Optimum Health Resource Laboratories' IgG ELISA Food Intolerance Test
utilizes the ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method to detect
circulating Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies which recognize and bind
to food antigens. The ELISA
method is used extensively in immunology and biochemistry.
The technique has been shown to be reliable and reproducible in
detecting
a variety of antibodies and antigens of clinical importance.
In
the ELISA method, food antigens are immobilized on to the surface of
polystyrene micro-titre plates. To protect the unstable antigens,
the micro-wells are then further coated with a stabilizing polymer
layer, which is
dried on top of the food antigens. Additionally, our food
extracts
are obtained from FDA approved sources to ensure the highest
quality extracts and lot-to-lot reproducibility. The coating
levels of
the extracts have been optimized for sensitivity to ensure the
reactions
identified are real rather than false positive reactions (something
which plagues other competing tests).
The measurement
of food antibody levels depends on the ability of the patient's food
antibodies to attach themselves specifically to the food antigen.
After the antibody has bound to the antigen, the micro-titre plates
are rinsed to remove other antibodies and blood constituents.
The food antibodies are then detected using a second antibody which
is chemically tagged with an enzyme. The enzyme causes a color
to develop at the end of the process. The color density obtained
is an accurate indication of the original anti-food antibody
concentration
in the patients blood sample.
The color
produced by calibrated antibody reference standards is compared with
the patient's result, allowing the laboratory to accurately estimate
the amount
of each food antibody. The laboratory then interprets the results
and places each food in the relevant category of "no reaction",
"rotate" or "avoid". A positive control sample is always included
in each test to confirm that the assay system is working correctly.
The "Finger-Stick" Method
Just as different labs have different qualities of tests, so do they
have different specimen requirements. Some laboratories in the
food
intolerance industry require 1-3 full tubes of whole blood while others
might require as little as less than 1cc of a blood specimen.
Optimum Health Resource Laboratories has made the painstaking
effort to create a collection kit for the IgG ELISA food
intolerance "finger-stick" technology, which is now recognized
internationally. Here is how it works:
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Step # 1:
The patient's hands are washed with warm water and dried thoroughly.
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Step # 2:
The area where the blood specimen will be collected is further
sterilized with a provided alcohol swab. (Note: Many medical
professionals report the side of the tip of ether the finger or thumb
as being an ideal location to have the blood specimen collected from.) |
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Step # 3:
The cap of the lancet provided with the is twisted off.
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Step # 4:
The opened lancet is firmly pressed against the area to be
"pricked". The end of the lancet is quickly depressed so to
deploy the sterile device which will "prick" the finger or thumb.
(Note: Each lancet
is used only once per individual and for a single specimen collection.)
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Step # 5:
The finger or thumb is massaged from the base and worked up to the area
"pricked". This forms a small droplet of blood which
is collected for testing.
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Step # 6:
The fiber pad on the end of the small collection strip is
placed against the blood on the finger or thumb. The
blood will immediately be absorbed into the pad. The pad MUST
be completely colored RED
from end to end in order for the test to be performed.
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Step # 7:
After air drying, the soaked pad is then inserted into the provided
transportation package, which is included with
the kit. The patient's name is clearly written to the outside of
the transportation package as it appears written on the required
paperwork,
which is also included with the kit.
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Step # 8:
Everything is then shipped to our Florida-based facility in the
provided postage-paid return mailer.
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All
that is now left to do is to have the US Postal Service delivery your
specimen to our office for analysis. Once your specimen has
been processed,
the results will be shipped directly to you along with your Optimum
Health Resource Guidebook. Additionally, anyone whose specimen is
screened through
our facility for IgG-mediated food allergy (food intolerance) is
provided
12 months of complimentary telephone and the Internet support at no additional cost!
Click
Here For Sample Test Results and Support Materials
Click Here for
Food
Panel Descriptions & Pricing Information
Please Click Here
to Request Any of Our Laboratory
Screenings
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