clinical picture. The role of IgG food antibody testing is still being researched, however, studies have shown the benefit of testing in certain conditions.
IgE food Antibodies:
Testing for IgE food antibodies is useful for individuals who suspect that a food is responsible for causing their symptoms. The presence of circulating antibodies may affect each patient differently. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, "A key message is that a positive allergy test result (skin or blood) indicates only the presence of allergen-specific IgE (called sensitisation). It does not necessarily mean clinical allergy (i.e., allergic symptoms with exposure)."2 Therefore, test results should always be viewed in the context of the overall clinical picture.
IgG Vegetarian
The IgG Vegetarian Food Profile is a blood test that measures antibodies to 21 vegetarian foods. The panel also includes a total IgE measurement. The body can react to foods in many different ways. Adverse food reactions can lead to distressing symptoms and chronic health conditions. Often times it is unknown exactly which food(s) may be the cause and testing can help identify the problematic foods. Removal of the reactive foods often results in resolution of symptoms.
IgG Spices
The IgG Spice Profile is a blood test that measures antibodies to 24 culinary herbs and spices. The profile also includes a total IgE measurement. The body can react to foods in many different ways. Adverse food reactions can lead to distressing symptoms and chronic health conditions. Often times it is unknown exactly which food(s) may be the cause and testing can help identify the problematic foods. Removal of the reactive foods often results in resolution of symptoms.
Inhalants and Mold Allergy Markers:
IgE Mold:
The IgE Mold Profile is a blood test that measures IgE antibodies to 15 common indoor and outdoor molds. The panel also includes a total IgE measurement. Everyone breathes in airborne mold spores, and in people with mold allergies, symptoms mainly affect the respiratory tract. Testing for mold allergies can identify whether mold is causing the symptoms. The patient can experience relief with symptom management, and by avoiding ongoing exposure to the mold source.
Symptoms and conditions associated with IgE mold allergies
- Stuffy or itchy nose, sneezing, rhinitis or sinusitis
- Itchy, teary eyes, conjunctivitis
- Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma
- Skin rash or hives
IgE Inhalants:
The IgE Inhalants Profile is a blood test that measures IgE antibodies to 16 common indoor and outdoor inhalants specific to 18 North American geographic regions. The profile also includes a total IgE measurement. Testing can help identify whether an allergen is triggering the common symptoms associated with seasonal, pet or mite allergies. These symptoms include sneezing, coughing, itchy and watery eyes, and others. The patient can experience relief with symptom management, and by avoiding ongoing exposure to the identified allergen.
Symptoms and conditions associated with IgE inhalant allergies
- Stuffy or itchy nose, sneezing, rhinitis or sinusitis
- Itchy, teary eyes, conjunctivitis
- Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, asthma
- Skin rash or hives
Celiac and Gluten Senstivity:
The Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity test is a comprehensive serologic profile that uses widely accepted immunologic biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis of Celiac disease (CD) and gluten sensitivity. Epidemiologic studies estimate a worldwide prevalence of CD of approximately 1:100 individuals, with a considerable proportion of patients remaining undiagnosed and untreated. Gluten sensitivity is estimated to affect 0.6-10.6% of the population.
Celiac disease is defined as an autoimmune enteropathy of the small intestine, caused by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically pre-disposed individuals. In susceptible individuals, gluten ingestion generates an inflammatory reaction predominantly centered in the upper parts of the small intestine. This mucosal injury will eventually reduce the intestinal absorptive area and interfere with uptake of micronutrients.
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