Allergix® IgG4 Food Antibodies 90 – Serum

The Allergix® IgG4 Food Antibodies 90 is a food sensitivity test which helps identify those with IgG–mediated food intolerances. IgG4 antibody is related to delayed or non–atopic food reactions that exacerbate or contribute to many different health problems. This antibody food sensitivity test is ideal for patients who may suffer from delayed reactions/sensitivities to specific foods.

What is an IgG4 food sensitivity response?

An IgG4 response to food is actually more common than the IgE response, which causes an immediate reaction. These food sensitivity reactions are more difficult to notice since they can occur hours or even days after consumption of an offending food. In some cases, a person’s reaction to a food may occur several days after eating the offending food and the link between the food and their symptoms may not be connected. These hidden food “allergies” are actually food “sensitivities” and are caused by increasing blood levels of IgG4 antibodies in reaction to specific foods. This profile measures the IgG4 levels in serum that react to 90 different foods, including commonly eaten foods such as corn, milk, egg, and wheat.

IgG–Mediated symptoms may include:

  • Asthma
  • Arthritis
  • Migraines
  • Ear Infections
  • Eczema
  • Sinusitis
  • Urticaria
  • Colitis

Why use the food intolerance test?

The incidence of food sensitivities has increased dramatically over the years. It is estimated that up to 20% of the population have adverse reactions to foods, NSAID enteropathy, and post–infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Genova Diagnostics Innovation in IgG Antibody Food Intolerance Testing:

  • New patent–pending IgG4 assay allows our test to show less false positives leading to better patient compliance
  • First test to quantitate IgG4
  • Eliminates non–specific binding, lowering false positives without rejecting true positives

 

Genova Diagnostics offers two Allergix® IgG4 Food Antibody Profiles:

  • IgG4 Food Antibody Profile – measures serum levels of IgG4 antibodies specific to 90 food antigens.
  • Bloodspot IgG4 Food Antibody Profile – measures levels of IgG4 antibodies specific to 30 common offending foods from an easy–to–use finger stick.

 

Special Pricing is available for the following combination profile:

  • 0270 – IgG4 and IgE Food Antibodies

Test Type: Serum Test

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis 2.0 (CDSA 2.0)

What is the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis™ (CDSA 2.0)?

The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis 2.0™ (CDSA 2.0) is an advanced stool test that provides immediate, actionable clinical information for the management of gastrointestinal health. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies and biomarkers, this test offers valuable insight into digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome.

The biomarkers from the CDSA 2.0 Profile are reported using the DIG framework, providing key clinical information for three main gastrointestinal functional areas:

  • Digestion/Absorption:
    • Pancreatic Elastase-1 is a marker of exocrine pancreatic function.
    • Putrefactive Short–Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) are markers of undigested protein reaching the colon.
  • Inflammation/Immunology:
    • Calprotectin is a marker of neutrophil-driven inflammation. Produced in abundance at sites of inflammation, this biomarker has been proven clinically useful in differentiating between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).1,2
    • Eosinophil Protein X is a marker of eosinophil-driven inflammation and allergic response.
  • Gut Microbiome:
    • Metabolic indicators demonstrate specific and vital metabolic functions performed by the microbiota. These include:
      • Beneficial Short–Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA), including n–Butyrate, are fermentation products produced by bacterial action on fiber and resistant starch. N-butyrate is the primary fuel source for colonocytes.
      • pH is influenced by macronutrient composition, bacterial populations, and transit time.
      • Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme produced by bacteria that relates to the metabolism and detoxification of certain substances.
      • Secondary Bile Acids, including Lithocholic Acid (LCA) and Deoxycholic Acid (DCA), and the LCA/DCA ratio, assess the bacterial conversion of primary bile acids into secondary bile acids.
    • Bacteria and mycology cultures demonstrate the presence of specific beneficial and pathogenic organisms.
    • Bacteria and mycology sensitivities are provided for pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organisms that have been cultured. The report includes effective prescriptive and natural agents.
    • Parasitology
      • CDSA 2.0 provides microscopic fecal specimen examination for ova and parasites (O&P), the gold standard of diagnosis for many parasites.
      • Enzyme immunoassay (EIA), widely recognized for its diagnostic utility in the detection of pathogenic antigens, is used for the identification of CryptosporidiumEntamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia.
      • CDSA 2.0
  • Additional Biomarkers Available:
    • Campylobacter
    • Clostridium difficile
    • Escherichia coli
    • Helicobacter pylori
    • Macroscopic Exam for Worms
    • KOH Preparation for Yeast
    • Occult blood
    • Fecal Fat
    • Chymotrypsin
    • Stool Zonulin
    • SCFA distribution

When should the CDSA 2.0 be considered?

The CDSA 2.0 Profile can reveal important information about the root cause of many common gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation. This stool analysis utilizes biomarkers such as Calprotectin to differentiate between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).1,2 In addition, Genovaâ??s GI Effects test can be used to evaluate patients with a clinical history that suggests a gastrointestinal infection or dysbiosis.

What advantage does the CDSA 2.0 offer compared to other diagnostics?

A structured fecal biomarker panel offers the advantage of assessing multiple functional areas that may be contributing to symptoms. For example, diarrhea could stem from multiple causes including pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, inflammation, food allergies, or the presence of a pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organism. A positive result on one or more fecal biomarker tests may guide therapy, either by suggesting a treatable alternative diagnosis or by eliminating a diagnosis from further consideration. The latter allows individualized targeted treatment to be redirected to more likely diagnoses.3,4

CDSA 2.0 represents the best technical platform to assess gut health, including Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology for cultivable species identification, as well as stool-based biomarkers for gastrointestinal diagnostics.

What can clinicians and patients expect from CDSA 2.0 testing?

The CDSA 2.0 Profile biomarkers provide comprehensive information for the development of strategic interventions. Symptoms often improve as identified functional imbalances and inadequacies become normalized through targeted dietary, lifestyle, and supplementation therapeutics.

Test Type: Stool Analysis

Gut Immunology

Why Use the Gut Immunology Test?

The Gut Immunology test measures two key biomarkers for gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation and immunology, providing information about the GI tract’s interactions with, and responses to, the outside world. They indicate how well the GI tract is maintaining its role as a barrier, as well as whether the GI tract is undergoing negative responses to external or internal challenges. Interactions between the immune system and the GI tract are being recognized as of growing importance, not only in GI function and health, but also in their influences on overall health.

Evaluation of the complementary biomarkers, eosinophil protein X (EPX) and calprotectin, offers clinicians key information regarding the immune responses in the gut, and can also be used to monitor patient response to therapies.

Effective for Patients Experiencing:

  • Diarrhea
  • Cramps
  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Symptoms meeting the conditions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) such as:
    • Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort
    • Change in stool frequency
    • Change in stool form
  • Food sensitivity
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

About the Gut Immunology Test:

Using a simple, in-home stool collection, the Gut Immunology test evaluates the immune response in the gut by measuring two biomarkers, calprotectin and eosinophil protein X (EPX). Calprotectin is highly sensitive for evaluating inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract and for making the distinction between IBS and IBD. EPX is released as part of the immune response resulting from damage to the gut lining, such as can occur in response to a food allergen.

Test Type: Stool Test

Intestinal Permeability Assessment

Intestinal Permeability Assessment is a powerful noninvasive gastrointestinal test assessment of small intestinal absorption and barrier function in the bowel. The small intestine uniquely functions as a digestive/absorptive organ for nutrients as well as a powerful immune and mechanical barrier against excessive absorption of bacteria, food antigens, and other macromolecules. Both malabsorption and increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) are associated with chronic gastrointestinal imbalances as well as many systemic disorders.

Increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) of the small intestine can:

  • Increase the number of foreign compounds entering the bloodstream
  • Allow bacterial antigens capable of cross-reacting with host tissue to enter the bloodstream, leading to auto-immune processes
  • Enhance the uptake of toxic compounds that can overwhelm the hepatic detoxification system and lead to an overly sensitized immune system

Leaky gut has been observed in a range of disorders such as:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Food allergy
  • Inflammatory joint disease
  • Chronic dermatologic conditions

Studies have demonstrated that the increased intestinal permeability observed in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of these disorders.

Decreased permeability, on the other hand, appears as a fundamental cause of malabsorption, subsequent malnutrition, and failure to thrive. In certain disease states of the small intestine, such as gluten-sensitive enteropathy, permeability to large molecules may increase while permeability to small molecules decreases – a result of damage to the microvilli. As a result, nutrients become even less available to assist in the detoxification of antigens flooding the system.

Possible causes of increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) include:

  • Intestinal infection
  • Ingestion of allergenic foods or toxic chemicals
  • Deficient secretory IgA
  • Trauma and endotoxemia
  • NSAIDs

The Intestinal Permeability Assessment gastrointestinal test directly measures the ability of two non-metabolized sugar molecules to permeate the intestinal mucosa. The patient drinks a premeasured amount of lactulose and mannitol. The degree of intestinal permeability or malabsorption is reflected in the levels of the two sugars recovered in a urine sample collected over the next 6 hours.

Test Type: Urine Test

Rhythm Plus™

The Rhythm Plus™ hormone test is a comprehensive salivary assessment of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone that spans a full 28 days. Additionally, this hormone testing profile includes the Adrenocortex Stress Profile and the Comprehensive Melatonin Profile to reveal how the sex hormones are influenced by cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin. Hormonal balance is the key. Fluctuating levels of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone play a major role in a woman«s overall health. Rhythm Plus is a hormonal test indicated for both premenopausal and perimenopausal women not currently supplementing with hormones.

Hormone imbalances may be responsible for:

  • Menstrual cycle irregularities
  • Mood disorders
  • Insomnia
  • GI complaints
  • Libido
  • Fatigue

The Rhythm Plus provides a thorough analysis of estradiol and progesterone over a full 28 day cycle. Testosterone is measured once from the 28th day specimen. By utilizing 11 saliva samples for analysis, the relationship and balance of these essential hormones are analyzed more precisely through time. The levels of estradiol and progesterone, as well as the ratio between the two, are clearly graphed for easy reference and patient education.

As part of the Rhythm Plus™ profile, clinicians have several cortisol testing options, each offering its own level of clinical insight:
    • Adrenocortex Stress Profile (ASP): Four salivary samples measured throughout the day to give insight into the natural circadian diurnal cortisol rhythm, and help clinicians address specific daily stressors.
  • Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR): Three awakening samples to evaluate CAR with one evening cortisol sample.
    • CAR is a transient, immediate rise in cortisol upon awakening and is distinct from the diurnal rhythm. CAR reflects a person’s ability to cope with anticipated challenges and their perception of control around chronic stress, providing insight into HPA axis resiliency.
    • The isolated evening cortisol has distinct clinical implications. Elevated evening cortisol is linked to insomnia and associated with various diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hormonally driven cancers, and osteoporosis.
  • Adrenocortex Stress Profile with Cortisol Awakening Response (ASP with CAR): Six samples that offers the most comprehensive look at cortisol and the HPA axis.

Test Type: Saliva Test