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Food Allergy Testing 

 

Accurately identifying IgE-mediated allergies is critical, with reactions ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening.  

 

 
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what is an allergy?

 

IgE is a true allergy; when IgE is released, there is an immediate (seconds to hours) reaction. IgE reactivity can persist for years or a lifetime due to the presence of B-memory cells in the bone marrow, even if the food has been avoided. Food allergies are recognized to trigger adverse reactions such as skin conditions, GI problems, anaphylaxis, and more. With proper identification and elimination of the offending foods, many experience symptom relief, and reaction evasion.


 

Importance of Cross-Reactivty

 

When testing for food allergies, US BioTek uses two main categories, Food Allergies, and Aeroallergens. Testing and measuring for both gives us a clear picture of not only which foods cause a reaction but what two allergens together are causing cross-reactivity. 

Aeroallergens 

Pollens and spores from trees, grasses, mold, dust, and others can produce symptoms that range from minor to severe in affected individuals. Our inhalant panels assess IgG, IgG4, and IgA antibody response to 48 common allergens, and IgE response to 140 allergens, providing helpful information for effective allergy management. A 15-Mold panel for IgE testing is also offered.

Cross-Reactivity 

Up to 60 percent of all food reactions occur because of cross-reactions between food and pollen. 

Pollen exposures can promote cross-reactions with commonly eaten foods because there are common proteins found in the pollens that are shared with other types of fruit and vegetable plants. These cross-reactions can exacerbate food sensitivity reactions during the pollen season.

 

 

Panels To Ensure a Safe Diet 

 

Food and cuisine create a beautiful foundation for cultures around the world. Depending on regionality, ethnicity, personal preferences, and more, the foods that make up an individual's diet can vary greatly. To ensure our practitioners have access to food allergy panels that fit the diets of their patients and address as many relevant antigens as possible, US BioTek has developed twelve unique allergy panels. 

 

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Testing Information

 

Our IgE panels utilize a quantitative ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbant assay) analysis of the specific immunoglobin IgE identified for the chosen diet panels’ food and spice analytes. 

We follow a meticulous process to extract the critical component from each analyte (food and inhalant trigger) to ensure the antibody present in the patients’ sample will bind properly and validate results with positive and negative controls. Once attached to the antigens, antibodies are detected through spectrophotometric analysis, where the values are directly proportional to the concentration of the analytes in the sample. For additional accuracy, we perform duplicate testing to ensure there are no discrepancies. 

More information on ELISA 

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Sample Collection Methods

DBS 450 px

 

Dried Blood Spot Collection

 

The dried blood spot collection method utilizes a simple finger prick and collection card. This method is ideal drop shipping to telehealth patients and clinics without venipuncture capabilities. 

View Collection Instructions >> 

Serum 450 px

 

Serum Collection 

 

 

The serum collection method requires a modest blood draw. 

 

 

View Collection Instructions >> 

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Microtainer

 

 

The Microtainer method requires collection of 600 mcl of blood

 

View Collection Instructions >> 

Educational Resources

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FAQ

Order a Food Allergy Test

 

  • Step 1: Create a US BioTek Account

     

    We invite licensed healthcare providers to set up an account with us.

    CREATE ACCOUNT

  • Step 2: Request Specimen Collection Kits

     

    Test kits are available to registered providers upon request. Use our online submission form to order the collection kits you require.

    REQUEST KITS

  • Step 3: Collect Specimen

     

    Easy collection and low volume specimen requirements are advantages of the US BioTek testing methodology. Follow our simple instructions.

    HOW TO COLLECT

     

  • Step 4: Order Tests

     

    Upon completion of specimen collection, complete our test requisition form and include it in your specimen shipment.

    ORDER TESTS

  • Step 5: View Results

     

    Providers can view and download results through our secure Clinician Portal, or request results by email.

    Please note that US BioTek does not discuss test results directly with patients. Practitioners assume the responsibility of relaying test results to their patients. All results are confidential.

    VIEW RESULTS

 
  • Step 1: Create a US BioTek Account
  • Step 2: Request Specimen Collection Kits
  • Step 3: Collect Specimen
  • Step 4: Order Tests
  • Step 5: View Results

Step 1: Create a US BioTek Account

 

We invite licensed healthcare providers to set up an account with us.

CREATE ACCOUNT

Step 2: Request Specimen Collection Kits

 

Test kits are available to registered providers upon request. Use our online submission form to order the collection kits you require.

REQUEST KITS

Step 3: Collect Specimen

 

Easy collection and low volume specimen requirements are advantages of the US BioTek testing methodology. Follow our simple instructions.

HOW TO COLLECT

 

Step 4: Order Tests

 

Upon completion of specimen collection, complete our test requisition form and include it in your specimen shipment.

ORDER TESTS

Step 5: View Results

 

Providers can view and download results through our secure Clinician Portal, or request results by email.

Please note that US BioTek does not discuss test results directly with patients. Practitioners assume the responsibility of relaying test results to their patients. All results are confidential.

VIEW RESULTS