Over the course of this time, YNL has developed what is referred to as an At-Home IgG ELISA Food Allergy Pin-Prick Test which utilizes the ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) method to detect circulating immunoglobulin G antibody which recognizes and binds to food antigens. The ELISA method is used extensively in immunology and biochemistry and the technique has been shown to be reliable and reproducible in detecting a variety of antibodies and antigens of clinical importance.

    In the ELISA method, food antigens are immobilized on to the surface of polystyrene micro-titre plates. To protect the unstable antigens, the micro-wells are then further coated with a stabilizing polymer layer which is dried on top of the food antigens. 

    The measurement of food antibody levels depends on the ability of the patient's food antibodies to attach themselves specifically to the food antigen. After the antibody has bound to the antigen, the micro-titre plates are rinsed to remove other antibodies and blood constituents. The food antibodies are then detected using a second antibody which is chemically tagged with an enzyme. The enzyme causes a color to develop at the end of the process. The color density obtained is an accurate indication of the original anti-food antibody concentration in the patients blood sample.

    The color produced by calibrated antibody reference standards is compared with the patient's result, allowing the laboratory to accurately determine the amount of each food antibody. The laboratory then interprets the results and places each food in the relevant category of being either a reactive (offending) food or a non-reactive (safe) food.  A positive control sample is always included in each test to confirm that the assay system is working correctly.

    Just as different labs have different qualities of tests, so do they have different specimen requirements.  Some laboratories in the food intolerance industry require a full 10ml tube of whole blood while others might require as little as only 1cc of blood serum. 

    Many years ago, York Nutritional Laboratory (YNL) began the painstaking effort to perfect the specimen collection process by developing what is known as the foodSCAN "At-Home" IgG ELISA Delayed Food Allergy Test.  Here is how it works:
 

	Step # 1: After receiving your specimen collection kit and completely reading its enclosed directions, wash your hands with warm water and dry thoroughly.
	Step # 2: Wipe the area of where you will be collecting your blood specimen from with the included alcohol swab.  (Note: Most individuals report the side of the tip of ether their finger or thumb as being an ideal location to collect their blood specimen.)
	Step # 3: Twist of the cap to the lancet provided within your kit.
	Step # 4: Firmly press the opened lancet against the area to be "pricked".  Quickly depress the end of the lancet so to deploy the sterile device which will "prick" your finger or thumb.  Be brave!  (Note: Each lancet is only to be used by one individual and for a single specimen collection.)
	Step # 5: Massage your finger or thumb from the base and work up to the area "pricked".  This will form a small droplet of blood which will be collected for testing.
	Step # 6: Place the fiber filling of the small collection tube (wand) against the blood on your finger or thumb.  The blood will immediately be absorbed into the wand.  The wand MUST be completely colored red from end to end in order for the test to be performed. (Note: It may be necessary to repeat Step # 5 in order to completely fill the wand.)
	Step # 7: Insert the filled wand into the small transport tube included with your kit.  Clearly write your name on the outside of the tube exactly as it appears written on your order form (also included in your kit).
	Step # 8: Insert the small tube containing the filled wand, the used lancet and the completed paperwork into the red plastic box.  Insert the red plastic box, which now contains the small tube with the filled wand, the used lancet and the completed paperwork, into the provided plastic bio-shipping bag which is pre-addressed with laboratory's address.

    All that is left is to drop your specimen in the mail by using the included pre-addressed/pre-paid mailer.  Within 10-15 business days you will have your test results delivered to your front door!