IgG vegetarian antibodies (Sensitivity Test)

Description

What this test will show

This assessment measures antibodies to 21 commonly consumed vegetarian foods. Circulating IgG food antibodies indicate an immune response to that food. This test relates to food sensitivities rather than true allergies.

Analytes assessed include: artichoke, beansprout, cantaloupe, cashew, coconut, cherry, filbert, flaxseed, chickpeas, kamut, millet, mung bean, navy bean, oat bran, parmesan, pistachio, safflower, triticale, watermelon, wheat bran, wild rice.

Who is this test for

For those who suspect that they are sensitive to a certain food but identifying it is a challenge as symptoms don’t necessarily arise immediately after consuming the suspect foods.

Symptoms associated with IgG mediated food sensitivity include IBS, depression, migraine, headaches, skin rashes including eczema, joint aches, autoimmune conditions, obesity, Crohns disease.

IgG testing can be done from the age of 1.

Sample type: Blood – you will need to arrange to attend one of our phlebotomy clinics to get a blood draw; click here to find your nearest clinic, surgery or hospital offering this service.

Turnaround time: 12 days

Before taking this test: Eat a variety of foods in the 2-3 weeks prior to testing, other than those which you know you have a true (IgE mediated) allergy to.

Conditions which may influence test results: Antibody testing may be inaccurate if the patient has liver disease, severe kidney disease, protein-losing enteropathy from gastrointestinal tract damage, HIV infection, or other immunodeficiencies.

Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), rubella, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can be associated with lower antibody levels.

Results may be skewed in patients with rheumatological pathologies associated with the production of heterophilic antibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF).

Medications which may influence test results: glucocorticoids including oral prednisone, steroid metered-dose inhaler, cortisone cream; chemotherapy; other immunosuppressive agents (eg humira, rituxan); NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin); anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, valproate); omalizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind to free serum IgE. Whilst stopping these medications will produce a more accurate result, we do not recommend stopping any prescription or over the counter medications without first consulting with your healthcare provider.