Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have correlated Alcat Test results with well-known
immunological markers of immune activation.
The Alcat Test gives healthcare professionals a tool for managing conditions linked to inflammation and chronic activation of the immune system. The Alcat Test measures individual responses to foods and other substances at the cellular level and may reveal the underlying trigger of certain symptoms.
Food and chemical sensitivities have been linked to migraines, aching joints, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, and other symptoms related to chronic activation of the immune system. 1-6
Clinical assessments of the Alcat Test used to guide dietary modification have shown significant improvement in many common symptoms. 1, 2, 7 -9 The efficacy of the Alcat Test has been documented in numerous studies implementing rigorous double blind and often placebo controlled study designs. 10, 11
The Alcat Test measures food/immune reactions through stimulation of leukocytes. The leukocytes, which comprise five classes of white blood cells (WBCs), including monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils (~ 70 - 80% of WBC's) can be challenged with individual food or chemical extracts. Immunologic defense reactions, e.g. of neutrophils, initiate an instrumental primary role in inflammation. While this is a very effective first-line defense strategy against acute infections, chronic activation of the immune system may lead to health disorders.
The Alcat Test does not identify type 1 classical IgE mediated (anaphylaxis) allergies.
The difference between the Alcat Test and IgG antibody testing: Food and Chemical sensitivities are mediated by multiple pathogenic mechanisms. By using the cellular approach, instead of a single antibody such as IgG, the Alcat Test can identify food and chemical sensitivities regardless of the pathway (immunologic, toxic, pharmacologic). The cells release free radicals and inflammatory mediators without antibody involvement.
The majority of studies suggest that food specific IgG antibodies are protective and thereby not pathogenic.
Cellular reactions to foods, chemicals and other substances can be associated with both acute and chronic pathologies.
Association between the innate immune system, inflammation and the development of chronic conditions.
With a one-time blood draw, over 450 individual foods, additives, colorings, biological, and chemical substances can be screened.
Alcat Test results include an easy to read color-coded test report classifying tested items according to degree of cellular reactivity. Included with each report is a wallet-sized test results card, Foods to Avoid list, food rotation plan (when testing 100 foods or more) and a comprehensive Understanding your Alcat Test Results patient eguidebook.
Optional: One on one complimentary, phone based, test review consultations are available for you and your patients with a nutritional counselor at Cell Science Systems.
The Alcat Test has been independently evaluated and demonstrates a high degree of benefit. 9-11 Positive results related to a broad range of symptoms have been reported in numerous studies. Research is currently ongoing with universities in the United States and Europe.
Cell Science Systems, Corp. is a specialty clinical laboratory that develops and performs laboratory testing in immunology and cell biology supporting the personalized treatment and prevention of chronic disease. Cell Science Systems, Corp. operates a CLIA certified laboratory and is an FDA inspected and registered, cGMP medical device manufacturer meeting ISO EN13485 2012 standards.
Cell Science Systems fulfills high quality standards in accordance with state, federal and international regulations.
Receive a package of information for this test including example results, research studies and more.
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2Mylek, D., ALCAT Test results in the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, arthritis, skin and central nervous system. Rocz Akad Med Bialymst, 1995. 40(3): p. 625-9.
3Miesel R, Hartung R,,Kroeger H, Priming of NADPH oxidase by tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients with inflammatory and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Inflammation, 1996. 20(4): p. 427-38.
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6Odegaard JI, Chawla A. Connecting Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes through innate immunity. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med, 2012. 2(3).
7Sandberg D, Pasula MJ, A Comparison of the Alcat Test for Food Reactions amongst 2 Population Sub-Groups, in 45th Annual Congress of the American College of Allergy and Immunology1988, Annals of Allergy: Los Angeles.
8Buczyłko K, Obarzanowski T, Rosiak K, Staśkiewicz G, Fiszer A, Chmielewski S, Kowalczyk J. Prevalence of food allergy and intolerance in children based on MAST CLA and ALCAT tests. Rocz Akad Med Bialymst, 1995. 40(3): p. 452-6.
9Kaats G, Pullin D, Parker L, The Short Term Efficacy of the ALCAT Test of Food Sensitivities to Facilitate Changes in Body Composition and Self-Reported Disease Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Study. Am J of Bariatric Med, 1996: p.18-23.
10Fell P, Brostoff J, Pasula MJ. High Correlation of the Alcat Test Results with Double Blind Challenge (DBC) in Food Sensitivity, in 45th Annual Congress of the American College of Allergy and Immunology1988, Annals of Allergy: Los Angeles.
11Hoj L. Diagnostic Value of ALCAT Test in Intolerance to Food Additives Compared With Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled (DBPC) Oral Challenges, in 52nd annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology1996, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: New Orleans.
12Fell PJ, Srn SS, Brostoff J. Cellular responses to food in irritable Bowel Syndrome- an investigation of the Alcat test. Journal of Nutritional Medicine, 1991. 2: p. 143-149.
13Berardi L. De Amici M. Vignini A. Mantegna G. Mosca M. ALCAT test identifies food intolerance in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms in The XXVIII European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress Warsaw 2009, European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Warsaw
14Akmal M, Khan S, Khan A, The Effect of the ALCAT Test Diet Therapy for Food Sensitivity in Patient's With Obesity. Middle East Journal of Family Medicine, 2009. 7(3).
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16Berardi L, De Amici M, Vignini A, Torre C, Mosca M. Food intolerance in patients with cutaneous diseases: diagnostic value of the ALCAT test, in The XXVIII European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress Warsaw 2009, European Journal of Allergy and Clinical immunology: Warsaw
17De Amici M, Berardi L, Castello M, Mantegna G, Giunta V, Ronzi G, Vignini M. Evaluation of ALCAT Test results in the non IgE-mediated pathology of the skin, in 30th Congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology2011, Allergy: Istanbul.
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