allergy and intolerance test Archives - Lifelab Testing

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Allergies & Science

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

Here at Lifelab we’re passionate about understanding the emerging science behind allergies and intolerances. We spend a lot of time developing our products using cutting edge science and also in providing aftercare to help you manage the allergies you discover.

We also like to help educate people on allergies and the science behind them, here we take a look at allergies and where our understanding is at.

WHAT IS AN ALLERGY AND WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS?

Food allergies have become a significant health burden as prevalence continues to rise, affecting 6%-13% of the global population.

When talking about Allergies, we are referring to the reaction that is caused when a person’s immune system is fighting what it perceives to be harmful substances (allergens) in the body.

The allergic reaction occurs when hypersensitivity to certain substances (food, medications, or environmental allergens) is expressed within the body. An allergic reaction is classified as type I hypersensitivity, meaning that symptoms will occur immediately after the administration of the harmful allergen or within a few minutes.

Our body is a powerful machine, and our immune system plays an essential role in defending the body from harmful substances. 

Some allergens are recognised as harmful from our immune system, and the immediate reaction is to find a way to eliminate those substances. The elimination of those harmful substances in allergic subjects will activate a specific reaction that in some people can be life-threatening (anaphylactic reaction: swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and changes in heart rate).

Allergic symptoms are varied. Depending on the allergen, the type of allergic reaction (type I, type III) and the person’s immune system, different reactions can be observed. The hypersensitivity type I is associated with immediate allergic reaction with potential to activate an anaphylactic reaction. In contrast, hypersensitivity type III is associated with an accumulation of allergens in the systems with a delate allergy reaction that can be observed within 24 and 72hours after the administration of the harmful allergen.

Some common symptoms are itchiness, running nose, swollen and watery eyes, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

ALLERGY TREATMENTS?

During the last two decades, (as reported by Vanhita Sampath et al. (1) in the Journal of Allergy 2019) there has been an increased understanding of the mechanisms underlying food allergy and new treatments have been developed. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Allergen ImmunoTherapy (AIT) for several allergens. Safety is the biggest concern for AIT, and risk of allergic reactions may potentially be lowered with lower allergen maintenance dose, and use of adjuvants (biologics such as omalizumab, modified aluminium hydroxide adsorbed allergens, or probiotics).

At the current time, there are no known biomarkers to distinguish the temporary state of desensitisation from that of permanent tolerance as seen in natural nonallergenic individuals nor are there prognostic markers to determine who would best benefit from therapy. Such diagnostic and prognostic marker would be valuable tools for food allergy research (Vanhita Sampath et al.)

Recently another article from Kunal Pratap et al. (2) in the journal of Frontiers in Immunology in May 2020 highlighted the possibility to use a combination of probiotics and allergen immunotherapy as a treatment for food allergies:

“A combinatorial approach using probiotics and oral peanut immunotherapy has successfully demonstrated long-lasting clinical effects and suppression of allergic responses. Such innovative strategies combining allergen-specific immunotherapy with natural bioactive compounds into a suitable dosage regimen may hold the potential to have a safe and effective treatment strategy for food allergies (Kunal Pratap et al.).

Scientific advancement in the field of food allergy in the last couple of years as demonstrated as a combination of allergen immunotherapy and bioactive compounds (probiotics) could be a possible solution in the treatment of food allergies. 

Unfortunately, at the moment we do not have a treatment for food allergies, but we are confident that continuing our work to inform you with up to date scientific research and our high-quality testing we can help you to take the first step to improve your health and wellbeing.

This is only the first step on your journey, and we are here to help you, so if you have any questions and you are curious to know how we can help do not hesitate to contact us.

References

(1)https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/all.14116 (Vanhita Sampath et al.) Can allergy be cured?

(2)https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2020.00996/full (Kunal Pratap et al.) Natural Bioactive compounds and probiotics as potential therapeutic in food allergies

5 Steps to Take in the Battle Against Food Allergies

Posted on by Kate Young

It’s a big deal in everyone’s life: Going back to school. It can feel even bigger if you do not have an allergy plan ahead of you!

However, it can sometimes feel even worse if you are suffering from food allergies. You must be super organised, but you can find out below how to best prepare your child for dealing with food allergies. 

1) You need to have a plan

Make your allergy plan a priority. You can consult either your doctor or health professional who will be able to sign this off for you. Make sure your staff and faculty at your school are aware of your food allergies, and that they know about your plan.

2) Make sure you discuss eating areas and accommodation

You need to be accommodated for if you have a food allergy. The chefs at the school, or if you are taking a packed lunch, people need to be aware of your allergies. Some children are not always aware of the danger of food allergies and intolerances, but teachers should be focused and observant. If you have an allergy plan, make sure they stick to it.

3) Talk to people

Food allergy specialists are an excellent resource. They can help you with advice and ideas on where to sit at lunch (like above), but also how you should approach school trips and adventures. Ensure your school’s big hitters are aware of the allergy guidelines, as well as your allergy plan.

4) Spot and prevent allergy building

We hate to talk about this, but it does happen in schools! In fact, there have been recent stories of children and teachers being attacked for their well-known allergies. There are specific guidelines, which have been developed over in America on how to spot if your child is the target of food allergy bullying. 

5) Make sure you know that your child has an allergy and an allergy plan

You may be reading this wondering what on earth we are going on about. But, living with an undiagnosed or identified food allergy can actually be catastrophic. If not treated or managed correctly, food allergies can leave you feeling unwell and alter your life, or in a worst-case scenario, be potentially life-threatening.

For more information on allergy testing and identifying exactly which items, you or your child should be avoided, check out our blog page! It’s full of hints, tips and advice, all suited to helping you and your family cope with your allergies. Think of an allergy plan after you have discovered your own allergies!

Recording your symptoms after an allergy test

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

If you have taken an allergy test then you are probably doing an elimination diet. This is when you remove certain foods from your diet which have been highlighted as a food allergy. Fortunately, Lifelab Testing is here to help you with any symptoms that you may be experiencing.

Individual nature of our symptoms

As we are each unique and individual, it is important that you remember how to cope with your individual foods. How a food makes you feel, is not actually how another person may feel (including a member of your family).

Rate your foods at the start

One of our key suggestions is that you need to record and track your symptoms. If you have purchased an allergy test and are doing our 30 days follow up, then you will see that we like to track your symptoms every 7 days.

Patience is key

Sometimes people find that their symptoms often get worse before they have got better. But you must not be surprised if this is the case, as you just need to monitor your symptoms further. An allergy test identifies which foods you probably need to remove from your diet, but please do monitor your symptoms.

Which test would be right for you?

Using our Find the right test tool, we can help point you in the right direction as to which test you need to purchase. Depending on your symptoms, it could be an intolerance or an allergy, but it is important you find out.

If your symptoms are occurring right away after every single moment that you eat food, then it is likely that you have a food allergy. For this, we would point you towards a Basic Allergy Test or a Complete Body Test, and it is so important that you are able to identify which foods are causing you the issue.

If your symptoms are similar to a bloated stomach and other stomach related issues, which sometimes occur up to 72 hours later, then it will be either a Basic Intolerance test or a Complete Intolerance test.

For more information on getting your hands on an intolerance or allergy test, then please log on to www.lifelabtesting.com and order your test now.

Anyone can have an allergy – make sure you take an allergy test

Posted on by Kate Young

If you’ve not been keeping up with the news recently, then you maybe haven’t seen how many news stories there have been about allergies and intolerances. If you haven’t then you may need to, as you will realise the importance of taking an allergy test with Lifelab Testing.

Kylie Jenner has revealed that her daughter Stormi has had to be taken to hospital because they suffered from an allergic reaction. The good news is that her daughter is now back at home making a full recovery, but it does highlight the importance of taking an allergy test.

If you are not sure whether or not you have an allergy then you should immediately seek an allergy test and also a consultation with your Health Professional. Lifelab Testing are available to offer dietary advice to customers who are highlighted to have an allergy, but it is a dietary plan. We also offer an intolerance test for those who suspect that they may have an intolerance rather than an allergy.

With up to three Love Islanders also in the news recently regarding allergies and dealing with the symptoms of intolerance, the high profile nature of allergies and intolerances is so much more important. If you recognise any of the following symptoms then it is highly recommended that you take an allergy test and then seek dietary advice, which you can do with Lifelab’s nutritional therapists:

  • Itchy skin rash
  • Swollen lips
  • Dry, cracked skin
  • Wheezing
  • Sneezing

These symptoms will vary depending on what you are allergic to, and this is why we believe in the importance of an allergy test, as you learn what food items and non-food items you need to remove from your diet.

Whilst we are talking about the severity of allergies, you desperately need to check out our blog on anaphylaxis and what going into anaphylactic shock means. It is very important that you know what to do!

For more information on intolerance testing or allergy testing, you can purchase your allergy test here.

Allergy People making a difference

Posted on by Kate Young

There are so many people looking to make a difference in their lifestyle and diet, but it does not stop there. Allergy testing people are making a difference and spreading the word, so we thought it was time to celebrate their awareness and ability. Look at how we have helped some of our customers to improve their lives, and how they have spread their own awareness.

Chris Jones – Lifelab Testimonial

“My experience was great, particularly as I messed the first one up so getting a second kit was easy.  I was intrigued by the results and have found that reflecting this in my diet has helped my health and well-being. But overall the whole process was easy and I would recommend, in fact, I already have. Thanks!” – Chris wanted to make a change in his life, and he was dedicated to improving his diet. He did this withLifelab Testing and allergy testing kits, and he loved the whole process, recommending it to any others who suffer from food allergies.

Chris Jones loved his Lifelab Testing testimonial

Danielle Lloyd – Spreading the word

We’re absolutely delighted to have helped model and TV star: the AMAZING Danielle Lloyd, kickstart her year in the best way possible by helping her discover her Intolerances with an easy to use at-home Intolerance Test ? Just take a look at what she had to say about her Lifelab Testing experience below! ??

“I’m starting the new year feeling great after finding out what was causing me bloating and pain after eating food, with Lifelab Testing‘s at-home intolerance and allergy testing kit. The results were so good that my son Harry did a test, too, and since changing his diet to gluten free, he hasn’t been in any pain. My results showed I had to cut out eggs, yoghurt and white beans, which I eat regularly as part of a healthy diet, so it’s been a total change but it’s for the better and means I’m not bloating after meals anymore! The test was so easy to do and really thorough as it checks over 159 intolerances, so I knew it’d be a good way of finding out what was causing the pain.”

Danielle Lloyd is spreading the benefits of understanding your allergies and intolerances

Lauren McQueen spreading the news

We are so proud to have helped people cope with their allergies, and with people coming to us and ask how we could help them with their allergies through allergy testing, they wanted to spread the word. Lauren McQueen was another one, check out her testimonial below and also, you can hop over to Instagram to find out more:

I have been struggling with bad breakouts on my skin alongside extreme bloating of my stomach. I contacted Lifelab Testing and purchased their Complete Intolerance Test without any hesitation. I took my blood sample and returned it to Lifelab for testing. Within days, my results were ready in the ‘my account’ section. After I studied my results, I was put in contact with Lifelab Testing’s Nutritional Therapist who helped me to understand my results more and how to structure my diet around this. With this knowledge, I am now aware of what I should eat less of and what to completely avoid.

Lauren shared her experience on her Instagram page, and utilising our nutritional therapists, she was able to improve her health and lifestyle. We are very keen to see people spread the word about allergies and healthy living.

Allergy Testing with Lauren

For more information on allergy testing and finding out about the way people share their experiences with allergy testing, check out www.lifelabtesting.com.

All you need to know about allergy testing and intolerance tests

Posted on by Donna Mastriani

At Lifelab Testing, we ensure that all our samples for our allergy testing and intolerance test are handled with the utmost care, treated confidentially and looked after.

All our Allergy and Intolerance testing products work in the same way. They are immunoassay’s that determine levels of antibody reactivity against specific allergens. We test using a blotting procedure which is very similar to ELISA (which you may see with other providers of similar tests). Western Blotting procedures are commonly used diagnostic tools and provide analytics for many areas of health care and immunology that can aid in diagnosis of medical conditions.

But how do they do this?

In order to measure a specific antibody response, we require several things. A client’s sample, and a panel of specific allergens derived from foods or other triggers (such as pollen or epithelium cells). Then we also need conjugate, wash solution and substrate.

Each client’s sample will be unique to them, and all our testing panels are produced in an identical way by our supplier and adhere to forms of quality control and compliance as an accredited provider of analytical tests. We ensure that every delivery from our supplier confirms to these standards by checking its certificate of conformance. Our supplier also provides us with IgG4 and IgE conjugates and a substrate which also conform to quality control standards, as well as a washing solution.

How many allergens are on a panel will vary based on the test that you purchased but the reaction will be the same.

The first stage of the immunoassay will be to apply a quantity of patient sample (dependent on whether it is IgE or IgG4 and which panel tested based on purchased product) to the testing panel. If there are any specific antibodies present in the sample, specifically relating to those on the panel, they will bind. Every panel also has three control values that will always react the same way with known values.

Next up the panel will require to be washed with the wash solution, this is designed to remove all unbound sample from the panel and prevent non-specific binding to the panel, whilst also not being too abrasive to remove bound allergens and antibodies.

Next the specific conjugate is used. A conjugate has been devised to react to either IgG4 or IgE antibodies. So, if there have been any reactions to the allergens on the panel, the conjugate will then bind to the complex of antibody and allergen. If this happens the complex will be marked by the presence of the conjugate binding. This will be left to react for a period of time.

The next step is to use the wash solution again to remove unbound conjugate.

A substrates job is to make this reaction complex visible for analysis. There are many ways to do this. We use a colorimetric method, which means we apply a numeric value to the shade of a colour.

When we apply the substrate to the panel, if there has been a reaction between a conjugate and an allergen/antibody complex the position on the testing panel will be visibly coloured. If there has been no reaction the substrate won’t react, and the position will remain clear.

The three control areas of the panel will always react in the same manner. These controls correlate to three known values of increasing reactivity. The reaction on the panel is then stopped and then scanned, software analyses the strength of the present colour against these three controls and determines the value of reactivity.

These are then presented as a client’s reactivity profile for the results. The stronger the colour the more concentration of specific antibodies in their blood.

Want more information on allergy testing and intolerance tests? Log on to www.lifelabtesting.com and get your advice and information here.