Frequently Asked Questions

1
Why are delayed food sensitivities so important?

Delayed food sensitivities are now being associated with chronic diseases such as Irritable bowel (IBS), Crohn's, migraines, Lupus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The list of associated diseases are growing every day. To view a complete list see our section on related diseases.

2
What is the difference between immediate food allergies and delayed food sensitivities?

Immediate allergic reactions (IgE) occur within a few moments to up to two hours, so it is easy to identify a correlation. Whereas delayed sensitivities happened from two to 72 hours after eating, sometimes even longer. This is why it is difficult to logically connect the symptoms with food just eaten. The reason for this is protein takes 3 to 4 days to enzymatically digest, so foods you eat today are added to the foods you have eaten over the last three days. There is a very high correlation between delayed food sensitivity and the amount and frequency of the food consumed.

3
Why do some people have delayed food sensitivities and other do not?

The red cell is the answer. Immune complexes are being formed all the time, but they adhere to red blood cells that are carried to spleen and liver where they are cleared. Those individual who have more immune complex or less immune complex receptors on the red blood cell are the ones who suffer from chronic food sensitivities.

4
Why does my doctor say I do not have food allergies?

Allergists and general practitioners are taught that there is no response other than IgE. If tests for IgE are negative you may be told you have a non-allergic, allergic reactions. This is obviously an oxymoron. What the doctor means is you appear to have allergic symptoms, but your skin or RAST tests are negative. Most food reaction do not involve IgE.

5
So why are IgE type reactions the only reaction accepted in traditional medicine?

Allergists and physicians are only trained in the diagnosis of IgE mediated reactions, measured by skin testing or RAST testing. New research has shown that there are 3 other pathways for immune sensitization. These are the Gell-Coombs pathways. Most delayed food sensitivities involve these other pathways, and not IgE.

6
How does this test differ from RAST test or skin testing?

The RAST and skin testing methods only measure IgE mediated reactions. Experience has shown that an IgE allergy to food is immediate and obvious. By simply taking a good history these foods can be identified.

7
I had another lab test for IgG and Ig4, why didn't I get any better?

The reason you are not getting any better is because the food reaction causing your symptom was not just an IgG or Ig4 but an immune complex reaction. If you had an immune complex reaction the other test would not have uncovered the food causing your symptom.

8
Why is the Sage Complement Antigen test better?

Research has shown that the key to delayed food sensitivity testing is the identification of immune complexes. Extensive research on IgE and IgA in the literature have documented that these immunoglobulins do not fix complement. IgM and IgG fix complement, but the rise and fall of IgM is within 3 to 6 months of initial symptoms, therefore it is very seldom associated with any chronic medical problems. 30 years of experience has shown the key to delayed food sensitivity in chronic medical problems is IgG and immune complex. Most researchers agree that immune complex is the key to chronic inflammation in diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Sage Medical Laboratory has developed a test that identifies which immune complexes are related to your diet.

9
How exactly does your test work?

Our testing methodology uses an ELISA platform. It is run using serum and identifies IgG and immune complex reactions. The Sage Complement Antigen test utilizes an indirect method of measuring mediator releases and the effects of other pathogenic mechanisms of allergic and delayed hypersensitivity. This is a unique and patent-pending process.

10
What should I do after I have been tested for delayed food sensitivities?

Your doctor will instruct you to eliminate all of your reactive foods for a minimum of six weeks. This all will be spelled out with a booklet provided to you with your test results.

11
How do you I know that I am allergic to foods or have food sensitivities?

If you have any symptoms or diseases listed in the section on chronic conditions then you possibly do. The more symptoms you identify with the stronger the possibility of delayed food sensitivities. Our test will be able to specifically identify those foods causing your chronic symptoms. Everybody's chemistry is unique. The same food may cause migraines in one person and IBS in another.

12
If your test says "I'm sensitive" to certain foods, how do I know what I can eat?

We provide through your doctor an elimination rotation diet program that excludes all positive reaction to antigens.

13
Where can I get the Sage Complement Antigen test?

Any doctor can order this test, simply call Sage at 1-877-SAGE LAB or 1-877-724-3522.

14
How much blood needs to be drawn and where do I get a drawn?

We will provide you with a draw specimen kit so that your doctor or laboratory can draw one 10ml (red top) or two 5ml (red tops) tubes of blood.

15
Do I have to fast or do anything special before I have my blood drawn?

You nee to fast after midnight in order to do our test. You cannot take steroids or antihistamines for three days prior to blood draw. If you are taking daily steriods, consult your health care professional before stopping them.

16
Do you test the whole blood or serum?

We test using serum. Testing serum verses whole blood gives us the advantage maintaining the specimen for a longer period of time, and gives more accurate results.

17
Do you have a license to do your test? Who inspects your laboratory?

We are licensed by CLIA, the regulatory department of the federal government. The State of Florida also inspects every two years. We always pass with no corrective measures needed.

18
Is your test covered by insurance?

Absolutely! Most insurance companies cover our test. You may need to pay a deductible and co-payment, but the rest is covered by most carriers. We have a billing company to file and follow-up on your insurance claim.

19
What do you test for?

We have 3 different panels of 44 foods, food additives, and dyes. A list of all these items can be found in Sage Test and Program.

20
How long does it take to get results back?

Typically, results are returned to your doctor's office in 7 to 10 days after your blood was sent to the lab. Please call your doctor to schedule an office visit to review your Sage results.

21
Will I lose weight when I stop eating foods I am sensitive too?

As an added benefit, when the reative foods are eliminated, people find they are able to meet their weight goals. This is because your body is now correctly metabolizing a new diet which is exactly suited for your genetic background.