WHAT IS A Food sensitivity TEST?

Since food sensitivities involve an immune reaction in the bloodstream, there can be a wide range of systemic effects that may result. Locally in the digestive tract, food reactions can cause havoc to our gastrointestinal system including our delicate balance of gut bacteria and enzymes, causing vicious cycles of poor digestion, inflammation, and infection. Some health problems that may result from ignoring food sensitivities include:

• Poor nutrient absorption

• Decreased stomach acid production

• Rapid or delayed movement of food through the digestive tract

• Microbial imbalance

• Low immunity from invading pathogens

• Decreased nutrient synthesis

• Increased inflammatory proteins

• And many more

If food sensitivities aren’t being addressed, a patient may eventually develop a condition known as “leaky-gut“. The immune system and associated antibodies in the blood are then triggered to mount an immune response to food particles, which the body considers to be a foreign entity and hence leading to a full-blown immune reaction and inflammation.

It is possible to measure and quantify IgG levels using a blood test that would indicate elevated antibodies in response to certain foods and food groups that are potentially causing harm. Elevated IgG levels may not always point to a food allergy and elevated levels are not always diagnostic. The value of this test lies in the proper interpretation of the results taking into consideration a number of situational and clinical factors. Naturopathic doctors are well qualified to administer and interpret these tests and are able to obtain very useful information from these tests to direct an appropriate treatment plan based on each individual’s circumstance.

how do you test for food sensitivities?

The test is carried out in-office and is a relatively simple finger-prick test – a little puncture is made in the 2nd or 3rd finger, and a few drops of blood are collected into a microtainer vessel and sent to the lab. 80% of the antibodies in blood are IgG antibodies. This means that only a small amount of blood is sufficient to test a large number of foods. The procedure takes about 10 minutes to complete.

How should I prepare for a food sensitivity test?

There isn’t much preparation involved for this test but we do recommend that a patient be exposed to a diet involving a variety of potentially sensitive foods for a couple weeks prior to the test to minimize the amount of false negative results. Fasting is not required for this test.

As for the procedure itself, we usually we get the patient to run their fingers under warm water for a couple minutes prior to the procedure to ensure adequate blood flow to the finger. Massaging the fingers can also help.

how long will it take to get my food SENSITIVITY test results back?

Test results are usually available 7-14 days after collection of the blood sample.

how much does a food sensitivity test cost?

The cost of the test will depend on the antigens being tested. There are 3 panels that are most commonly used to determine food sensitivities:

120+ Food antigens – $275

200+ Food antigens – $379

160+ Vegetarian Food antigens – $315

Add-on Antigen (to 120+ or 160+) – $20

All food tests require a consultation by the naturopathic doctor beforehand.

are food sensitivity tests covered by insurance?

Typically the test is NOT covered by insurance but some extended health insurance plans do provide partial or full coverage. Please contact your insurance provider for more information on coverage of IgG Food sensitivity testing. Doctor’s fees are covered by your extended health insurance plan as naturopathic services.

Nova Naturopathic Clinic is located at Unit 208, 6707 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2V 0E5, and we are open for you Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm. CALL US today at (587) 391-5753 to learn everything else we can tell you about Lab Testing Services and Appointments, the benefits, and how we can help you with your overall wellness. You can also CALL US to BOOK AN APPOINTMENT with us, or you can BOOK ONLINE. We hope to hear from you soon!