What is the purpose of this test?
The Cyrex Lab Array 10 tests for sensitivity to over 180 potential antigens (proteins that can trigger your immune system). These include foods, raw and/or modified; food enzymes; lectins; and artificial food additives, including meat glue, colorings, and gums. Cyrex Array 10 offers several advantages over other food sensitivity panels:
It tests both raw and cooked forms of common foods. Heating food above 118°F changes its protein structure and therefore its antigenicity. Array 10 is testing for both raw and cooked forms of common foods on the same panel.
It tests for cross-reactive and pan-antigens. Cyrex tests for reactivity to cross-reactive antigens, such as food aquaporin and shrimp tropomyosin, which are known to cross-react with human tissues, as well as pan-antigens such as parvalbumin and latex hevein.
It tests for real-world exposures to real foods. Testing for reactivity to individual food proteins is just the first step. Cyrex takes it to the next level by also testing for reactivity to common food combinations.
It tests for reactivity to large gum molecules. Many food products (especially gluten-free products) often use gums as a substitute for gluten to hold ingredients together. Cyrex tests for reactivity to such large gum molecules.
It tests for reactivity to binding isolates. Binding isolates, such as plant-derived lectins and agglutinins, have an affinity for specific human tissues. Cyrex tests for reactivity to such binding isolates. Cyrex Array 10 can help clinicians and patients detect dietary-related triggers of autoimmune reactivity at an early stage, determine the cause of unexplained symptoms, and design customized dietary protocols to aid in the healing process
What type of test is this?
A Blood test.
How do I get this test?
If you have not received the kit with your visit at the clinic, then one will be mailed to you, 5 to 7 business days after we order it for you.
If your clinician has ordered more than one Cyrex test for you, you will receive one test kit that will be used for all of the requested tests.
Ensure that you schedule the blood draw through a Blood Lab at https://www.calgarylabservices.com/
and that the test is performed/scheduled for a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
(**Enquire that your preferred Blood Lab is able to perform this type of test**)
How do I receive the requisition order/form?
You will receive your order confirmation (showing that the kit has been ordered on your behalf), the requisition order/form, as well as the specific Import document (required to ship your blood to the USA) all via email. Please ensure that you print all documentation off and take with you when getting your blood drawn and shipping your kit
How do I fill out the requisition order for this test?
You do not need to fill in any information on the requisition.
How do I prepare in terms of diet, supplements, and medications?
Since this test measures your body’s antibody production to specific foods and additives, you must have exposure to the foods you want to test for. It is impossible to eat each of these foods in the time frame before the test, but what’s most important is to include the foods you want to eat as part of your normal diet. Some people choose not to prepare for this test in the sense that taking the test without any specific preparation allows you see if there’s something in your current diet that’s likely contributing to your symptoms.
If there are specific foods you want to include, then here’s how best to prepare:
You need to eat at least a few bites of each selected food for five to seven days, about 25 days before having your blood drawn for the test. So, let’s say you plan on having your blood drawn on July 1st. That means that from June 3rd to June 10th you would eat a few bites of each of the foods you want tested. If you miss a day, or eat only one bite, that’s okay. The idea is to have some exposure to these foods during the time frame about 20 to 30 days before testing so your body has time to form antibodies.
Here’s a link to the Cyrex Labs description of Array 10, including a list of all the possible antigens that may be tested for with this panel:
http://www.joincyrex.com/page/7781/Array-10-Multiple-Food-Immune-Reactivity-Screen
If you currently take, or recently completed a course of oral or topical steroids, please let us know as this may affect the results of your food sensitivity test. Eating a high-fat meal prior to your blood draw can cause your serum specimen to be lipemic. Lipemic specimens are rejected by Cyrex Labs.
Is the timing of this test important?
Make sure to follow the above steps to schedule a blood draw appointment. Test kits expire in one year and there is a month/date expiration printed on your kit. If your kit has expired, please contact us to send you a new one prior to scheduling your blood draw. Note that there is a $10 charge to ship a new test kit.
Please take the following to the Lab (Phlebotomy) appointment:
- Printed blood draw authorization (either printed when you scheduled your blood draw or printed from the e-mail that was sent to you).
- Signed Cyrex test requisition order/form
- Import Document for shipping your test and specimens to the USA
- Specimen collection kit.
Shipping your test kit once specimens have been collected by the Lab
- The specimen goes back in the box along with the form from the lab (the lab will stamp and sign it accordingly)
- Please note that this Test kit does not come with prepaid shipping from Cyrex Labs. When you arrive at your preferred shipping agent (FedEx, UPS, Canada Post etc.) inquire with the selected shipping company on the right packaging, forms, etc.
- Ensure your Import Document is included and that your package has a tracking number. Cost to ship is approximately between the amounts of $50-80 depending on who you choose.
- Ensure your sample is shipped the same day as the blood draw
Was payment for the test kit included in my invoice?
Yes, the test kit fee has been/was included in your invoice. However, there may be a fee associated with the blood draw when you go to the lab (approximately $40). You will need to pay the lab directly for this fee. As well, please note that the cost of shipping the test kit to Cyrex Labs has to be paid and covered by you directly with your preferred shipping agent.
When will I see the results?
Results are generally sent to us two weeks after the lab receives the kit back from you. Your clinician will review the results and then notify you through email and or a specific appointment followup.
Where can I get more information about this test?
If you have further/additional questions, please contact Cyrex Labs directly;
Email: frontdesk@cyrexlabs.com or Phone Number: (602) 759-1245
