ELISA/ACT LRA tests Determine and Address the Causes 

of Chronic Disease and Immune System Dysfunction

What are the causes of chronic disease and autoimmunity?

One of the major advancements in medicine in recent years has been our expanded understanding of the immune system and its far broader and more important role in general health and wellness.  Initially, it was thought that our immune system was only involved in defending our bodies against threatening agents such as bacteria, viruses, and environmental "invaders".  Medical science has recently come to recognize that the immune system has defense as well as repair capabilities.  The defense component of the immune system fights off the "invaders" that create disease, while the repair aspect plays an important role in restoring the tissue and organs from damage that the disease state may have caused.

If either the defense or repair function becomes overburdened or overstressed, immune dysfunction and disease may result.  Recent studies have shown that when the defense elements or white blood cells (lymphocyctes) of the immune system are mobilized against the effects of foreign antigens, the vital repair process suffers.  Organs and tissue weaken over time, and the body's ability to fight off future assaults is reduced.  The effect of immune system dysfunction can be chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases that often defy treatment.

The most common assaults that pose the greatest burden to our immune system on a daily basis are digestive remnants and environmental antigens. By identifying these antigens and eliminating them from our exposure, the immune burden can be reduced or eliminated, allowing the defense and repair systems to return to optimal function.  The results is improved, sustainable health.

The ELISA/ACT ® Lymphocyte Response Assay (LRA), developed by ELISA/ACT Biotechnologies, Inc (EAB), makes it possible for physicians to examine the immune system's general health by monitoring delayed hypersensitivity response to as many as 400 common substances.  The test can identify if an individual is reactive to these substances that may be provoking his/her chronic condition.  It also provides a personalized treatment plan to help eliminate these sensitivities and restore overall heath.

HOW IS ELISA/ACT LRA TESTING DIFFERENT FROM RAST TESTS?

RAST (IgE) only detects immediate allergic reactions to about 100 dietary or environmental substances.  This test is useful to assess hives, wheezing, or shock that may appear minutes after being exposed to a reacting food or chemical.

The ELISA/ACT LRA are comprehensive and reliable tests able to identify the causes of delayed allergy/hypersensitivity reactions. These can occur from hours to weeks after exposure.  This is the only test that can evaluate all three delayed hypersensitivity pathways, including Antibodies, Immune Complex and Cell Activation.  Because the ELISA/ACT LRA is functional, it allows EAB to screen out protective antibodies, such as IgG, which identify only those reactive and provoking items.  Most people do not realize they are reacting to these substances since the onset of symptoms does not occur quickly.  For example, people may develop- achiness hours to days after a food or chemical exposures.  ELISA/ACT LRA measures sensitivities to as many as 400 times from the following general categories.  A complete list of the items tested can be provided upon request.  

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF IMMUNE-RELATED HEATH PROBLEMS?

 HOW IS ELISA/ACT LRA TESTING UNIQUE?

Founded in 1984, EAB offers the first and only blood tests that provide a complete evaluation of the body's delayed immune response.  Prior to the blood draw, the patient must follow simple preparation instructions to ensure a proper blood sample.  EAB receives the patient's one-ounce blood sample within 24 hours and analyzes it promptly using a blood drawing system that keeps the lymphocytes and sample from being activated before analysis.  The ELISA/ACT LRA's unique ex vivo system tests the lymphocytes as though they are still in the bloodstream being exposed to foreign invaders.

Within five to seven days, the physician receives the patient's results plus an optional treatment guide with lifestyle and behavior recommendations based on a health assessment questionnaire. The complete assessment of delayed reactions can be useful to the patient and the physician in developing a cost-effective, individualized treatment plan to improve the patient's overall health.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PERSONALIZED TEST RESULTS?

• An accurate, detailed report identifying as many as 400 substances as nonreactive, moderately reactive, or strongly reactive
• An easy-to-use guide explaining each reactive item, along with suggestions for substitutions
• Individualized nutritional supplement and behavioral recommendations based on the patient's health assessment questionnaire completed prior to the test (if requested separately as part of the interpretation)
• Two comprehensive Alkaline Way handbooks explaining the ELISA/ACT LRA program and how to easily and effectively incorporate the program into the patient's lifestyle
• Nutritional counseling sessions by telephone with a certified clinical nutritionist to discuss the test results

A WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY TO REPAIR AND RESTORE TOLERANCE

To begin the repair process of the immune system, EAB recommends avoidance of the offending items for three to six months, depending on the severity of the reaction.  After this period, the patient can slowly add these substances to his/her diet one at a time, usually without experiencing any symptoms.  Upon following the ELISA/ACT LRA program, it is likely that the patient will notice improvements in his/her health as soon as a few days or weeks.  EAB also recommends a retest within a year to identify any new sensitivities and to evaluate the patient's progress.

ELISA/ACT BIOTECHNOLIGIES, INC

14 PIDGEON HILL DRIVE, SUITE 300

STERLING VIRGINIA  VA  20165

PHONE: 703 450 2980 OR 1800 553 5472

Dr. Russell Jaffe is the immunologist who developed this test and made
it available to physicians in Canada and the U.S.

Information about a Blood Drawsite in Richmond, Virginia.