Pinnertest is an enzyme immunoglobin (IgG) test (ELISA) that has gained popularity in the United States and around the world.
People buy this test to find out about potential food sensitivities they may have. Celebrity endorsements and an extensive social media campaign have increased awareness of the Pinnertest. But does it work?
Read on to learn about the Pinnertest and what it can and cannot do.
The Pinnertest is marketed as a home test for food intolerance. It is a fingerstick test that uses a small amount of dried blood to test for IgG (immunoglobulin antibodies). IgG is a protein produced by the immune system. IgG tests such as Pinnertest purportedly analyze the immune system’s response to a wide variety of foods. This information is said to indicate what foods you are sensitive to.
Food intolerance is also called food sensitivity. Lactose, gluten, and caffeine are the three most common types. Food sensitivity is usually caused by the digestive system.
If you have trouble digesting a particular food, you may experience gastrointestinal symptoms and other types of symptoms. This can happen because food irritates the lining of the stomach. You may also be missing the enzymes needed to properly digest or break down food.
Food intolerance is not the same as food allergy.
Food allergies are mediated by the immune system, not the digestive system. Food allergies can cause the same symptoms as food hypersensitivity, such as diarrhea. However, food allergies also usually cause serious symptoms such as respiratory problems, hives, swelling, low blood pressure, and anaphylaxis.
The symptoms of food intolerance can vary from person to person. They also vary in intensity. You may have mild or severe symptoms.
Symptoms of food intolerance include:
The Pinnertest is not a diagnostic test. It cannot diagnose food allergies or sensitivity. The Pinnertest claims that when you do the test, you will know your body’s reaction to 200 foods.
To use Pinnertest, order a test kit through their website. In the United States, a prescription is required for this type of examination. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the test.
Pinnertest also provides free prescriptions through the doctors they work with. You don’t need a diagnosis or physical examination to get a prescription through the Pinnertest prescription service.
After receiving the test, do the following:
When you return the test, you will receive a report by email that includes information about your IgG response to certain foods.
It should be noted that, unlike some other food sensitivity tests, Pinnertest does not use a patch lab to improve a clinical lab (CLIA certified) to analyze the results. CLIA laboratories adhere to high standards and can obtain state and federal safety and efficacy certifications. CLIA laboratories also undergo regular inspection by government agencies.
It also appears that Pinnertest does not meet the HIPAA compliance requirements. There is no information on their website about the use of data encryption or the protection of user privacy.
After submitting your test results to Pinnertest, you will receive a result report by e-mail. Your report will include information about the foods and ingredients Pinnertest has determined you are sensitive to.
Your intolerance level will be rated 1, 2 or 3, with 3 being the highest level of intolerance. The Pinnertest recommends that you completely eliminate all foods from the list, regardless of the level of intolerance.
It is difficult to determine the accuracy of the Pinnertest reports. There are many studies on IgG antibodies on their website, but none of the published studies are specific to Pinnertest or the results they provide.
The Pinnertest compares the food sensitivity response to that of the immune system, but science does not support this hypothesis.
According to the Pinnertest, food intolerances are caused by undigested proteins in the blood that trigger a response by the immune system. Many specialists question this theory.
IgG antibodies in the bloodstream do not indicate food sensitivity. Rather, they indicate that you ate certain foods.
Many organizations have issued statements denying the effectiveness of IgG testing for food sensitivity:
The Pinnertest is a home food intolerance test. This test uses dried blood to analyze your response to 200 foods.
Pinnertest does not publish research studies on a specific test.
According to several reputable medical agencies, the scientific theory behind the Pinnertest and other IgG ELISAs is unfounded.
How much does a Pinnertest cost?
Currently, the Pinnertest costs $ 257.
How long do Pinnertest results take?
After ordering the test, you will receive it by mail within 2 to 3 business days. You will receive the report within 7 to 10 business days after Pinnertest has collected the blood sample.
Are intolerance tests accurate?
Food intolerance tests should not be assumed to be accurate. See the article : Researchers develop antimicrobial, plant-based food package designed to replace plastic: Starch-based fibers improve protection and reduce damage. This can be time consuming, but the best way to identify and diagnose food sensitivity is through an elimination diet and challenge test.
