How do I take the food sensitivity (IgG) test

Understand how to prepare and take the samples for your food sensitivity (IgG) test.

Before you take the test

	Follow your normal diet before you take the test.
	If there’s a food that you’ve avoided for more than 3 months but which you would like tested (e.g. cow’s milk), reintroduce that food. Eat one portion of the food daily for a week before taking the test.
	If you have any questions or issues with taking your sample according to the instructions provided, it is important you contact us before you send your sample to the lab. Healthpath cannot guarantee to intercept your sample once it arrives at the lab, so it may still be processed.
	Do NOT eat anything to which you have a known allergy.
	Make sure you’re well hydrated before you take your blood sample.

Do NOT perform the test if:

you’re pregnant (you can take a test 4–6 weeks after giving birth)
you’re taking immunosuppressant drugs

Do NOT discontinue any medications in order to take the test.

Test kit contents

1 x test instructions sheet
1 x sample transport tube
1 x sterile swab
2 x sticking plasters
1 x blood collection tube
2 x safety lancets
1 x disposal bag
clam-pack
1 x request form
1 x prepaid return envelope

Taking the test

	1. Check you have all the kit contents using the list above, and fill in the request form.
	2. Wash your hands in warm water, as this helps to soften the skin and encourage blood flow. You can also clench and unclench your hands several times.
	3. Remove the blood collection tube from the sample transport tube. Remove the cap from the blood collection tube.
	4. Choose the finger or thumb to be pricked, clean with the sterile swab provided and allow to air dry. The finger should be totally dry before the next step.
	5. Remove the protective cap from the safety lancet. Place the raised platform end of the safety lancet onto the finger. Firmly push the safety lancet to activate the lancet mechanism.
	A slight prick may be felt as the skin is punctured. The side of finger near the nail sometimes bleeds more easily and is less sensitive than the pad of finger.
	6. Gently massage the finger in the direction of the puncture site to obtain a drop of blood.
	7. Draw your finger over the edge of the blood collection tube and allow the blood to be scraped off into the tube. Each time you collect blood, tap the base of the tube on a surface so the blood collects at the bottom.
	8. Squeeze your finger until another large blood droplet forms. Scrape the blood droplet as before and tap the tube again. Repeat until the blood reaches the white line on the tube.
	9. When the blood has been collected, replace the cap. Use a plaster to cover the puncture
	10. Write your name on the label of the sample transport tube, pop the blood collection tube inside and replace the cap.
	11. Put the used lancet(s) into the disposal bag, and place in the plastic clam-pack with the sample transport tube and the filled-in request form.
	12. Place the clam-pack into the prepaid return envelope and post to the laboratory as soon as possible.

The larger sample transport tube containing the absorbent cotton pad should NOT be used for blood collection.

If the blood flow stops before the blood collection tube is full, you may need to use the second safety lancet to make another puncture on a different finger.

Posting your sample

Use the pre-paid envelope and label to return it to the lab.

What happens next?

As soon as your results are ready, we'll send you an email and text notification.

You can then log onto your Healthpath account to view your results and see personalised
recommendations.

Read the Food Sensitivity Test instructions (PDF)

Read our article: Using Freepost for Healthpath tests