Food sensitivity test - IgG food intolerance

A little background

 

IgG is a central antibody found in the blood serum. An antigen is a substance foreign to the body, which may stimulate the immune system to produce an antibody specifically adapted to it. There are reactions to food antigens that are mediated by IgG antibodies and these may arise with a delay of several hours or days from the moment the food is consumed. These reactions are called type 3 hypersensitivity, and because they are not immediate, there is a difficulty in diagnosing them, and in being able to link a symptom that was created as a result of a specific food that was eaten. 

Exposure to foods that increase the level of IgG antibodies trigger an inflammatory response in the body and prolonged exposure may produce chronic inflammatory processes. The typical symptoms of food reactions mediated by IgG antibodies include: digestive system problems (IBS-like), gas, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal swelling. Skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema. Migraines, headaches and sometimes even unexplained obesity and mood swings.

It is important to distinguish this allergy from an allergy that is a type 1 immune reaction. This is the classic and familiar food allergy.  It produces an immediate reaction (a few minutes) of histamine release mediated by IgE antibodies. Symptoms can be life-threatening and include an anaphylactic reaction, swelling of mucous tissues, itching and redness of the skin. It is important to note! An IgG test cannot diagnose a type 1 food allergy.

Blood test to detect IgG antibodies  

In a blood test to detect IgG antibodies, the presence of IgG antibodies in response to different types of foods is tested. These antibodies are identified by their ability to bind to specific proteins in the foods being tested. During the test, the concentration of antibodies present in your blood sample is measured for each specific food tested and the answers are divided into   3 categories:

1. No sensitivity

2. high sensitivity

3. Very high sensitivity

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The test is done using a method called ELiSA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay).

 

Price list, insurance refunds and general information

Food intolerance testing is very common in the western world and is very different from food allergy testing.

The test tests IGG antibodies in the blood and is able to identify types of food (also found in drinking) that may harm your health.

We offer 4 types of tests, the difference between the tests is the amount of foods tested.

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Blood test 90 types of foods: the cost of the test   1,500 NIS.

Blood test 180 types of foods: the cost of the test   2,000 NIS.

Test  blood 260 types of foods: test cost 2,600  NIS. You can get a discounted price of NIS 2400Conditional on registration in the diary. 

Prices include VAT.

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Click to the list of foods

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The test is covered by the private health insurances. You must check with your insurance agent about your eligibility for reimbursement for diagnostic tests.

 

How to perform the test 

There are two options:

1. Arriving in person to us in Holon.

2. Arrival at the customer's home. We will get to you. By appointment in advance, a qualified nurse will come to your home to perform the test at a place convenient for you.

The detailed blood test results will be sent to you by email in about 3-4 weeks.

Each patient who performs a test of 260 types of foods receives a consultation from a clinical dietitian for about 45 minutes.

In addition, you get the option of connecting to a personalized application according to the results of blood tests.

 

Do not perform a food intolerance test in case of:

1. Beach sickness or acute infection in the body.

2. Hypoglobulinemia HYPOGLUBOLINEMIA - total IgG antibodies below the normal range.

3. The presence of a monoclonal protein in the blood.

Taking medication while performing the test such as antihistamines, steroids and antibiotics and in particular drugs that suppress the immune system may affect the results of the test.

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In case of doubt about the effect of the immunosuppressive drug, a total IgG test (a routine laboratory test) can be performed before the food intolerance test. If the IgG level is within the normal range, the drug treatment does not affect the level of IgG antibodies in the blood, and the food intolerance test can be performed.

 

It is important to note !!

The test only checks foods that were consumed at least six months before the test, for example if you haven't eaten dairy products in the last six months, the test will not show a sensitivity to dairy products.

Do not stop using the medicine without a doctor's approval.

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Insurance reimbursement- In principle, anyone can check with their insurance agent or the company they are insured with regarding reimbursement. There are companies that return between 60-80% (it changes from time to time) according to the policy of the insurance company.

This can be found out at the claims center of the insurance company. 
All tests fall under the category of ambulatory tests - diagnostic tests, of course it is mandatory to attach a referral from a doctor.