How We Take Care of Your FoodScan Sample
The FoodScan test measures food-specific IgG antibodies in blood samples. The
presence of food-specific IgG antibodies indicates that a reaction has occurred
to that particular food and the results from the test are used by our Nutritional
Therapists as an aid to help you manage your diet. Your blood sample is handled
and tested by our own trained, qualified laboratory scientists at the YorkTest
Laboratory.
The FoodScan test uses ELISA technology (enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay)
to detect food-specific IgG antibodies in your blood (see below). The ELISA method
is used extensively in hospital laboratories. This technique has been shown to
be highly reproducible in measuring antibodies of clinical importance. The FoodScan
tests are manufactured at our own YorkTest facility. The test is unique to YorkTest
and the company has been providing diagnostic testing since 1982.
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Step by Step Process:
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When your sample arrives into our laboratory, we scan the barcode on your signed letter to formally identify your sample. This code is then entered into our laboratory computer system.
2. Your blood sample is removed from the wand and prepared for testing
against all of the 113 foods. We check your sample at 7 key stages throughout
the laboratory process before sending you the final result.
3. The FoodScan ELISA testing process takes about 2 ½ hours to complete
and consists of a series of steps all carefully conducted by our qualified laboratory
staff. The ELISA plates are pre-prepared in a complex process where critical concentrations
of purified food extracts are immobilised on to the surface of polystyrene micro-wells
(ELISA plates). To protect the unstable food extracts and prevent false positive
results, the micro-wells are then further coated with a stabilising polymer layer,
which is dried on top of the food extracts; Figure 1a.
4. The measurement of food antibody levels depends on the ability
of any food antibodies in your blood sample to attach themselves specifically
to the food extracts on the ELISA plate, see Figure 1b. After the antibodies have
bound to the food extracts, the ELISA plates are washed to remove other unbound
antibodies and blood constituents.
5. The food antibodies are then detected using a secondary antibody,
which is chemically tagged with an enzyme; Figure 1c. The enzyme causes a colour
to develop; Figure 1d. The colour intensity obtained is an accurate indication
of the original food-specific IgG antibody concentration in your blood sample.
6. At the end of the process the results are read using a colour decoder
(spectrophotometer) linked to a computer. If all the quality controls pass the
test then the results are analysed and converted, using unique YorkTest calibrated
antibody reference standards, into your score for each food; 0 (no reaction),
0.5 (borderline), 1, 2, 3 or 4 (positive reactions). These results appear on your
A4 results chart. We only release the results to you when we are completely satisfied
of their accuracy.
7. Finally your results and results information are despatched to
you, for you to start working with our Nutritionist in modifying your diet, which
we hope will be the start of a healthier and happier you!
Figure 1
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