Finger-Prick Food Antibody Panel

This section is for patients who have been prescribed the Finger-Prick Food Antibody Assessment functional test by their healthcare practitioner.

Please note: Research Nutrition can not – under any circumstances – offer health advice to patients.
Should you require further support, please contact your healthcare practitioner.

Visual Guide For Collecting Your Sample Below

PREPARATION

STEP 1

Drink 2-4 glasses of water before beginning test

STEP 2

FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS

• Test Requisition Form

• Dried Blood Spot Card – Write your name and date of collection. Incomplete forms will result in sample rejection.

COLLECTION

STEP 1

RINSE HANDS AND PREPARE FINGER

a. Rinse hands in warm water

b. Choose designated finger. Middle finger is recommended.

c. Clean your finger with the alcohol wipe.

d. Allow area to dry.

STEP 2

STIMULATE THE BLOOD FLOW

a. Stimulate blood flow by shaking hand back and forth for 15-20 seconds.

b. Rub your finger to increase stimulation.

STEP 3

USE THE LANCET TO DRAW BLOOD

a. Using the lancet provided, twist the tab and pull it straight out.

b. Place your finger on a hard surface and press lancet against the side of the finger, until you feel/hear a ‘click’.

c. Clean first drop of blood with alcohol gauze and rub finger as needed to stimulate blood flow

DRYING AND SHIPPING

STEP 1

LET THE BLOOD AIR DRY

• Let the sample air dry for 3-8 hours. Do not touch the blood circles.

• Keep sample away from sunlight and heat.

• Ensure that sample is dry before shipping.

• Make sure specimen is dry and close the flap prior to mailing.

STEP 2

CHECK ALL PAPERWORK IS FILLED OUT CORRECTLY

Ensure the Requisition Form and the Dried Blood Spot Card are clearly labelled and all details are correct.

STEP 3

PACKING SAMPLES

Place the Dried Blood Spot Card into the zip lock bag and close it. Place the zip-lock bag into the Pre-Paid Australia Post Envelope, along with the Requisition Form

STEP 4

DROP OFF

Drop off the envelope at any post box or at your local post office.

FAQs

Why am I doing the test?

The test assesses whether your body is having an immune reaction to certain protein components found in food.

Do I need to avoid any foods?

No, you should eat a variety of foods 2 weeks prior to the test. However, make sure you avoid any foods that you know cause a severe allergic reaction.

What are Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies?

IgG antibodies represent a delayed reaction to foods. They are an ideal Immunoglobulin to test for foods that may be causing a reaction a few hours to a few days after ingestion.

How can I increase blood flow to fill the circles on the blood collection card?

Make sure you are well hydrated. Wash your hands in warm water for 1 min and pat dry. Swing your arm by your side to get the blood to flow to the fingers.

Does this test tell me if I am allergic to certain foods?

No. IgG (finger-prick test) tests intolerances and food sensitivities. IgE antibody testing (blood draw test) tests for allergies (immediate reaction). Please contact your practitioner if you would like more information on IgE testing.

What if I can't get enough blood for the card/s by finger-prick?

You can use the serum blood draw instead but will need to get a different test kit and instructions from Research Nutrition. This will involve visiting your local blood collection lab and there may be additional cost involved. Contact Research Nutrition for more information - be sure to ask your practitioner for advice first.

How long do I wait for my test results?

2-3 weeks from the date Research Nutrition receive the sample. Please remember to take into account the postage time (2- 6 business days, depending where you are in Australia) for the sample to arrive by post from your post office to Research Nutrition. If you prefer, you may send the envelope to us by express post at your own expense.

What is the most common reasons for sample rejection?

The most common causes of the lab rejecting a sample is due to insufficient collection as a result of not reading or following the instructions correctly.

--Please note, sample may be rejected if the following instructions are not followed closely: Let the sample air dry for 3-8 hours and do not touch the blood circles. Keep sample away from sunlight and heat and ensure that sample is dry before shipping.

For more FAQs on test results, billing, etc. please see Conducting You Functional Test general help page.

Terms and Conditions:

If you have any questions regarding billing, delivery, or test-kit instructions, please contact us on 1800 110 158 and we will be happy to assist you.

Under no circumstances can RN Labs answer questions regarding your healthcare, dosage, or why you have been recommended certain products or functional pathology tests. Any technical (non-admin) questions we receive will be referred to your practitioner.

APPLIES TO TEST-KIT ORDERS ONLY:
It is the responsibility of the patient to follow the instructions (found inside the test-kit) correctly. If you are unable to follow the instructions, please contact us and our support team will assist you. If a test kit needs to be re-sent due to a patient not following the instructions correctly, an additional $50 handling fee will be charged.

Requests for a refund on an unsubmitted test must be made no more than 30 days after the test kit order. The handling fee will not be refunded.

RN Labs are unable to provide pathology test results direct to patients - they can only be obtained through your healthcare practitioner, who is qualified to discuss your results with you.

This section is for patients who have been prescribed the Finger-Prick Food Antibody Assessment functional test by their healthcare practitioner.

Visual Guide For Collecting Your Sample Below

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