Frequently asked questions

General Questions

• Can I get the results on my app?

  Yes, if you have chosen one of our hair or blood allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity tests, you will get a notification when your results are ready. Plus, you can record your health test results within the app to keep track of your health journey.

• Where are the samples tested?

  Both the blood and hair samples are tested at our centre based in Derby, UK. Once the hair sample has been received at our testing facility, you will receive your results within 5-7 working days. Tests are completed in our laboratory facilities which follow Good Laboratory Practice. These are a set of principles intended to ensure the quality and integrity of non-clinical laboratory studies such as ours.

• What if I’m not satisfied?

  We pride ourselves on our 99.6% customer satisfaction rating. However, if you are not satisfied with any of our services, please contact us directly via email or LiveChat as soon as possible to assist you in resolving any issues.

• Where are my results?

  If you have returned your test to us, and the 5-7 working days have passed from us receiving your sample, which is confirmed by email, please use the test finder at the top of this page to track where it is. We have strict lab protocols to ensure that we always return tests within this time frame, so maybe it’s gone to your junk mail, or we have reached out with an issue. We are always available on 24/7 LiveChat to resend these tests to you or resolve any problems.

• How do I order a test?

  Ordering a test is simple if you follow our four simple steps. 1, order the best test for you securely online. 2, receive instructions and your test kit through email or the post (depending on the product chosen). 3, follow the instructions to take your sample. 4, receive your results and make positive changes. It’s that simple.

• 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.

• How long does it take to receive my results?

  You should receive your results within 5-7 working days. Please note it is 5-7 working days from the date we receive the blood at our lab.

• How do I get my results?

  When your report is ready, you will be notified via email. You can then log in to your account and download your results in PDF format.

• 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.

• 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.

Questions About Your Test

• 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.)

• 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.

• 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.

• Can I download my results?

  Yes, you can save the PDF document to your smartphone or computer.

• How do you ensure I get the correct results?

  Lifelab ensure that your sample is handled with care under our strict laboratory controls. We also have a 2-person identification step with every sample.

• What if my attempt at taking blood is not successful?

  If you are not successful please contact us for a replacement kit, ask someone to help you with the sample collection and watch our step – by – step video first, this can make the process a lot easier. Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice if you need any further assistance.

• Why do my results differ to the test my doctor carried out?

  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.

• How do items appear in my results that I haven’t eaten or drunk?

  This can be caused by a lack of necessary digestive enzymes to successfully break down the said food item (intolerance).

• What if my results show nothing. Do I get my money back?

  If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your test results, please contact us as soon as possible on [email protected] in order to assist you in resolving any issues. Please note that opening a claim on PayPal will significantly delay our resolution process.

• Can I print out my results?

  Yes, of course, all you need to do is save your PDF document and print off as normal.

Blood

• Does it hurt to take a blood test?

  We provide you with easy-to-use lancets designed to give you a tiny prick on the finger to start the blood flow. It’s precisely the same as a pinprick and, if administered correctly following our provided instructions and tips, will not hurt.

• What’s the best blood test for me?

  We have a range of blood tests for you to choose from; we have Intolerance (IgG4) ELISA testing because we are investigating delayed symptoms that could be associated with food intolerances. You can find more about the IgG4 testing science on the About Us pages on our site. We also have IgE ELISA food and non-food allergy testing. IgE antibodies are involved in Type I allergies and can cause rapid type immune reactions, with symptoms occurring within a few minutes up to two hours after eating a specific food. You can find more about the IgE testing science on the About Us pages on our site. We also have a range of combinations for the ultimate intolerance and allergy testing

• Can you test for coeliac disease?

  We do not test for coeliac disease; however, we can test for a gluten intolerance on selected tests; please look for this in the list of items tested on the products. To test for coeliac disease, you should speak to a medical professional. The blood testing usually carried out is total IgA and IgA tissue transglutaminase antibody (tTG).

• Will medication affect my test results in any way?

  There are a few types of medication that may stop your test from being accurate. Immune suppressant medications can also affect the results of the testing, we advise that you check with our team prior to testing regarding medications. Antihistamines have been shown to affect results; we advise stopping antihistamine use for 3-5 days before taking your sample; however, we would recommend seeking advice from a medical professional before changing any medication.

• Can I complete a blood test on a child?

  While we allow children from the age of 2 and above for blood allergy and intolerance testing, there is evidence that allergies are not fully developed until the age of 7. Please check with a medical professional before purchasing.

• Why are your blood tests more expensive than hair tests?

  Blood testing is usually a much longer process than hair testing, and our staff have to be fully trained to handle biological samples, and ensure the appropriate kits are sent out to clients for the collection of their sample. The blood must be stored appropriately on arrival and it is more time sensitive as blood biodegrades quickly. For this reason, we recommend once you have taken your blood sample it is very important to send this back in the postage paid envelope the same day.

• What do you do with my DNA afterwards?

  All biological specimens are put into Biohazard waste and is incinerated. We do not keep any DNA anywhere in our laboratory.

• 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.

• 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.

Health

• How often should I complete a health test?

  We recommend to our clients to complete health tests once or twice a year, as they are the fastest way to get easy-to-understand results that you can act on. Completing them frequently means you always understand how your health is doing and can amend your diet and lifestyle if things are not improving.

• Are your health tests scientifically validated?

  Yes, all the health tests we offer on our site are scientifically validated, easy-to-use, and delivered to your front door.
  

• Do I need to visit a health practice for this testing?

  No, all of our health tests come with complete instructions so you can complete the tests at home quickly and easily. This means you can get a faster result with minimal fuss! Why not complete regular testing to understand your health entirely.

• What health tests do you offer?

  Although the products can vary for different regions, we currently have an extensive range on offer. We have blood allergy and intolerance testing, hair sensitivity testing, DNA wellness propensity reporting, urine sample liver function testing, vitamin D at-home blood testing, and urine kidney testing.

• How accurate are the DNA testing kits and the reports?

  A strict quality assurance process combined with myDNA’s state of the art laboratory facilities allows handlers of your DNA to control the reliability and validity of the tests. The reports and findings are developed in accordance with internationally recognised guidelines while also factoring in a large number of published studies.

Nutrional Therapist

• Complete Tests

  Each of our Complete test packages also include a free 30-minute session with a qualified Nutritional Therapist to help you understand the report and make changes to your diet.

  To book your consultation, please contact our customer service team by email, telephone, or using our website LiveChat and they will be happy to book this in for you.

• Basic Tests

  If you have purchased a Nutritional Therapist Session with your order, this can be booked in with our customer service team either by email, telephone, or using our website LiveChat.
  If you are looking to purchase a session, these can be ordered from our customer service team and are an excellent tool in getting the most out of your testing.

• How do I speak to a nutritionist once I’ve received my results?

  Our qualified nutritionists are not always on site in the Lifelab offices so if you have any questions please email our customer care team and we will get our qualified nutritionist to contact you ASAP.