Your food intolerance collection

Keep eating as usual

In the couple of weeks before your test, keep eating your normal, varied diet — including the foods you'd like tested — so your body's response can be measured. The one exception: strictly avoid any food that has previously caused a serious reaction or anaphylaxis.

Medications

Don't change any prescribed or regular medication without your practitioner's guidance. Some medications can suppress your antibody response and affect the result — including steroids, antihistamines and anti-inflammatories (for example prednisone, beclomethasone, fluticasone). If your practitioner agrees, they may suggest pausing these for about four weeks beforehand.

Check your kit

Prepare the card

• On the front of the card, print your first name, surname, date of birth and date of collection in BLOCK LETTERS — matching your request form exactly. Unlabelled cards are rejected.
• Unfold the cover to expose the collection pad, holding the card without touching the circles.
• Rest the card on a table — taping the outer cover to the table edge helps steady it — and make sure the blood won't touch the cover.

Take the finger-prick

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water and dry them, then wipe the fingertip you'll use with the alcohol wipe.
• Twist off the tab to break the seal on a lancet (each is single-use). Press it firmly against the inside tip of your finger and click the button until you hear it fire.
• Gently massage the finger from below to form a large drop. Wipe away the very first drop with the alcohol wipe.
• Let a hanging drop of blood fall into each circle on the card, filling every circle so it soaks through to the back. Don't smear or press the finger onto the card.
• If you need more blood, use the second lancet on a different finger. Cover the puncture with the plaster when you're done.

Let it dry for at least 3 hours

Prop the card up and let the blood spots air-dry completely for at least 3 hours, away from moisture and direct sunlight, before you pack it.

• Once the spots are fully dry, tuck the cover into the flap as shown on the card, then place the card into the specimen transport bag.
• Check your request form is complete (name, address, date of birth) and place it into the open compartment of the transport bag. Complete your Patient Checklist Form too.
• Place everything into the reply-paid padded envelope and post it back via your nearest Australia Post outlet or express post box, as soon as possible.

What this test screens

Your antibody response across 96 foods, grouped into:

Measures: Dairy · Egg, meat & poultry · Fish & seafood · Fruits · Vegetables · Grains, legumes & nuts · Herbs & spices · Yeast / candida · Miscellaneous

Before you post — quick check

• Every circle filled and soaked through to the back
• Card labelled in block letters, matching your request form
• Spots fully air-dried (at least 3 hours)
• Cover tucked in, card in the transport bag
• Request & Checklist forms complete