The Alcat Test identifies adverse immune cell reactions associated with food and chemical sensitivity. It is an accurate method to evaluate the immune system's reactions to foods following an ex vivo challenge of the white blood cells.
The results from the Alcat Test can help determine which foods and other substances may trigger unwanted inflammation and related symptoms. The Alcat Test enables providers to help patients improve chronic health issues through dietary change.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have correlated Alcat Test results with well-known immunological markers of immune activation.
The Alcat Test gives healthcare professionals a tool for managing conditions linked to inflammation and chronic activation of the immune system. The Alcat Test measures individual responses to foods and other substances at the cellular level and may reveal the underlying trigger of certain symptoms.
Food and chemical sensitivities have been linked to migraines, aching joints, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, and other symptoms related to chronic activation of the immune system. 1-6
Clinical assessments of the Alcat Test used to guide dietary modification have shown significant improvement in many common symptoms. 1, 2, 7 -9 The efficacy of the Alcat Test has been documented in numerous studies implementing rigorous double blind and often placebo controlled study designs. 10, 11
The Alcat Test measures food/immune reactions through stimulation of leukocytes. The leukocytes, which comprise five classes of white blood cells (WBCs), including monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils (~ 70 — 80% of WBC's) can be challenged with individual food or chemical extracts. Immunologic defense reactions, e.g. of neutrophils, initiate an instrumental primary role in inflammation. While this is a very effective first-line defense strategy against acute infections, chronic activation of the immune system may lead to health disorders.
The Alcat Test does not identify type 1 classical IgE mediated (anaphylaxis) allergies.