Ordering tests
and testing procedure
– Information for healthcare providers –
Ordering tests – Open account
To find out more about our lab services or to set up a customer account, please call +49 331 7400880 or connect with us using the contact form. Our professional customer service and nutrition expert team is readily available to help you smoothly integrate to implement the Alcat food sensitivity test into your practice.
How to order
Our opening times: MO – FR from 8 am – 18:00 pm
1) Set up your account: Oder test kits*, information and materials
2) Select a patient; draw blood – pack specimen correctly and close test kit
3) Order same day pick-up (pre-addressed airbill will be enclosed in test kit)
4) Next day: Alcat Test will be performed at Cell Science Systems in Potsdam
5) Test results within 5-7 business days
6) Schedule free education & results review (optional)
* Kit content: instructions, lab request form, blood collection system (whole blood; sodium citrate blue tubes), swabs, biohazard bag, packaging material (P650), and courier ticket (or call us to schedule a pick-up request).
Customer Service
Medical nutrition therapy
A plus for your practice/patient selection
Proper nourishment and diet is important for everyone. With the Alcat Test, it can be personalized regardless of age or gender: prevention, better lifestyle (self-care, weight management, fitness, etc.), dealing with chronic disease etc.
What test for which patient?
Comprehensive test offers – flexible modules
Basis: 250 foods (organic extracts; incl. gluten, milk, Candida albicans) – Advanced modules: 120 phytopharmaceuticals, 95 additives, pharmaceuticals, environmental chemicals, 18 biogenic amines, 20 moulds
We offer professional excellence
Science. Experience. Patient Tools.
Free results consultation for you/your patients: We support your practice team with questions about the Alcat Test regarding the implementation of dietary changes.
Specimen handling
In the laboratory, each blood samples undergoes a multi-stage quality assurance process which prepares the sample for analysis. After completion of the pre-analytical validation, the Alcat Test will be performed.
Specification
Functional leukocyte activation test for determining pro-inflammatory non-allergic cell reactions to foods, chemical substances, medicinal herbs, and others.
Stability of specimens
Leukocytes have a life spam of up to 10 days. The Alcat samples can be processed at room temperature for ≥ 24-48h (individually up to 72h).
Restrictions /rejection criteria
Specimen too old, coagulated blood sample, use of wrong test tubes, insufficiently filled tubes, too few test tubes, too low cell count, missing information on laboratory request form.
Video: Roger Deutsch (CEO) – Statement regarding environmental protection and the value of prevention
Video: Prof. A. Fasano – Gluten challenge and the migration neutrophils into the gut
FAQs
Is fasting required before taking the Alcat Test?
No, fasting is not required before taking the Alcat Test but being well hydrated is recommended.
However, direct consumption of meat or highly fatty foods (e.g. some types of sausage) prior to blood collection is not recommended.
Should the blood sample be shipped immediately?
The whole blood sample is time-sensitive due to the relatively short life-spam of the innate immune cells. Therefore, the sample should be shipped immediately, on the day of blood collection, to avoid all unnecessary delays (weather or longer delivery time due to unexpected circumstances).
If this is not possible (Sunday or holiday), the sample should be shipped the next day. Please note that all tests undergo a pre-analysis to validate the integrity of the immune cell before performing the Alcat Test. Usually the sample can be tested 24 to 72 hours after blood collection.
Do I need to fill each vial to capacity?
Yes, each vial collected must be filled to capacity. The number of vials is clearly indicated on the lab requisition form.
Are there medication restrictions?
It is not necessary to postpone testing despite medication use. If possible do not take any medications 3 to 4 hours prior to blood draw.
Taking medication is part of the patient’s daily life and should therefore also be considered in Alcat testing.
The situation is different in case of a one-off infection. After a course of antibiotics, the patient should wait 14 days.
Are blood draws possible on FR and SA?
Our regular blood collection days are from Monday to Thursday.
If you would also like to send in blood samples on FRIDAY or plan to pick them up on SATURDAY, please contact us.
One of our courier partners provides special airbills and delivers on Saturdays – and also collects your samples on Saturdays.
Is there any special handling for the sample?
Blood is collected in the blue top vials provided in the test kit and should be stored at room temperature until shipped. Specimen should not be frozen, spun or refrigerated. Sample should be viable for at least 48 hours.
The laboratory will determine if the cells viability are within specifications for testing.
Does the Alcat Test also test food allergies type 1?
The Alcat Test is NOT a food allergy test. It is designed to test for sensitivities, which have a delayed reaction. Although in common parlance, the terms have been used interchangeably, food allergy and food sensitivity are quite different from one another.
The main difference is that for allergies, parameters of the specific immune system are tested (antibodies), whereas the Alcat Test is a cellular test, with primarily innate immune cells as target cells. – Please note, that these are two very different pathways and may not exclude each other.
However, the Alcat Test detects sensitivities and NOT allergies. The patient should still avoid all items to which he/she has a known allergy.
Should previously reactive foods be reintroduced or consumed before (re-) testing?
Yes, the consumption of previously reactive foods before re-testing after 6 months or foods that the patient considers problematic may set a clear accent before testing.
Foods that are not consumed regularly (provided there is no allergy or coeliac condition) can thus be consumed two or three times within the week before taking the Alcat Test.