What is an allergy blood test?
In today’s crazy and frenetic world, our exposure to ever-increasing environmental toxins and foods is overwhelming our immune systems. When this happens, we find ourselves overreacting to things the immune system would normally tolerate. Our food today bears little resemblance to food of old, which was seasonally and regionally produced and free from artificial substances and chemical pesticides.
As this toxicity continues, we in the UK have reached record levels of reported allergies and food intolerances, sparking a huge gap in NHS resources to test and deal with these issues and subsequent health conditions.
As a result, private laboratories have emerged as a reliable tool in the private sector, allowing individuals to bypass the lengthy waiting times often associated with NHS services. This quick turnaround can be crucial, especially when symptoms are debilitating and impacting work and social environments.
Home blood test kits
To fill this demand, laboratories have developed easy to use home blood test kits to help individuals identify their triggers, allowing them to make informed decisions around diet and lifestyle to help combat a plethora of modern-day symptoms. These testing kits are growing in popularity for all kinds of health testing, from allergies, hormones, general health and vitamin deficiencies tests. These all serve the same purpose – to help individuals identify what they need to work on in terms of their health, and it’s worth noting that more and more people are using these tests to help prevent symptoms before they have a chance to take hold. After all, prevention is always preferable (and simpler) than cure!
How do these home blood tests work?
Many of these tests are carried out by a method called the ELISA technique. ELISA is a common laboratory testing technique which detects and counts certain antibodies, antigens, proteins and hormones in bodily fluid samples. These include blood, plasma, urine, and saliva.
“ELISA” stands for “enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.”
Researchers consider ELISA to be the gold standard of immunoassays. Tests which use ELISA can help diagnose a wide range of conditions, from bacterial and viral infections (like Lyme disease and HIV) to endocrine conditions, like thyroid disease. It is also commonly used to test food and environmental allergies, and a host of other infections and health conditions.
An easy and convenient way to test
Collecting a sample with our easy-to-use Home Test Kit couldn’t be easier, you just need to supply us with a small blood sample. This involves a simple prick of the finger with a small, sterilised lancet which you then post to our laboratory in the pre-paid envelope provided and we’ll do the rest!
Why does the NHS not offer this testing?
Simply put, money. The NHS currently spends around £900 million per year addressing symptoms related to allergies and intolerances, and identifying these conditions without testing is notoriously tricky. Compounded by limited resources, funding and long waiting lists, the availability of testing is becoming ever more limited to the general public. As such, it has fallen to us as individuals to research and access private testing to allow us to be proactive in addressing our health concerns.
How long does it take to receive results?
At TESTme, we work with several accredited lab partners, and upon receiving your sample it can take anything from 2-7 days for results to be returned, depending on which test is ordered.
Tackling symptoms head on; when to expect results!
Despite other website claims, it’s unusual for people to feel ‘significantly’ better in just a day! Let’s be honest – as remarkable as our bodies are, even they can take some time to adjust, and for us to feel notably better! Generally speaking, the younger you are, the quicker your body responds to changes, so often children will feel lots better within the week. However, the older we get and the longer these symptoms have been going on, it is likely going to take a little longer.
However, that said – armed with the right information and ongoing support you can turn things around pretty quickly. The important tools however lie in knowledge, education and motivation to spur you on. Keeping you motivated and on track is vital to successfully achieve the goals you want. TESTme is committed to bringing it’s ‘in-person’ test experience directly to your phone or device with the unique TESTme Handbook.
The TESTme Handbook; Your key to success
This has been written with intolerances in mind. It will encourage you to make good choices and decisions as you go about your daily life. It will serve as a constant reference tool and companion and is your unparalleled support system. Finding trustworthy and no-nonsense information after results can be challenging. This Handbook provides everything you need to know moving forward
With every page, it empowers you to take control to deal with the underlying causes, no just the symptom. It offers insights and achievable lifestyle changes to keep you motivated on your journey to wellness.
After all, you can’t fix the problem if you don’t know how the machine works!
Home blood test kits: Are they worth it?
We think so! At TESTme, we see people from all walks of life and age groups. They all battle daily with ongoing and often debilitating symptoms. Our experience has taught us what works and what doesn’t. This creates a perfect platform to share that knowledge and experience with others.
We are committed to sharing that with those wanting to learn how to help themselves.
Conclusion
In the face of escalating pressures on healthcare, home test kits emerge as the front-runner in addressing our health concerns. It’s our responsibility to proactively manage our well-being and that of our families. Avoid common symptoms by spending some time learning how your machine works. This can empower you to take action, avoiding the pitfalls in this very modern and toxic world. f
Interestingly, examining our spending habits reveals intriguing priorities. From material possessions and even our pets, we don’t hesitate in our spending power. However, when it comes to investing in our own health, doubts often arise about its worth.
A cautious reminder however lies in the fact that without good health, our possessions lose significance –
Because after all, without our health, what have we got?