Blood Testing
IgE and IgG4 antibody testsOur Facilities
Our lab technicians utilise equipment to examine the dried blood spots and gather data. From this data, we analyse how it relates to allergies and intolerances.
The Healthy Stuff laboratories use The Allergy Line Test, which is an enzyme immunoassay for in-vitro testing. There are two distinct
areas of testing we carry out in our laboratory; IgE, for allergies and IgG4, for intolerances.
Our facilities and allergen partners are certified according to ISO 9001. Their Research & Development team is also responsible for creating the IVD testing equipment – The Allergy Line Test: an enzyme immunoassay for in-vitro allergy diagnostics in-line strip format – that we use. They provide all practitioners with full guidance and training on quantitatively determining specific IgE antibodies from a selection of relevant allergens for the serological diagnosis of type 1 allergies.
Our Blood Tests
The exclusive blood sample allergy and/or intolerance tests are an easy to use finger-prick test kit that allows the client to obtain a small sample and submit this to our laboratory. Once received our lab team analyse the reaction of the sample to allergens to determine which displays a potential intolerance/allergy.
The CE-approved equipment in the testing includes everything required to take a virtually painless sample, including full instructions with hints and tips. The sample is then returned using the enclosed addressed envelope to the nearest postal depot or lab.
On receipt of the sample at our blood testing laboratory in the UK, we inform you or the client that it has been received and start the testing process. Partner testing takes a maximum of 72 hours.
Our Lab Process
Our technicians collate the samples and extract the analytes from the dried blood spots after reconstituting the blood. Our lab, which is part of our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility, follows good laboratory practice and is overseen by our qualified laboratory manager.
Once the test has been completed, our team ensures that the testing process has been performed to the required standards following our vigorous quality management systems. We will not release any data or results that do not meet our criteria or quality control processes.
Any reactions observed are highlighted on the results are then used to provide a data curve, meaning we are able to grade all other reactions that are present. This gives each customer their scores against specific antibodies. Our lab technicians then check the results and look for any anomalies, whilst also checking the testing equipment.
All of our team are expertly trained to identify any potential issues with any of the testing equipment or procedure. It is of utmost importance to us that we provide accurate results and will always side with caution if we believe that the results may not be complete.
What we test for…
Food Intolerance or sensitivity
We screen samples for food intolerance by measuring IgG4 antibody reactions using the ELISA method. This is a globally recognised and documented technique and has been established for laboratory analysis for over 40 years being universally accepted as reliable and trustworthy.
Our labs class a raised IgG4 antibody reaction as an assertion of a positive result indicating a trigger item that causes an inflammatory response leading to a symptom. We categorise this as an intolerance or sensitivity.
There are wide range of scientific studies that support our assertion available both online and through scientific journals. We have provided summaries of published articles related to this field.
Allergies
Our test for a food allergy reaction uses an approved in-vitro testing system which measures an IgE antibody reaction. The blood sample, which is spun to collect the plasma, is exposed to a panel of food and non-food items. If a reaction is observed, the client results will be classed as positive, and an allergy will be recorded.
The response of the IgE antibody to an item is the cause of allergy symptoms. These reactions can vary significantly and present in the body through tissue or organs, which in turn leaves to discomfort, pain, and in some cases, damage.
IgE scientific studies that support the link between raised IgE levels and allergies are available both online and through scientific journals. We have provided summarised copies of published articles related to this field.
features & benefits.
- Testing sample kits ready for use
- Easy to use pin-prick system
- PDF report emailed detailing results
- A full guide on how to perform an elimination diet
- Sample return envelope
- Facilities certified to ISO 9001
- Results from our labs in 72 hours
each kit.
- 1x alcohol wipe
- 1x plaster
- 1x Absorbent pad
- 1x Six Spot Blood Card
- 2x lancets CE 0050 (pin-prick system)
- 1x return envelope
- 1x activation card with adhesive label
faqs.
How do I take a blood sample?
Your sample instructions are found with your kit. We recommend clients follow the instructions fully.
Can you test for coeliac disease?
We do not test for coeliac disease, however we can test for gluten intolerance.
Can you take the blood test if you have a blood born disease like HIV or hepatitis?
Unfortunately, we cannot accept blood samples that have any viruses.
Can you complete the test on animals?
Unfortunately, we cannot carry out our blood tests on animals but we do carry our hair test, Check out our pet intolerance test.
What happens if I don't fill all five spots?
This will cause a delay in your testing process so we recommend following the instructions carefully the first time you test.
What should I do if my blood clots too quickly?
We recommend you prick your middle or index finger after a brief walk, and following running your hand under a hot tap. If the blood still clots, you can start to massage your finger from your palm of your hand downwards to stimulate more blood onto the card.
Does it hurt to take a blood test?
We provide you with two lancets, which are designed to give you a very small prick to start the blood flow. It’s exactly the same as a pin prick and if administered correctly, will not hurt.
How long should I leave my blood sample to dry for?
To ensure your results are accurate, your blood sample needs to be completely dry before packaging. If stored in a cool, dry place, it will be ready to be folded after approximately 5 hours. We do not recommend speeding the drying process through any other means.