MosaicDX offers a more comprehensive measurement of total IgG antibodies to different food-based antigens and Candida, in contrast to many laboratories that only measure IgG4 molecules. IgG4 antibodies account for less than 6% of the total IgG antibodies, and testing for only IgG4 antibodies limits the clinician’s ability to identify foods that could cause significant clinical reactions in their patients.

The objective of IgG-mediated food allergy testing is to identify foods that can trigger multiple adverse reactions. IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 antibodies can cause inflammation by creating large immune complexes or lattices that activate complement proteins. On the other hand, IgG4 antibodies to food antigens usually do not activate complement and therefore do not typically cause inflammation.

In an article by Kemeny et al., they emphasized the importance of measuring all subtypes of IgG antibodies. Their research found that patients with celiac disease had elevated IgG1 antibodies to gluten, but none had elevated IgG4 antibodies to gluten. However, elevated levels of IgG4 antibodies still indicate the presence of immune reactions against food antigens.

The ordering process for MosaicDX tests starts with your healthcare practitioner assessing your symptoms and recommending the most appropriate test.

Once a test has been recommended, collection kits can be conveniently ordered and delivered straight to your doorstep. If you already have a collection kit, you can register your test and begin the process at your convenience.

It is important to carefully follow the collection instructions and include all required information about yourself and your specimens when registering your test. When your specimens are collected, you can use the prepaid shipping materials provided in your kit to ship them to MosaicDX. Your results will be accessible online via the MosaicDX portal. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your healthcare practitioner to discuss your results and develop a plan for your healthcare.

If you are located outside of the U.S., our customer service team can assist you in finding a distributor in your country. In countries where a distributor is not required, you can place an order through our international patient ordering site. Please note that all international shipping costs must be paid prior to shipping the kit. 

IgG is the major antibody found in serum. IgGs are composed of two fragment antigen binding (Fab) regions that contain the antigen binding sites and the Fc region, which is responsible for most of the biologic activity of the antibodies (Figure 1). An antigen is a substance that causes the immune system to produce an antibody that specifically reacts with it. IgG-mediated reactions to food antigens may be delayed by several hours or days, whereas IgE food antibody reactions are quite immediate.

Human IgG is separated into four subclasses denoted IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. Each subclass varies in abundance and biological function. IgG1 and IgG3 are predominantly responsible for antibody protection against reinfection. IgG2 antibodies are opsonic (marking a pathogen for ingestion and destruction) and develop in response to carbohydrate polysaccharide antigens. IgG4 molecules function as skin-sensitizing immunoglobulins and are thought to block antibodies produced in response to chronic exposure to antigens.

The clinical significance of IgG food testing was illustrated in an early article published by an otolaryngologist who reported that the majority of his patients had substantial health improvements after eliminating foods found positive by IgG food allergy testing. The study demonstrated a 71% success rate for all symptoms, achieving at least a 75% relief. Of particular interest was the group of patients with chronic, disabling symptoms, unresponsive to other intensive treatments. Symptoms most commonly improved (75%-100%) on the elimination diets included asthma, coughing, ringing in the ears, chronic fatigue, headaches, gas, bloating, diarrhea, skin rash and itching, and nasal congestion. The most common IgG food allergies were to cow’s milk, garlic, mustard, egg yolk, tea, and chocolate. A recent study reported that 93% of non-celiac, gluten-sensitive patients showed anti-gliadin IgG antibody disappearance after a six-month adherence to a gluten-free diet. The IgG disappearance was closely related to a significant improvement of both gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms. High IgG antibody levels have frequently been found in children with diabetes mellitus, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and in those considered to be obese. IgG food test results are often used to develop food antibody-guided exclusion/ elimination diets. The implementation of such diets has been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with nonceliac gluten sensitivity and food sensitivity-induced atopic conditions, reduce the frequency of migraine headaches, decrease the occurrence of diarrhea, decrease failure–to-thrive among children with cystic fibrosis, reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, improve rectal compliance, decrease stool frequency in Crohn’s disease, prevent seizures and hyperkinetic behavior in children with epilepsy, and ameliorate kidney function in glomerulonephritis. Food elimination diets also hold promise for the improvement of behaviors associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The following tests provide valuable insight into metabolism, nutrient needs, food sensitivities and metal toxicity.

IgG Food Map with Candida + Yeast

Heavy Metals Hair

Organic Acids Test

Serum samples have a relatively stable nature and can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 30 days and in a freezer for six months.

The immune system’s IgG response targets proteins, not lipids. Some individuals may wonder whether they can consume butter if they are sensitive to casein or soy lecithin if they are sensitive to soy. Trace amounts of the corresponding protein have been discovered during the extraction process for these components. However, the protein levels are generally low and not likely to cause issues. The majority of individuals can tolerate these trace amounts, but a few may not. For those uncommon situations, an elimination and reintroduction phase could aid in further examination.

It can take as long as 6 months after eliminating a food from the diet for the IgG response to that specific food antigen to return to normal levels. If a person is not consuming the food, or has not done so in over 6 months, it is unlikely to trigger a significant immune response and will not appear as elevated on the test. A low reactivity to a particular food does not imply that the person can now tolerate it or that the food can be reintroduced safely. It only indicates that the person has been diligent in avoiding it. Conversely, if a person has avoided consuming a specific food and the test result shows positive, cross-contamination with structurally similar proteins in the diet is likely responsible.

Dry Blood Spot samples have a relatively stable nature and can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 31 days and in a freezer for six months.

Please refer to your test’s specific Test Preparation and Instructions for more information regarding the potential effects of medications, foods, and supplements on this test.

You make also consult your healthcare provider prior to making any changes to your medications.

1. Visit AnyLabTest Now to find a location near you.

A. Schedule an appointment online, call for assistance, or just show up for your lab test — no appointment necessary.

B. Bring the following to your appointment:

i. $35 specimen collection and processing fee for the first two tubes, and $5 for any additional tubes

ii. Test collection kit

iii. Included gel pack (freeze ahead of time)

iv. Collection instructions

v. Test Requisition Form with doctor’s signature

vi. UPS return bag (included in the test kit)

2. Alpha Phlebotomy Group offers three options

A. In Home Collections – where the phlebotomist comes to you $95 per collection (includes mileage for up to 40 miles, then .59 / mile for every mile over that. Any cancellations less than 12 hours from scheduled collection will incur a $40 cancellation / rescheduling fee. Stat collections are an additional $55 (less than 24 hours notice)

B. Collection Draw Site Locations – where APG provides you with a location that is familiar with GPL orders. Prices for collections vary by phlebotomist (average charge range is $50-65 per collection)

C. Mobile Event Collections for Groups – Have a group of 20 blood collections? Create a blood draw corporate or wellness event. Price per participant is $35. Events require a minimum of 6 draws per hour otherwise additional hourly fees may apply.

3. Los Angeles and Orange County Areas: Contact Mobile Phlebotomy Service

They will complete the blood draw directly from your home. The cost is $80. Call 909-985-5562 to make an appointment. Standard hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

4. Kansas City Metro Areas: Contact Test Smartly Labs.

Laboratory Specimen Collections are provided at $35 per patient. Collection hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at all four of the TSL Kansas City area locations. Call 816-800-9699 to set up your appointment.