What exactly is IgG testing?
IgG testing is a laboratory test that measures the levels of IgG antibodies in the blood. IgG antibodies are a type of immunoglobulin that plays an important role in the immune system’s response to infections and other foreign substances in the body. For example, IgG testing can be used to:
- diagnose certain infections or diseases, such as hepatitis B or C, HIV, or Lyme disease
- monitor the effectiveness of treatment for infections or diseases
- screen for certain conditions, such as celiac disease or food allergies
- identify potential food allergens or intolerances that may be triggering symptoms in individuals with chronic conditions, such as migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, or eczema
IgG testing typically involves drawing a blood sample from the individual and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will use various techniques to measure the levels of IgG antibodies against specific antigens or substances of interest.
What is IgG blood serum testing?
Blood serum is considered the best sample for measuring IgG 1-4 antibodies because it contains the purified serum component of the blood, which is free of cellular components and other potentially interfering factors. When a blood sample is collected, it is usually centrifuged to separate the cellular components from the serum. The serum is then used for antibody testing, including IgG 1-4 testing. Serum samples are often preferred over other types of samples, such as whole blood or plasma, because they have a higher concentration of antibodies and are less likely to be affected by other factors that may interfere with the testing process. Furthermore, serum samples are stable at room temperature for around a week and can be stored at low temperatures for longer periods of time, making them a convenient sample type for laboratory testing. Overall, blood serum provides a reliable and stable sample type for measuring IgG 1-4 antibodies, which can help healthcare practitioners diagnose and manage various immune-related conditions. ImuPro uses the ELISA test method to determine if you have elevated IgG antibodies in your blood serum towards gluten, as well as up to 270 individual foods. A higher number of foods are able to be tested on blood serum due to the volume of blood drawn, compared to finger prick method.
Can IgG testing identify foods causing inflammation?
IgG antibodies are one marker for inflammation. Particularly in cases of ‘leaky gut’ or impaired intestinal barrier, food proteins can slip between intestinal cells and become antigens, leading to IgG and immune complex formation. This immune complex will be destroyed by the immune cells, thus inducing an inflammatory reaction. If these immune complexes are destroyed in circulation, as part from some systemic impairment, no further symptoms will appear. If these complexes are fixed to a sensitized tissue – sensitized by a previous impact – the immune complexes are destroyed locally and may lead to chronically inflamed tissue, with related symptoms (eg joint pain). The ImuPro tests identifies potentially harmful food that could lead to chronic inflammation. It is a lab test that provides the basis for an elimination diet, it does not imply that all foods are causing inflammation, since we know that not all positive foods may be linked to a clinical symptom. The new ImuPro concept comprises the notion of food challenge, thus identifying the clinically relevant trigger foods. 99 percent of IgG subclasses detected with ImuPro are IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3.