Is your LRA Food Sensitivity Test the same as IgG testing?
No. Our food sensitivity test looks at ALL 3 delayed hypersensitivity pathways, not just IgG mediated reactions.
Traditional IgG antibody tests just look at the presence and amount of IgG. These tests don’t distinguish between symptom provoking antibodies (the bad) and protective antibodies (the good).
The problem with NOT distinguishing the good from the bad antibodies, is that false positives are common with IgG tests. This results in long lists of items that patients have to avoid unnecessarily.
Why is it important to test delayed hypersensitivity?
There are two different types of reactions people can have to food. A general breakdown of these reactions is as follows:
- Acute allergy
- Delayed allergy (hypersensitivity)
Some food reactions like intolerance are obvious, acute and the effects can be immediate. For example, peanut anaphylaxis (swollen lips, hives, airway constriction) is quite obvious. This is what we would typically refer to as an acute allergy. Since these reactions develop quite instantly, most people wouldn’t bother testing for something that they can very clearly see.
Other food-induced immune reactions are delayed. These reactions are not quite so obvious or immediate. They are called delayed hypersensitivity reactions. These food reactions can cause chronic inflammation. The damage of this inflammation can build over time causing a breakdown in your GI tract (leaky gut AKA intestinal permeability). Additionally, these types of food reactions can trigger a process called molecular mimicry and lead to autoimmune disease.
Food has everything to do with the development of and the prevention of disease, so it is important to identify any potential triggers.
Can this food sensitivity test be mailed Internationally or to New York?
Unfortunately, if you are living in New York, you will not be able to perform this blood draw as the lab cannot accept any samples drawn within the New York state limits.
Please do not order this food sensitivity test if you are located in the state of New York.
Additionally, this food sensitivity test is currently only being offered to residents of the United States. The materials are extremely time sensitive and overnight services cannot be guaranteed to international destinations. We hope to be able to expand our borders in the future, but only ship within the United States at this time.
What are the required fasting instructions?
Fasting is required in order to properly measure lymphocytes. YOUR BLOOD CANNOT BE PROCESSED IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO COMPLY WITHÂ THESE PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS. Please review before purchasing, and talk to your doctor if there are any concerns about temporarily discontinuing certain medications.
Where and how do I get my blood drawn?
If you are able to comply with the food sensitivity test preparation instructions, the next step would be to find a location that can properly draw your blood. You will be provided with the test kit, which includes all of the materials needed for the phlebotomist.
Please keep in mind that a blood draw fee will likely be charged to you at the time of your draw. Every location charges a different amount, depending on the area and lab. We recommend that you ask for the cost prior to scheduling your appointment.
NOTE: Many phlebotomy labs will take care of shipping the specimen using the included prepaid UPS label and shipping envelope. If the lab does not provide that service, you can also call UPS directly and schedule it to be picked up from your home by calling 1-800-PICK-UPS.
***Do not use Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics. We are not contracted with these companies and they will not be able to complete your blood draw for this test kit.***
Here are some labs options that you can utilize, but you are certainly not limited to:
Option 1 – Any Lab Test Now
Use the link to find the closest location by entering your zip code – https://www.anylabtestnow.com/locations/
Option 2 – ARCpoint Labs
Use the link to find the closest location by entering your zip code –Â https://www.arcpointlabs.com/locations/
Option 3 – Check with your local doctor’s office
If either of the above options are not available to you in your area, we recommend asking your local doctor for a phlebotomist or draw site referral.
Option 4 – Optimal Lab Test (local to Sugar Land, TX)
Sugar Land Location
Address: 6350 US-90 ALT Suite#300
Phone: 832-532-7294
Houston Location
Address: 2703 Highway 6 South, Suite#138
Phone: 832-758-5227
Fondren LocationÂ
Address: 3301 Fondren Rd Suite M
Phone:Â 346-409-1757
NOTE: PLEASE AVOID HAVING YOUR BLOOD DRAWN FRIDAY-SUNDAY. WE ALSO DO NOT RECOMMEND ANY APPOINTMENTS AFTER 12:30PM AS THAT DOES NOT GUARANTEE A SAME DAY PICK UP.   Â
Once tested, does it mean I have to avoid these foods forever?
The short answer is maybe.
Most sensitivities are acquired, and you can repair the underlying cause, permanently lose the sensitivity, and regain the ability to eat that food. Some sensitivities are fixed. They are just part of your makeup and must permanently be avoided. On a typical person, between 80-90% of the sensitivities are acquired and will go away, while 10-20% are fixed, and you will permanently have to avoid those items.
Our suggestion is to avoid moderate and strong reactivities for at least 6 months before attempting to reintroduce them into your diet.
Rene –
Just got my blood work today! Started having gut issues 5 years among other things. So glad I found Dr. Osbourn’s website. Can’t wait see my results.
Deena Herrick –
Everything was shipped promptly with easy to read detailed instructions. It took about 3 weeks to get the results and I was surprised with the results. So glad I had the test because I was eating on a daily basis foods I had sensitivities to. So glad I found Dr Osborne!