Do I need a doctor's prescription
to have this test done?
In general, any individual can order any test(s) for themselves. A doctor's
prescription is not required.
How much blood is needed for
the food allergy testing?
The Aller-Check Personal Dietary Assessment only requires two drops
of blood which is collected with a simple finger stick.
Should I be fasting before
the blood draw?
No fasting is required. However, we recommend that the blood draw be
done at least 3 hours after a meal.
Should I be eating differently
before taking this test?
Yes, you should eat many different kind of foods for at least a week
before taking the test. This will greatly enhance the chance of detecting
the "reactive" foods. However, if you are aware of the foods
you are allergic to, e.g. peanut, shrimp, etc., you should avoid eating
it as it might cause severe anaphylactic reactions. Please consult your
physician if you have any questions concerning this test.
What information will the allergy
report provide?
The report will provide information in the following categories: Foods
with No Reaction - Foods in this column can be eaten freely Low - Low
amount of antibodies are present against specific food. You may still
eat these foods freely. Moderate - Moderate amount of antibodies are
present against these specific foods. You should avoid these foods for
a 3-month period, and rotate these foods every 4 days afterwards. High
- There are elevated antibodies in the body against these specific foods.
You should avoid these foods for at least 6-9 months, depending on your
health conditions, and only re-introduce carefully later.
Can I have this test done if
I am taking "Steroidal" drugs such as cortisone?
Steroidal drugs such as cortisone can suppress the immune system, and
thus may reduce the antibodies present, causing a "false negative"
report. Thus it is advisable to stop taking the steroidal drug for at
least 3 weeks before taking the test.
What should I expect from the
report?
Our report will provide information on antibody levels against 96 discrete
foods. They include foods in several different categories: Dairy, Seafood,
Poultry, Meat, Vegeatables, Fruits, and other misc. items including
coffee, honey, etc. You should follow the customized rotation diet which
accompanys your report. Abstain from the reactive foods, and start rotating
the foods that are in the low or no-reaction category. In most cases,
if your condition is due to allergic reactions to food, you should notice
clearing of your symptoms in 3-4 weeks. Faster clearance of symptoms
is observed among children.
What should I do if I have
taken the test, follow the diet, and still could not find relief with
my symptoms?
You should take the report and consult your doctor if other factors
could play a role in affecting your current health conditions.
