IgG4 Food Screen 24 ELISA

Enzyme immunoassay for the simultaneous, quantitative measurement of food specific IgG4 antibodies against 24 allergens in human serum and plasma (EDTA, Citrate, Heparin). It is intended to use as a tool to support the diagnosis of patients presenting various clinical symptoms associated with food intolerances. Advantage of the test is a non-invasive, quantitative measurement of plasma or serum samples for several foodstuff or –mixes at once. It is to be carried out by laboratory qualified personnel experienced in the use of in vitro diagnostic methods only. Individuals with allergies and other types of food sensitivities react adversely to certain foods and food ingredients that others can consume with no problems. Many different types of reactions are involved in these individual adverse reactions. Adverse food reactions may include IgE and non-IgE-mediated primary immunological sensitivities, non immunological intolerances (such as an enzyme deficiency or reactions to certain chemicals), as well as secondary sensitivities. Adverse immune reactions to foods which are not IgE mediated are often called food “intolerances.” The absence of IgE does not make them any less real; instead, other immune mechanisms, such as IgG or IgG4 antibodies are involved. IgG or IgG4-mediated adverse reactions to food are characterized by less severe reactions, are much more common (affecting approx. 45 % of the population) and have delayed onset (2 to 72 hours) after ingestion of an offending substance. Avoiding ingestion of such food (exclusion or rotation diet) is the best treatment to decrease symptoms. There are several evidences for the involvement of IgG or IgG4 in food „intolerances“ e.g.: • Allergic reactions may occur independently of antigen-specific IgE; • Subsequent decrease of IgG4 when the offending food is removed from the diet; • Specific serum IgG4 has been reported in cases of celiac disease, dermatitis, or atopic eczema, as well as in diseases with increased intestinal permeability, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This evidence leads to the recommendation that IgG or IgG4-specific testing should be considered in cases where the patient shows unclear and chronic disorders, and in cases where classical diagnostics show no evidence.

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