|
AFC
Frequently Asked
Questions
1. What are the benefits of the AFC test?
·
The test could comprehensively cover both Immediate (IgE) and
Delayed (IgG) onset
reaction towards a total of 96 Foods
·
Quantitative analysis of IgE and IgG antibodies through ELISA
procedure
·
Only a few drops of blood required for delayed onset test
·
Analysis completed in the U.S.A
·
Customized rotational diet plan go along with report
2. How do I go about the AFC testing?
There are two ways for completing the test. First, you can make an
appointment to complete the blood collection process in our office.
Alternatively, you can purchase the Aller-Food Check kit from us,
collect the blood sample at home, and return it back to us. Then we
will send your sample direct to the US lab for testing. You will
receive the results within two weeks.
Office hours : Mon. - Fri. 10am - 7pm
Sat. 10am - 2pm
Sun. &
Public Holidays Closed
For the oversea customers, please order via emailing to
info@hkbiotek.com . We will
send the Aller-Food Check kit to your address and you can simply follow
the instruction and return the completed sample to our Hong Kong office.
3. How much blood is needed for the allergy test?
For testing the delayed onset reaction, only a few drops of blood is
required. For the immediate onset reaction, blood drawing at the nearby
medical lab would be necessary.
4. How can you ensure the blood collected in the strips will not
be contaminated during transit?
First of all, dry blood provides no medium for bacteria to attack.
Therefore, it is essential that you follow the instruction and allow the
blood to dry for at least 45 minutes in room temperature. In addition,
our blood collection strips use a proprietary collection methodology
that's proven to provide stable test results for the blood sample for at
least 2 weeks. Our comparison study between blood sample collected on
the strips and those stored in serum showed no discrepancy in results.
So, the strips are as effective as blood collection serums.
5.
Could we know more about the specificity and accuracy of the Aller Food Check test?
Our AFC test utilizes the state of the art ELISA Procedures and it
is a stringent biochemical process whereby the antibodies are detected
in your blood, and it is a direct measurement of your immune system's
response to food. The Aller-Food Check gives you the assurance of
quality and reliability as all tests are completed by our Laboratories
in the United States, and each patient's test is conducted twice to
ensure accuracy and reliability. Our laboratory is an independent clinical laboratory approved by CLIA
(US Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) accredited by COLA (US Commission on Office
Laboratory Accredition). The laboratory is also licensed by the State of
Washington for performing testing worldwide.
6. Is the AFC test suitable for all ages?
Adults and children can take the test. In general, infant after 6 months
starts to produce its own antibodies. Thus, kids age after 6 months and
start eating solid foods can take the test.
7. Should I take the test if I am pregnant?
One of the
reasons for developing allergy reaction is genetic predisposition. If a
pregnant woman who is allergic to offending foods and wasn’t aware of
it, the IgG and IgE antibodies that produced would transfer to the
baby. Medical profession has suggested that pregnant women could
consider the test when necessary so as to prevent baby from allergies.
8. Do I need a doctor's prescription to have the AFC test done?
In
general, any individual can order any tests for themselves. A doctor's
prescription is not required.
9. Should I be eating differently before taking this test?
Yes,
you should eat many different kind of foods for at least a week before
taking the test. This will greatly enhance the chance of detecting the
"reactive" foods. However, if you have history of anaphylaxis or severe
allergic reaction, e.g. peanut, shrimp, etc., you should avoid eating it
as second exposure can prove fatal. Please consult your physician if
you have any questions concerning this test.
10. Should I be fasting before the blood draw?
No
fasting is required. This test is a quantitative analysis of the
antibodies in our body, and it js produced while the foods being taken
prior to the test.
11. Can I have this test done if I am taking Chinese or Western
medicine?
You
may please consult your practitioner if you have any questions
concerning your Chinese medicine. In general, the major concern is
steroidal drugs, e.g. cortisone, because it can suppress the immune
system, and thus may reduce the antibodies present, causing a "false
negative" report. Thus it is advisable to stop taking the steroidal drug
for at least 3 weeks before taking the test. Tropical steroid is not
part of the concerns.
12. What information will the allergy report provide?
The
reports require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. You may download Acrobat
Reader for free at
www.adobe.com.
The report will provide information in the following categories:
O No
Reaction - Foods in this column can be eaten freely.
I-II Very
Low and Low - Low amount
of antibodies are present against specific food. For the first 3-month
you may rotate these foods every 7 days, then rotate these foods every 4
days afterwards.
III
Moderate - Moderate amount of antibodies are present against
these specific foods. You should avoid these foods for a 3-month period,
and rotate these foods every 4 days afterwards.
IV-VI High,
Very High and Extremely High
- There are elevated antibodies in the body against these specific
foods. You should avoid these foods for at least 6-9 months, depending
on your health conditions, and only re-introduce carefully later.
13. What should I expect from the report?
Our
report will provide information on the IgE and IgG antibody levels
against 96 discrete foods. They include foods in several different
categories: Dairy, Seafood, Poultry, Meat, Vegetables, Fruits, and other
misc. items including coffee, honey, etc.
You have to
take a lifelong avoidance of the offending foods showing elevated
concerns with the IgE level.
For the foods showing a concern in IgG level, you should follow the
customized rotation diet which accompanies your report. Abstain from
the reactive foods, and start rotating the foods that are in the low or
no-reaction category. In most cases, if your condition is due to
allergic reactions to food, you should notice clearing of your symptoms
in 3-4 weeks. Faster clearance of symptoms is observed among children.
14. My allergy report shows that I am allergic to various foods such
as cow’s milk and egg. Would I be nutritionally inadequate if I avoid
the foods entirely?
You may
follow the customized rotation diet reference to avoid the offending
foods. Remember that there are always substitutes for most of the
offending foods.
For
example, if you are allergic to cow’s milk, most dietitians would
suggest soy milk to be the best available alternatives, and there are
rice milk and almond milk for your choices as well.
15.
How do we go about report interpretation?
You will
receive the test result and be interpreted by our Nutrition
consultants. You can always reach our customer hotline 27631488 when
necessary.
16.
How often should I take the Aller Food Check test and is a retest
necessary?
You will have a 6-9 month of food elimination process after identifying
your offending foods. A“Follow Up Aller-Food Check”would
be necessary if you would like to reconfirm if you are still reactive to
the offending foods, and a retest would also be able to identify if your
may experience new offending items when you are in the process of
elimination.
17. What should I do if I have taken the test, follow the diet, and
still could not find relief with my symptoms?
You should take the report and consult your doctor if other factors
could play a role in affecting your current health conditions.
|
