Food allergy testing is a highly specialized procedure performed only by doctors trained in recognizing and treating non-anaphylactic food allergies, and only in laboratories especially equipped to handle the sophisticated testing required.
In order to give you an accurate result, this test must be a blood test, and must include both IgE and IgG antibodies. If it does not evaluate both antibodies, there is a strong possibility that the testing will miss your food allergy.
For you the procedure is neither complex nor difficult. This blood test measures reactions to approximately 100 common foods, including dairy, eggs, corn, soy, almonds, peanuts, wheat, seafood, and many others. (For a complete list of foods, click here.)
You are not required to fast or to change your diet in any way prior to blood collection. In fact, it is recommended that you not do so. (However, steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisone and corticosteroids may affect the results, so talk to your medical practitioner about these medications prior to testing.)
If you have no food allergies, no antibodies will be detected. However, when IBS sufferers are tested, a very high percentage of them have antibodies to one or more foods. When they stop eating those foods they invariably feel better. The findings are summarized for you in an easy-to-understand report that you will be given to take with you. Your doctor will thoroughly review the report with you and answer any questions that you may have. Your doctor will also review and provide you with a packet of additional information to help you understand your condition and the steps required for you to cure your IBS.
In addition to the Standard Food Allergy Profile, a blood test for celiac disease should also be run. Celiac disease is a special form of gluten/wheat intolerance. Although gluten and wheat are included in the Standard Profile, celiac disease cannot be ruled out based on that test alone. This highly specialized diagnosis can be ruled out only after you have been tested for tissue transglutaminase antibodies and total IgA.
The IBS Treatment Center provides you with the highest quality testing available, comprehensive and detailed counseling to help you evaluate and understand your test results, and extensive recommendations for treatment.
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(photo: commons.wikimedia)
