Allergy Testing
At AIM, we offer a variety of sensitivity and allergy testing, to diagnose intolerances to both food and environmental inhalants.
Food Sensitivity Testing
Why have food sensitivity testing done?
Many patients seek information about food sensitivities, and often find great value in knowing what to avoid to prevent inflammation in your digestive tract and body. Conditions that can be affected by food sensitivities include IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IBD (Crohn’s, Colitis), chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, sleep disturbance, and immune deficiency.
How does it work?
Your naturopathic physician will draw and process a blood sample in-office, which will then be sent for testing at an off-site facility. Our lab uses the ELISA method to check for antibodies (IgG and IgE) against some of the most common food sensitivities. Foods tested in a general panel include:
Dairy
- CASEIN
- CHEDDAR
- COTTAGE CHEESE
- COW’S MILK
- GOAT’S MILK
- MOZZARELLA CHEESE
- SWISS CHEESE
- WHEY, NEW ZEALAND
Meats
- BEEF
- CHICKEN
- EGG WHITE
- EGG YOLK
- LAMB
- PORK
- TURKEY
Fish
- COD
- HALIBUT
- SALMON
- SARDINE
- SOLE
- TILAPIA
- TROUT
- TUNA
Shellfish
- CLAM
- CRAB
- LOBSTER
- OYSTER
- SHRIMP
Vegetables
- ASPARAGUS
- BEET
- BLACK OLIVE
- BROCCOLI
- CABBAGE
- CARROT
- CAULIFLOWER
- CELERY
- CUCUMBER
- GARLIC
- GREEN BEAN
- GREEN PEPPER
- KIDNEY BEAN
- LENTIL
- LETTUCE
- LIMA BEAN
- ONION
- POTATO, WHITE
- PUMPKIN
- PEA
- SOY
- SPINACH
- TOMATO
Grains
- BARLEY
- BUCKWHEAT
- CORN
- GLIADIN
- GLUTEN
- HEMP
- MALT
- OAT
- QUINOA
- RICE
- WHEAT
Fruits
- APPLE
- APRICOT
- AVOCADO
- BANANA
- BLUEBERRY
- CRANBERRY
- GRAPEFRUIT
- LEMON
- NECTARINE
- PAPAYA
- PEACH
- PEAR
- PINEAPPLE
- PLUM
- RASPBERRY
- GRAPE
- STRAWBERRY
- WATERMELON
Nuts
- ALMOND
- PEANUT
- PECAN
- SESAME
- SUNFLOWER SEED
- WALNUT
Miscellaneous
- BAKER’S YEAST
- BREWER’S YEAST
- CANE SUGAR
- CHOCOLATE
- COFFEE
- HONEY
- MUSHROOM
Environmental Allergy Testing
We also offer inhalant allergy testing, focused at diagnosing immune susceptibility to antigens in the environment. Testing can be done by either a skin scratch method, or through a blood draw (as per the food sensitivity testing) and some inhalants tested include: trees, grasses, weeds, molds, as well as cat and dog dander, and dust mites.
Can anyone have a food panel or environmental allergy testing done?
Yes, absolutely. In order to have a Food Sensitivity Panel or Environmental Allergy Panel done, you must first be a patient of one of our naturopathic physicians. If you have not yet seen one of our doctors, please feel free to contact us or book online today for an initial visit. Results will be discussed at a follow-up visit, where your naturopathic physician will explain the results and what they mean given your unique dietary and overall health.
How long does it take to get the results?
Results typically take about 2-3 weeks to come in, so we normally recommend that you book a follow-up with your naturopathic doctor about 3 weeks after your blood draw is completed.
What is the cost of food sensitivity or environmental allergy testing?
Costs of laboratory testing vary depending on the specifics of the test being ordered. Your naturopathic physician will discuss any laboratory costs with you prior to ordering.
This is a question to inquire with your Extended Health Provider about, as we have no way of knowing at our end whether they will cover the cost of Naturopathic Testing.
Are you able to do Direct Billing for food sensitivity or environmental allergy testing with my Extended Health Plan?
Although we are able to do Direct Billing for many Extended Health Providers for Naturopathic Visits, we are unable to do so for Naturopathic Testing. We provide all patients with a detailed receipt for any testing purchased, and our recommendation is to submit this to your Extended Health Provider if you anticipate that they may reimburse you for this expense.