Food Allergy Testing Calgary
How Do Doctors Test for Food Allergies?
Our food allergy tests are done in-house at our Calgary naturopathy clinic using the full blood draw technique or in the convenience of your own home using the finger stick method. The most common allergy testing method for adults is to use the full blood draw technique, which is done in the clinic by the nurse. For this method we draw 1 vial of blood. For kids as young as 4 we can use a less invasive testing procedure called a finger stick method where we prick the finger or toe to draw the blood for the test. To make kids more comfortable with this procedure, we can come to your home to perform the allergy test. Dr. Marnie uses IgG & IgE Food Allergy Tests to assess symptoms.
Common Food Allergy Symptoms
- Eczema
- Allergies
- Hives
- Bloating & gas
- Irritable Bowel Symptoms
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Inability to gain weight
- Acne
- Weight loss problems
IgG and IgE Allergy Testing
IgG and IgE food allergy testing is not available by the Alberta Health Services with your medical doctor. Predominantly, they are testing allergens that are airborne such as pollens and grasses.
Elisa testing can be done at a reasonable cost ranging from $260-360 by Alletess labs. They have 2 panels available for you:
- 96 food panel
- 184 food panel
Results will show up as Mild, Moderate and Severe allergens.
Call to book an initial appointment if you are new or 15 min if you are an existing patient of Dr. Marnie for your laboratory assessment to be done at 403-475-2120 or book online here.
ALCAT Food Sensitivity Testing
Alcat Testing is a unique type of testing that allows us to look at the immune response (WBC) to the foods we eat.
This is a live blood analysis, where we draw blood in-house, and send it for next day delivery to the lab. There is only one testing facility in the world that does this. Many people have had alleviation of symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Foggy thinking
- Lack of concentration
- Fatigue, malaise
- Gastro- intestinal complaints
Food panels available range from 100 foods to 250 different foods. Unique highlights for this lab includes:
- Gluten
- Gliadin
- Candida
- Casein
- Whey
Medicinal herbs and functional foods can be added to any panel of foods. This lab is offered after or during an initial consultation at Dr. Marnie.