The in-vitro (blood) allergy test has
been available since 1971, with the introduction of the RAST
(Radioallergosorbant Test) program. A number of years later
ELISA (Enzyme linked Immunosorbant Assay) was made available.
Both methods are similar, one using radioisotopes and the other
an enzyme color reaction as its means of quantification.
The research and development team at our partner lab has
combined the most reliable aspects of each method to bring you
the SPOT Test; the most reliable
and advanced in-vitro test available today. |
When the body is
exposed to a substance it views as "foreign", the immune system
produces antibodies to combat those substances. The antibody
binds to elements within the blood cells to fight off the
so-called foreign substance. When the blood cells can no longer
absorb the antibody, histamines are released that cause the
unpleasant allergy symptoms. With other words,
Allergy is an abnormal reaction to a substance that is usually
considered harmless.
TThese substances which can be inhaled, ingested or even absorbed
through the skin, are known as allergens. |
| Hives, Red Eyes,
Skin Rash, Runny Nose, Constricted Throat, Gastrointestinal
Pain/Bloating, Joint & Muscle Aches, Swelling, Headache,
Diarrhea, Sneezing, Difficulty Breathing. |
A
food allergy is an immune system response. A food allergy
occurs when the body mistakes an ingredient in food -- usually a
protein -- as harmful and creates a defense system (antibodies)
to fight it. Food allergy symptoms develop when the antibodies
are battling the "invading" food. The most common food allergies
are peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnuts, pecans and almonds),
fish, and shellfish, milk, eggs, soy products, and wheat.
Food intolerance is a digestive
system response. Food intolerance occurs when something
in a food irritates a person's digestive system or when a person
is unable to properly digest or breakdown, the food. Intolerance
to lactose, which is found in milk and other dairy products, is
the most common food intolerance. |
| YES!
Although not fully understood, the genetic tendency to allergies
is hereditary. 1 in 3 offspring are likely to inherit allergy
tendencies from a parent with allergies. Likewise if both
parents have allergies, odds are all offspring will have
allergies! |
| Not all allergic
reactions are immediate. While most occur within minutes of
exposure, others may be delayed 3 to 12 hours or more due to
delayed release of mediators from the mast cells. |
| Ragweed pollen is
the #1 cause of allergies in the U.S. Other major allergens
include grass and tree pollens, dust mites, molds and animal
dander. |
Both dogs and cats shed allergens. Cats are far bigger culprits
with their saliva being the primary allergen, more so than their
fur or skin. |
