Further Information

It is estimated that 60% of the UK population suffers from unsuspected food reactions that can cause complicated health problems. Symptoms can be very diverse and wide ranging from arthritis to eczema to migraines.

The term allergy describes the clinical symptoms of an underlying immunological reaction and more than 20% of the population is thought to suffer from allergic symptoms.

Current evidence shows that the overall incidence of allergies is increasing in society, although allergies can often be genetic and if both parents  are allergic the children are more likely to suffer allergies. An allergy is an adverse reaction to a normal stimuli, such as food, chemicals, pollen and dust.

There are two types of allergic reactions:
Type A – this is a classic allergy and reactions occur immediately after contact with an allergen.
Type B – this is a delayed allergy or intolerance and reactions can occur between 1 to 72 hours later.

Unlike food allergies, food intolerances generally produce very slow responses to foods. The symptoms may appear several hours after eating, even up to 48 hours after consumption. Usually the food or foods that cause problems are eaten so frequently there is no obvious link between them and the symptoms. Therefore making it difficult to pinpoint when the food intolerances started.

The symptoms may begin with mild problems such as headaches, excessive tiredness or frequent indigestion and not even be considered as problematic by the sufferer and may be taken for granted as everyday occurrences. However, over several months or years a slow decline in health can be the result of a suffering ongoing food intolerances and allergies.

The third part of the Comprehensive Food Allergy Profile looks at ruling out Coeliac disease. Coeliac disease, also called Coeliac Sprue or Gluten sensitivity enteropathy is caused by the inability to properly digest foods containing gluten. Gluten containing foods include wheat, rye, oats and barley. Coeliac disease is characterised by chronic inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and villous atrophy.

There is also thought to be a genetic component and coeliac disease and general gluten intolerance may affect several family members. Gluten intolerance can cause both acute and chronic symptoms including anaemia, unexplained weight loss, diarrhoea, bloating, wind, low energy, general malaise, dermatitis herpetiformis, psychiatric problems and aching joints and muscles.

Technical information:

The comprehensive food allergy profile measures the release of chemical mediators from white blood cells once they have been stimulated and incubated with food allergens. This method of testing is a direct cellular assay and can detect sensitivities that are caused by a number of different immune processes. Specific immune antibodies known as IgE antibodies are also assessed, these are released by the immune system and are specific to the substances that are causing the allergy. Gluten specific antibodies known as tissue Transglutaminase is also measured and has been proven to be highly specific in detecting untreated Coeliac Disease.

The comprehensive food allergy profile investigates all of the most common food sensitivities and allergic reactions including the important and potentially fatal nut group. This profile consists of the FACTest (Food Allergen Cellular Test), the IgE allergy screen and the tTGA (tissue transglutaminase) marker used for detecting Coeliac Disease.

Method:Cellular stimulation and Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA)

Sample requirements: 2 x 10 ml blood sample.

Patient requirements: This test requires a blood sample, which must be taken by a doctor, nurse or another appropriately qualified person and should never be under taken by an unauthorised person. Local health centres, GP surgeries and hospitals (including private hospitals) should be able to assist you. There may be a small charge by the doctor for this service.

If you live in or around London there are two phlebotomy sites that you can visit to have your blood taken, IWDL or The Doctor’s Laboratory.

IWDL (appointment only): 356 West Barnes Lane, New Malden, Surrey KT3 6NB. Tel: 020-8336-7750

TDL (no appointment necessary): 55 Wimpole Street, London W1G 8LQ. Tel: 020-7460-4800

Analytes measured: FACTest - Almond, Almond oil, Almond products, Apple, Apple products, Apricot, Apricot products, Asparagus, Aubergine, Avocado, Banana, Barley, Barley products, Bay leaf, Bean- Broad, Bean – Green, Bean- Haricot, Bean – Kidney, Beef, Beetroot, Brazil nut, Broccoli, Brussel sprout, Buckwheat, Buckwheat produce, Cabbage, Carrot, Cashew nut, Cauliflower, Celery, Cayenne Pepper, Chervil, Chicken, Chickpea, Chilli, Chinese cabbage, Chive, Chocolate (cocoa), Coconut, Coconut products, Coffee, Coriander, Corn (maize), Corn products, Courgette, Cows milk, Cows cheese, Cows milk produce, Crab, Cranberry, Cucumber, Cumin, Currant (black/ white/ red), Date, Dill, E102 Tartrazine, E110 Sunset Yellow,E124 Ponceau red, E210-213 Sodium benzoate, E951 Aspartame, E621 Monosodium Glutamate, Egg Yolk, Egg White, Fennel, Fig, Fish- Cod, Fish-Haddock, Fish- Hake, Fish- Herring, Fish- Mackerel, Fish – Pilchard, Fish – Pollock, Fish- Salmon, Fish- Sardine, Fish – Trout, Fish- Tuna, Fennel, Garlic, Goats cheese, Goats milk, Goats milk produce, Grape (raisin/ sultana), Grape produce, Grapefruit, Hazelnut, Hazelnut produce, Kiwi, Lamb, Leek, Lemon, Lentil, Lettuce, Linseed, Lime, Lobster, Mango, Melon- Honeydew, Melon – Watermelon, Mushroom, Mussel, Nectarine, Oats, Oat produce, Olive, Olive oil, Onion, Orange, Oregano, Oyster, Paprika, Parsley, Pea, Peach, Peanut, Peanut oil, Peanut products, Pear, Pecan, Pepper (bell/ capsicum/ pimento), Pepper (white/ black), Pineapple, Pine nut, Pistachio, Plum, Polenta, Poppy seed, Pork, Potato, Prawn/ shrimp, Prune, Prune products, Pumpkin, Pumpkin seed, Raspberry, Rice, Rice milk, Rice products, Rye, Rye products, Scallop, Sesame Seed, Sesame Seed oil, Sesame Seed produce, Sheep’s milk, Sheep’s milk produce, Sheep’s milk cheese, Soya (miso/ tofu), Soya milk, Soya produce, Spinach, Squash, Strawberry, Sunflower Seed, Tamarind, Tangerine, Tea (black/ green), Tomato, Tomato products, Turkey, Veal, Walnut, Walnut oil, Wheat, Wheat products, Yeast – bakers/ brewers.
  
Analytes measured: IgE Food Panel - Almond, Apple, Banana, Beef, Brazil Nut, Buckwheat, Carrot, Celery, Chicken, Coconut, Cod, Corn, Egg White, Garlic, Hazelnut, Kiwi, Lamb, Mango, Milk (Cows), Mussel, Mustard, Oat, Orange, Peach, Peanut, Pineapple, Pork, Potato, Rice, Salmon, Sesame Seed, Shrimp, Soybean, Tomato, Tuna, Wheat, Yeast (Bakers).

Analytes measured: tTGA -Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies