Dr. Cometa has used USBIOTEK Laboratory since 1999 and done Food Allergy testing since 1989. This is an excellent and well-priced lab that does very accurate work. 

What is the Food Allergy Test, and why is it done?

Food sensitivities are recognized to be correlated with many chronic health conditions;. To name just a few, immune sensitivities to food can be correlated with some of the most common conditions she faces such as IBS, Eczema, Fibromyalgia, asthma and sinus conditions...the list is endless. With proper identification and elimination of offending foods, 1000's of patients have experienced relief from their symptoms, even with reintroduction of the foods. 

Allergic and other hypersensitivity reactions to foods are characterized by elevated allergen-specific antibody levels in the affected individual’s blood. Research indicates that these types of reactions are implicated in a number of health problems. Through USBIOTEK Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) & Chemiluminescence methodology, a person’s food allergies are accurately measured. Included with each assessment is a 7-Zone Color Bar Graph as well as full booklet to explain the results. These are sent to you by Dr. Cometa and consultation with Dr. Cometa is also an option for a separate cost, to review the results and what next steps can be considered.

For a comprehensive look at the body’s immune reaction to foods, Dr. Cometa likes to assess at least the following antibody assays:

• IgG Antibody Assessment 
• IgA Antibody Assessment

From a simple blood draw, this test is able to assess your antibody response to foods in your diet that can cause many symptoms. Some of these symptoms are listed below. What the test helps to determine is how intimately your gastrointestinal tract interfaces with your immune system, through the measurement of IgG and IgA and when necessary IgE antibody formation. This test is far superior to the “scratch” skin testing traditionally done by Medical Allergist doctors as well as superior to that blood testing done routinely by the Allergist. In fact, many patients who are told they do not have food allergies after conventional medical testing are indeed finally able to determine that they DO have food allergies and this can be very rewarding to a person’s future health.

As the first step in determining which foods in the diet are causing any number of symptoms, a person is finally on their way to optimizing their health through correct food decisions. The testing comes with helpful detailed information regarding how to proceed with the test results.

Also very helpful is the Candida Antibodies (IgG, IgA, IgM) and Antigen Panel.

The Candida panel will assess for acute (IgA/IgM) and chronic (IgG) exposure to Candida albicans as well as the measurement of the Candida antigen.

• Semi-quantitative measurement of Candida albicans antibodies, IgG, IgA, & IgM, in addition to Candida antigen is performed.
• Each analyte is run in complete duplicate for precision.

Where to Have Your Blood Drawn

All this testing requires a blood draw, which cannot be done at LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics. Usually, your local hospital will draw this testing for you.

Once Dr. Cometa receives these results, they are sent to you and consultation with Dr. Cometa is also an option, for a separate cost, to review the results and what next steps can be considered.

Food allergies can be the cause of many symptoms of these system (see expanded symptoms list below):

• Digestive System
• Nervous System
• Musculoskeletal System
• Respiratory System
• Cardiovascular System
• Integumentary System
• Miscellaneous

Dozens of symptoms can be the result of food allergies:

Digestive System

• Abdominal cramping
• Abdominal pain
• Bad breath
• Belching
• Bloating after meals
• Flatulence
• Gagging
• Itching on the roof of the mouth
• Vomiting
• Nervous System
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Depression
• Hyperactivity
• Inability to concentrate
• Agressive behavior
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Musculoskeletal System
• Joint inflammation
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Weakness

Genitourinary System

• Bed wetting
• Urinary frequency
• Urinary urgency
• Vaginal itching
• Vaginal discharge
• Premenstrual syndrome

Respiratory System

• Asthma
• Chest congestion
• Chronic cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Postnasal drip
• Chronic sinus inflammation

Cardiovascular System

• Chest pain
• Irregular heart beat
• High blood pressure
• Increased heart rate

Integumentary System

• Acne
• Brittle nails and hair
• Dandruff
• Hives
• Eczema
• Dry skin
• Paleness of skin
• Dark circles under eyes

Miscellaneous

• Abnormal cravings
• Chronic fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nausea
• Water retention
• Nightmares
• Rapid weight fluctuation
• Obesity
• Teeth grinding

What You Get

Test results are sent directly to you from Cometa Wellness Center. These will include Dr. Cometa’s preliminary feedback suggesting whether or not you should consider scheduling a follow-up consulting appointment with Dr. Cometa to get a full interpretation of the results.