Allergy Testing
Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes are not always the symptoms of a cold. Often it is an allergic reaction to something in the air. There are, among others, three common airborne allergens: cat hair, dust mite and grass pollen. Worldwide, airborne dust causes major problems for people with allergies.
In an allergy, the body‘s immune system reacts to essentially harmless substances from the environment (allergens) through a hypersensitivity reaction. Some of these allergens may be transmitted via the air.
In the most common type of allergy (type I allergy), the immune system responds to allergen contact through the formation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. If untreated, a persistent allergy to airborne pathogens can induce asthma.
Typical Signs of Allergy:
- sneezing
- runny nose
- itchy eyes and ears
- severe wheezing & coughing
- shortness of breath
- sinus problems
How does the test work?
It is a rapid test for the detection of allergy antibodies to cat hair, grass pollen and house dust mites.
It allows me to quickly and easily determine if you have increased susceptibility to certain allergies. The test is designed to detect IgE antibodies in the blood.
Who should get tested?
Children and adults suffering from frequent sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and ears, severe wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath or sinus problems.
Advantages of in-practice clinical testing:
- Safe & easy test procedure
- Results can be read within 10 minutes.
- Narrows down the possible cause of symptoms in order to initiate treatment.
- Achieves comparable results with laboratory tests.
- The test can be performed at any time of the year and does not require discontinuation of medication or the acute presence of allergic symptoms.
Gluten intolerance Testing
Gluten intolerance (celiac disease) is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine when the immune system attacks the body‘s own tissues. People with celiac disease who eat gluten have higher than normal levels of certain antibodies in their blood.
These antibodies are produced by the immune system because it views gluten (the proteins found in wheat, rye and barley) as a threat. This rapid test is able to detect the presence of IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies (tTG) in the blood. It is suitable for an initial diagnosis of gluten intolerance as well as a therapy follow-up. a-tTG-IgA antibody levels should fall when gluten is removed from the diet.
After 6 months on a gluten-free diet the antibodies will often become undetectable. The diagnosis must be confirmed by follow up testing along with further recommendations to maintain a gluten-free diet.
Common symptoms of gluten intolerance:
- bloating and diarrhea
- abdominal cramping
- weight loss
- malnutrition
- skin disorders
- presence of other autoimmune diseases
Advantages of in-practice clinical testing:
- Safe & easy test procedure
- Results can be read within 10 minutes
- Achieves comparable results with laboratory tests
Who should get tested?
- People suffering from symptoms like frequent bloating and diarrhoea, stomach pain, vomiting, weight loss, fatigue and depression.
- First-degree relatives of people with celiac disease – parents, siblings and children have a 1 in 10 risk compared to 1 in 100 in the general population.
- Any individual with an associated autoimmune disorder or other condition, especially type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid disease, autoimmune liver disease, Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Williams syndrome, and selective immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency.
Additional info:
The test can only be performed if no previous change to a gluten-free diet has been conducted. As the levels of anti-tTG-IgA-antibodies drop gradually after gluten is removed from the diet, the test result could be compromised. Approximately 2-3% of celiac disease patients suffer from an overall IgA deficiency. For those patients, the test could result in a false – negative result. A negative result with the accompanying symptoms can indicate gluten sensitivity, which is treatable.
Digestive Testing
One of the most common causes of painful inflammation of the stomach lining is due to a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. This leads to frequent abdominal discomfort and nausea. These bacteria colonise the stomach lining and release the enzyme Urease. The stomach tries to counteract this by increasing the production of gastric acid, disturbing the fragile pH equilibrium. Chronic inflammation in the stomach (gastritis) or ulcers may have further consequences. Helicobacter pylori bacteria can contribute to the development of diseases such as ulcers in the stomach and lymphoma progress (a type of cancer).
Typical signs and symptoms of H.pylori infection:
- An ache or burning pain in your abdomen.
- Abdominal pain that’s worse when your stomach is empty.
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Frequent burping.
- Bloating.
- Unintentional weight loss.
What does it test for?
This rapid test detects the presence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in the blood. It is intended as an aid in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.
Who should get tested?
Adults suffering from painful inflammation of the stomach, history of acid reflux/heartburn, halitosis, nausea/vomiting.
Advantages of in-practice clinical testing:
- Safe & easy test procedure
- Results can be read within 10 minutes.
- Achieves comparable results with laboratory tests.
- Gives information about a potential cause of symptoms before more invasive methods of examination are administered.
Underactive Thyroid Testing
The thyroid plays a central role in the control of the metabolism. Malfunctions can therewith influence the whole body. To detect hyper- or hypo functions, in particular the level of thyrotropin, the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a reliable indicator. TSH gets secreted by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid to produce the hormones T3 and T4. Whenever the concentration of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 drops, TSH levels rise.
The symptoms of a thyroid hypofunction include, amongst others, fatigue, listlessness, feeling of coldness, constipation, muscle cramps or weight gain Elevated TSH values are an indicator of thyroid hypofunction. Thyroid hypofunction develops slowly, with increasing symptom strength and a progressing effect on a person’s health.
Early-stage detection is important to begin treatment in time. TSH reference levels in healthy adults are between 0.4 – and 4.5 µIU/mL, levels above 5 µIU/mL TSH are a strong indicator for hypothyroidism.
Typical signs and symptoms of an Underactive thyroid:
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Puffy face
- Hoarseness
- Muscle weakness
What does it test for?
This rapid test provides a simple, safe and accurate way to measure elevated levels of TSH in the blood. A value above 5 μIU / ml indicates hypothyroidism (normal value 0.4-4.5 μIU / ml). A positive test result is indicative of an increased TSH level and hypothyroidism can thus be assumed.
Who should get tested?
Adults suffering from exhaustion, somnolence, slow cognition, emotional liability, intolerance to cold, constipation, depression, weight gain, muscular pain, muscle cramps and menstrual irregularity.
Advantages of in-practice clinical testing:
- Safe & easy test procedure
- Results can be read within 10 minutes.
- Narrows down the possible cause of symptoms in order to initiate treatment.
- Achieves comparable results with laboratory tests.
Additional info:
- In persons of age (60+), TSH levels can increase naturally without the existence of symptoms.
- The test is not suited for children as their TSH levels can be elevated naturally.
Iron deficiency Testing
Iron deficiency is caused by insufficient dietary intake and absorption of iron, or iron loss from bleeding (for example, menstrual bleeding, abnormal bleeding or ulcers), also during pregnancy or growth phase, and has serious health consequences. Fatigue, headache, pallor, strong heartbeats or shortness of breath are all possible indications of an iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency prevalence is highest among young children and women of childbearing age. It is important that current body iron stores are sufficient. Iron is stored in protein complex as Ferritin. Hence, Ferritin in the human blood serum is a laboratory marker of the total amount of iron stored in the body.
Typical signs and symptoms of Iron deficiency:
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath
- Headache, dizziness or light headedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
- Brittle nails.
What does it test for?
It is a rapid test for the diagnosis of iron deficiency which is caused by an insufficient amount of iron in the body. This may be due to insufficient dietary intake, insufficient absorption of iron or iron loss from bleeding (menstrual bleeding, ulcers or other cases of abnormal bleeding).
This is more prevalent during pregnancy or growth phase and has serious health consequences. This test is intended as an aid in the diagnosis of iron deficiency. The final diagnosis must be confirmed and treated accordingly.
Who should get tested?
Athletes, children and women of child-bearing age suffering from headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath under strain.
Advantages of in-practice clinical testing:
- Safe & easy test procedure
- Results can be read within 10 minutes.
- Narrows down the possible cause of symptoms in order to initiate treatment.
- Achieves comparable results with laboratory tests.
Menopause
Menopause refers to the time in a woman‘s life when she stops having a menstrual period. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. Clinically, menopause is defined as the point at which a woman has not had a period in 12 consecutive months. Menopause is a natural physiological process during the life of a woman, which in most cases occurs between the age of 45 and 55. Signs differ between women: some may recognise their menopause from irregular menstruation, which finally stops completely. Others observe changes in their life brought on by symptoms like hot flashes, hair loss, sleep disorders or vaginal dryness. Before the period stops completely, menstrual cycles become irregular in many cases. This often leads to pregnancies in the climacteric, as many women mistakenly believe they are already infertile.
The hormone FSH stimulates growth and maturation of ovarian follicles during the menstrual cycle. In women with a normal, regular cycle the FSH level fluctuates, reaching peak levels of ca. 25 mIU/mL mid-cycle. Menopause is noticeable by the change in sex hormone levels and the resulting symptoms. Since the body produces fewer and fewer estrogens (these hormones trigger ovulation, among other effects), FSH production increases, in order to raise estrogen production in the ovaries. This leads to elevated FSH levels, with an average of approximately 66.5 mIU/ml – 91.6 mIU/ml.
Typical signs and symptoms of Menopause:
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism.
What does it test for?
This is a rapid test intended for the detection of human Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in a urine sample. The test helps to assess whether existing symptoms are caused by the climacteric (perimenopause/menopause).
It allows me to determine your FSH-concentration to ascertain whether you are in climacteric (the perimenopause or the menopause). You can then take the necessary steps to stay healthy and reduce medical risks which are associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis, hypertension or elevated blood cholesterol.
Who should get tested?
Mature women (age 40 and over) showing signs of menopause.
Advantages of in-practice clinical testing:
- Safe & easy test procedure
- Results can be read within 10 minutes.
- Narrows down the possible cause of symptoms in order to initiate treatment.
- Achieves comparable results with laboratory tests.
Additional info:
- To perform the test, please use first-morning urine that contains the highest concentration of hormones and gives you the most accurate results.
- If you still get your period, the first test should be performed during the first week of the menstrual cycle (day 2-7, with day 1 as the first day of menstruation). One week later the FSH level should be determined again using the second test device.
- If you do not have a regular menstrual cycle, perform the first test at any time of the month and the second test one week later.
- Oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy or estrogen supplements may affect FSH levels and cause false negative results.
- Ovarian or pituitary tumors may cause false negative results.
- This test must not be used to determine fertility. Contraception decisions should not be made based on test results.
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