ALCAT food/chemical sensitivity

Cell Science Systems (CSS) is a CLIA licensed lab that runs the ALCAT test. Its kit instructions are also hosted by Genova Diagnostics. [A1]

ALCAT tests food and chemical sensitivity using whole blood. The same sheet covers CNA (Cellular Nutrition Assays), Methyl Detox, CICA (Celiac, IBS and Crohn's Array), Telomere Length and a homocysteine add-on. [A1]

1. 1

   Before the visit

   Prep

   • Keep taking your daily medications. If possible, avoid oral meds, infusions, injections and supplements for 4 hours before the draw. [A1]
   • Wait at least 2 weeks after short courses such as antibiotics. [A1]
   • For CNA, wait at least 72 hours after methylene blue. [A1]
   • If you take medications that affect white blood cell counts, an extra tube is recommended. [A1]
2. 2

   The draw

   Draw

   • Draw Monday to Saturday. [A1]
   • Fill every tube to capacity. Tubes with less than 3 mL may need recollection. [A1]
   • ALCAT tube count depends on items tested: up to 100 items, 2 tubes; 200 to 300, 3 tubes; 300 to 400, 4 tubes; over 400, 5 tubes. [A1]
   • Label each tube with the full name, date of birth, and date and time of collection. [A1]
3. 3

   Right after collection

   Processing

   • Invert gently right away: blue top 3 to 4 times, green top 8 times, gold top 5 times. Do not shake. [A1]
   • Whole blood tubes are not spun. [A1]
   • Homocysteine gold top: clot at least 30 minutes upright, then spin 15 min at 2200 to 3000 RPM within one hour of the draw. [A1]
   • If held overnight, store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. [A1]
4. 4

   Get it to the lab

   Shipping

   • Put the tubes in the sleeve, then the biohazard bag, with the requisition in the rear pouch. Seal it. [A1]
   • Put that in the silver insulated bag and then the CSS box. Put the ice pack outside the insulated bag, and freeze it only if it's over 78 F at origin or destination. [A1]
   • Put the box in the FedEx bag. Don't use a FedEx drop box. [A1]
   • Schedule a same day FedEx pickup at 1.800.463.3339. If drawn late in the day or on Sunday, ship early the next morning. [A1]