Coronavirus: Covid-19 & LifeLabTesting

• Can I Still Contact LifeLabTesting?

  Yes, you can still contact us via LiveChat on our website or via email at info@lifelabtesting.com To prevent potential spread within the business which could impact our ability to operate, our customer service team are working from home and will endeavour to respond to your as soon as possible.

• Will my results be affected if I have an undiagnosed case of Covid-19?

  Covid-19 has no effect on your results. You can still be confident in the continued accuracy of the results your receive.

• Will the ongoing pandemic affect the time it takes me to receive my results?

  There may be a small delay in the time it takes us to process samples, but currently we still expect to be able to deliver results within the 3 days we advise in normal circumstances.

• Can I take a test if I have tested positive for or suspect I have Covid-19?

  As with any infectious disease, we ask that you do not submit samples while still infected. In this particular case, we ask that you complete the recommended isolation period before submitting your sample for testing.

• Is it safe for me to take one of your allergy and intolerance tests?

  Absolutely. We’re cleaning our facilities regularly, particularly our labs. Our Technicians and staff are adhering to the strictest standards of hygiene, cleaning hands on a regular basis and making constant use of hand sanitising stations located throughout the building. The only physical thing we send to you are blood testing kits which are handled with the strictest of hygiene controls. Your results are sent via email so nothing further will be physically sent from our building.

About us

• What quality control measures do you take?

  Our tests are fully accredited assessed to ISO 9001 and standards. We have fully trained LifeLab technicians and our technology is maintained following strict Q&A controls. Auditing is completed to assure high reproducibility figures.

• Do you offer a Yes/No test First Step

  No, we run the chosen test when required and all results are available to view when the report is ready. We aim to give you all the information and don’t hold anything back to allow you to feel better quicker.

• Are your tests available on the NHS?

  No – We are an Independent testing company.

• How do I get in touch with you?

  You can email us anytime via Email info@lifelabtesting.com or speak to us via LiveChat which is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

About the tests

• Why do we test different cheeses in INTOLERANCE testing?

  We test a range of milk and cheeses with the results being shown in the intolerances section of your results. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, IgG antibodies are produced against a larger spectrum of food proteins than those involved in IgE allergy reactions. Additionally, different dairy products vary in their composition and maturation. They each have different combinations of proteins (αS1-, αS2-, β-, κ-casein) and cheese and yoghurt products will also contain different amounts of bacteria. It is for this reason that reactions can vary between the milk and cheese product types.

• Which products are referred to in the ‘milk and cheeses’ section of the ALLERGY testing?

  In the allergy section, we test milk. This covers cow’s milk and all products containing cow’s milk. It must be noted however that IgE cross-reactions can occur with goat’s and sheep’s milk products. This is entirely dependent on the sensitivity of the individual.

• Which meats are referred to in the ‘meat’ section of the ALLERGY testing?

  Meat means all red and white meat, the panel includes beef, lamb, pork and chicken. The reason we can group these different items together is that the structure of the protein in the different meats is the same; therefore an IgE immune-mediated reaction to one will mean an IgE immune-mediated reaction to all types of meat.

• Why don’t you test for Gluten? – We do on other tests.

  We do test for gluten intolerance (IgG4). We do not test for gluten IgE allergy as in our experience this is rarely seen. It must be noted that gluten IgE allergy is not the same as coeliac disease, this is an autoimmune condition and if you suspect you may have coeliac disease we strongly recommend you seek advice from your GP.

• What are the benefits?

  A Lifelab Test can offer many benefits. It is important to know if you are allergic to foods/non-food items and our tests can identify this for you. A hidden food intolerance/allergy can leave you with many uncomfortable symptoms, so it is very important that you know what foods are triggering your symptoms as this could lead to long-term health problems.
  We can provide results within 14 working days, as we work fast and efficiently to get you the help you need.

• What payment methods do you accept?

  Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro American express and PayPal – all methods can be seen at the bottom of the website.

• Can I buy more than one test?

  Yes, you are welcome to purchase however many you require.

• Can I buy a test for someone else?

  Lifelab Testing kits can be given to anyone as a gift, we don’t need to know their details upfront. Each of our kits contains a unique code that our customers can register online to create their account. This way, they can receive their test results without providing any payment details.
  You can have the kit delivered to your address or send it directly to the recipient. (Please note: at the moment, kits can only be delivered within the UK.)

• Does my kit expire?

  We recommend using your kit within six months of receiving it. There are not really any specific lifespans of the contents, but the alcohol wipe may start to dry out after 12 months from manufacture.

• I’ve lost my instructions. Can you send me some more or can I download them?

  All instructions are detailed on the website. Alternatively feel free to contact us either via LiveChat or email and the team will advise you on where to find the detailed instructions.

Taking the tests

• What happens if I don’t get enough blood from my two lancets?

  Please contact us and we will send you a replacement kit. There may be a small charge for this – but the team will let you know we chat to you.

• What if I change my mind about taking the test?

  If you are not satisfied with our services, please contact us directly as soon as possible at info@lifelabtesting.com in order to assist you in resolving any issues. Please note that opening a claim on PayPal will significantly delay our resolution process.

• When should I take the test?

  We recommend taking the sample at the start of the week Monday, Tuesday and sending it back to us within 24 hours. We also recommend you take the blood after you have eaten and had something to drink – do not take the blood first thing in the morning, it will not be as effective then.

• My blood clots too quickly. What should I do?

  Massage the finger downwards to encourage blood flow, ensure your hands are warm and you have plenty to eat and drink on the day you take the blood. Click here to see our 7 Top Tips for Collecting your Blood Sample.

• Do I have to take the blood from my finger?

  We recommend taking the blood from your finger as this would be the easiest place for the blood to be collected in the small vial provided.

• Does it hurt to take the blood test?

  We have designed the test to be as non-invasive as possible. The lancets are designed to give you the smallest, most painless prick possible.

• How do I take the test?

  You collect a small blood sample by pricking your finger with the special, painless lancet included in your kit. You can watch a full step – by – step video by clicking here. We then ask that you return your sample to us within 24 hours.

Test results

• What does Meat mean in my results?

  Meat on the IgE Allergy section of your report means: Lamb, Beef, Pork and Chicken. The antigen derived from these is a similar protein shared by all of them, so it is likely that if you react to one you will react to all of the common meats. We would advise you cutting all of these out of your diet.

• What is CCD? What does it stand for?

  CCD (Cross Carbohydrate Determinates) is used technically to interpret the presence of false positives. CCD’s are similar structures that can bind with specific IgE antibodies. To medical professionals, this is used to determine if the CCD is causing a reaction rather than a specific allergen.

• What is Total IgE?

  Total IgE is used as a measure of overall health. The test we offer isn’t specific to determine an exact value, simply as greater than or less than 100. NHS guidelines state a healthy level is ‘Adult normal Range: 5-120 KU/l’. This means we can use it a quality control as it’s something that should always be fully reactive on an IgE strip. If you have results (low-high) then it means your results are accurate.

• My results don’t show any allergies or intolerance yet I have uncomfortable symptoms, how can this result be correct?

  Whilst allergies and/or intolerances can be the cause of symptoms in some individuals, there are other potential causes of your symptoms. If you find that you do not have any allergies or intolerances but would like help in further understanding the root cause of your symptoms we would recommend speaking with our Lifelab nutrition team. They will be able to offer you advice on next steps.

• In the past I’ve had a positive skin prick test to an item, why does this not show up in my test results?

  The two different test methods, skin prick test and IgE blood testing are completely different and should not be compared. Whilst the skin prick test shows a skin reaction from a solution applied to the skin, IgE blood testing detects antibodies circulating in the blood. A skin prick test can show a positive reaction, but an IgE blood test shows no detectable antibodies. It is always best to compare two tests of the same type to get a comparable result.

• I’ve taken an intolerance test, my allergies haven’t shown up, why is this?

  If you have taken an intolerance test then your allergies will not show up as an allergy can only be tested for through one of our allergy tests, Basic Allergy and Complete Body. The reason for this is that allergies are an IgE antibody reaction whereas intolerances are an IgG antibody reaction.

• I’ve taken an intolerance test and have a number of ‘high’ reactions, does this mean I’m allergic to these items?

  If you have taken an intolerance test and have a ‘high’ reaction result against an item this means you are intolerant to it. An allergy can only be tested through one of our allergy tests, Basic Allergy (product link) and Complete Body (Product link). The reason for this is that allergies are an IgE antibody reaction whereas intolerances are an IgG antibody reaction.

• I know that I’m lactose intolerant, why does this not show up on my results?

  The intolerance testing, we carry out is for IgG immune-mediated reactions to the proteins in items. Lactose intolerance is a different type of intolerance to an IgG intolerance, it is, in fact, an enzyme-mediated intolerance. It occurs due to the lack of the enzyme, lactase, to breakdown the sugar in milk, lactose. It is for this reason that your lactose intolerance does not show up.

• How can I be allergic to a food but not intolerant?

  Though IgE antibodies (indicating an allergy) and IgG antibodies (indicating an intolerance) are both produced by the immune system having an IgE type-1 allergic reaction to a food does not mean an intolerance reaction will also take place. To give an example, whilst your results may show an allergic (IgE) reaction to wheat you will NOT necessarily have an intolerant (IgG) reaction, this does not mean you can tolerate the food, rather that you produce IgE antibodies but do not produce IgG antibodies for the given food.

• What happens if I have no results?

  If you are not satisfied with our test results, please contact us directly as soon as possible at info@lifelabtesting.com to assist you with resolving any issues. Please note that opening a claim on PayPal will significantly delay our resolution process.

Medical

• Can I use this test to find out if I have coeliac disease?

  A reaction to gluten or wheat in our tests does NOT show the presence of coeliac disease. In order to test for coeliac disease you should speak to your GP. The blood testing usually carried out is total IgA and IgA tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG).

• Can you take the test if pregnant?

  The allergy triggering potential of the immune system may be heightened during pregnancy with the shift to an allergy type immune response. You can still do the test, but we would suggest that results may be varied as the body is working so hard during pregnancy. We would advise you to wait until after childbirth.

• Can you take the test if you have a blood born disease like HIV or hepatitis?

  No, please do not take our test if you have any blood born disease.

• Do you have to be eating the foods to have the test?

  The development of IgE (allergy) antibodies occurs after first contact with a food. The evidence around the development of IgG (intolerance) antibodies is less clear cut. If you are unsure about this we advise that you seek assistance from our Customer Service team, who will be able to connect you with a nutritionist to help you further.

• Can I have a test if I’ve had a recent tattoo?

  Yes, a recent tattoo will not affect your blood sample or results.

• Does your test replace a GPs?

  We do not advise that you replace your medical history or doctor’s prognosis with these results. A Lifelab test is designed to complement a doctor’s opinion, not replace it.

• Why do you extract the plasma from my blood?

  The test is designed to work on plasma only, we find that it is a very effective way to perform the testing.

• Do I have to get a doctor to take my blood sample?

  No – this test is designed to perform at home and you can watch a step – by – step video by clicking here.

• What if I’m on medication?

  The only medication which may affect results are immunosuppressant medications. Anticoagulants may also affect the conduction of the test. If you’re unsure as to whether your medication will affect your results, please seek advice from your doctor, or a member of our dedicated Customer Services team who are available on LiveChat 24 hours a day, Monday-Friday

• Can I do this test on my baby? Age?

  Whilst we do allow children from the age of 2 and above to be tested there is evidence that allergies are not fully developed until the age of 7. Please check with a medical professional before purchasing.

Postage

• Do I have to pay to return the test through the post?

  No, postage is included in the test price.

Account information

• Can I change my email address and/or password after I have registered?

  You can do, but please contact us if you have any issues. You should be able to do this one your account if you can’t please contact us via email: info@lifelabtesting.com or LiveChat. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• I’ve mistyped my email address, what should I do?

  Contact us via email: info@lifelabtesting.com and we will help you with this issue.

• I’ve forgotten my password, what should I do?

  Contact us via email: info@lifelabtesting.com and we will help you with this issue.

• How do I activate my test?

  To activate your test, go to: https://www.lifelabtesting.com/mylifelab/login/ and follow the easy step by step guide.