Allergy Testing Online
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Frequently Asked Questions
What tests should I consider taking?
If you react shortly after being exposed to something or eating something and you experience a classic type of almost immediate reaction such as itching, hives, flushing or sneezing then choose tests from our “Most Popular – Choose Your Own Allergens” range listed on our ALL TESTS page from Grasses through to Medicines. This type of test is known as IgE
If your reaction and symptoms occur in a way or at a time ( perhaps even days after being exposed ) that makes it not so easy to identify the cause. With this type of “Food Intolerance” you should consider our range of “Individual Fixed Tests” listed under our Food Sensitivity and Leaky Gut Listings. These kind of tests are called IgG.
What does IgE mean? ( Classic “True Allergy” )
IgE is immunoglobulin E which is present normally in the blood. If the levels of IgE become elevated due to a reaction to a trigger substance ( Food or Airborne ) then symptoms such as redness of the skin, itchiness, swelling and body heat can occur almost immediately. Whilst many people know their trigger foods, sometimes the triggers are less obvious in people with multiple allergies. Testing can help identify these less obvious culprits.
What does IgG mean? ( Food Intolerance )
IgG is the name of a group of antibodies that are present in all body fluids. These antibodies serve as a first line of defence against infection. Unlike IgE they do not release histamine or produce immediate hypersensitive reactions but their reactivity can be more subtle, manifesting in symptoms such as bloating, nausea, headaches fatigue and moodiness. IgG can be measured to identify these otherwise hard to pinpoint foods that may be causing the discomfort.
What are the most common allergens?
Dairy, Gluten, Eggs, Grains and Cereals, Seafood, Peanuts, Soy, Dust, Pollen, Pet Dander. Latex.
What symptoms might I have if I am experiencing an intolerance or an allergy?
Intolerances and allergies lead to chronic underlying inflammation which can manifest itself in your body in a variety of ways including digestive upsets such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), headaches, migraines, joint pain, skin conditions, weight problems, mental illness (depression, anxiety), brain fog and many more otherwise unexplained chronic health conditions.
Do I need a referral for either testing or an appointment?
No.
When I can expect my test results?
1-3 weeks depending on the test taken
Why do I need an allergy test?
The tests assesses whether your body is having an immune reaction to certain foods and/or airborne particles.
Should I avoid the things I think I am allergic to before testing?
Only if you have a severe reaction. Otherwise you can just continue to go about your days as normal.
What if I have been restricting my diet already?
There is no need to reintroduce foods that you have already cut out of the diet for causing an unpleasant response. It’s best to just keep eating and living the way you always would so that we can get an idea of what is triggering your immune response as it is right now.
Why am I suddenly reacting to foods that were fine for me to eat before?
In an ideal world, foods are broken down in the digestive process to smaller particles (proteins into amino acids etc.) These smaller components are then able to pass through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream so the body can make use of them. However, when our digestive system is not working at it’s best, larger fragments of undigested or partially digested foods are able to pass through the intestinal wall and into the blood stream. The immune system is triggered by these ‘foreign invaders’ and responds by creating antibodies (such as excess histamine) which then result in symptoms being triggered by foods that were previously well tolerated.
How old does my child need to be to be tested?
The minimum age for testing is 6 months
Can I take the test while I am pregnant?
It’s not recommended as the immune system tends to be suppressed during pregnancy. Around 4-6 weeks after giving birth should be fine.
If after testing I need an appointment, what is the typical waiting time for an appointment?
Normally 1-2 weeks.
We can tailor make your service whether you are:
- “Suspicious about certain airborne, workplace or food allergens” and just want to be tested for confirmation
- Wanting to choose from our many testing options, including being able to opt for an in-depth Naturopathic or Nutritional consult to help with a solution to your problems
All are available at the touch of a button!