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I just got off the phone with a client support rep from the lab in Florida that processes all the MRT tests. His name was Kurt Sohn, and they can be reached at 561-848-7111. I talked with him about providers in my area, price, and changes in the test. Here's what I learned:
1. You do not have to go through a dietician to order MRT testing. Your doctor can order the bloodwork or you can order the kit directly from the lab in Florida. You'll simply have to find a lab to draw the blood. But you will miss any benefits of the consultation and explanation that a dietician could offer.
2. The individual dietician who orders your test has control over the price they charge you. The lab does not put price restrictions on providers. If you order direct from the lab, it's $495 without consultation, and $300 extra for 3 hrs of consultation with a dietician (so $100/hour for the dietician). Use this information to compare to the prices you are quoted. (Anyone been charged much more or less than this??)
3. There is NOT a new test being launched that includes thousands of foods. There is a new test being launched on Labor Day (early September) that hopes to add medical credibility to the MRT test. They are hoping it will appeal to the interests of the medical community and finally do away with all the skepticism. This new test will simply indicate WHICH white blood cells (WBCs) are reacting to each food and chemical. It will differentiate between neutrophils, lymphocytes, etc. The current test only tells you that WBCs are generally reacting.
I asked if this new test is worth waiting for, and he said it's really just for the medical community's benefit. The results for the patient will still mean the same thing.
As far as adding new foods and chemicals, the current MRT tests for 150 substances: 130 foods and 20 chemicals. The most they will ever do is 180, adding 30 more foods, and there is no ETA on that. Eventually they plan to offer a small and large panel option, with the small panel testing for 90 substances, and the large panel testing for the full 180.
SO....I plan to wait until September to order my test, because I'm interested in knowing whether it's just my lymphocytes reacting, or if other WBCs are also in on it. When I finally reach my local provider, I'll check on her pricing before I move forward. I also plan to contact the dietician I already met with, because they have her in the system, perhaps not as a certified provider, but as someone who got the testing done for herself.
I hope this is helpful!!
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I agree that for most patients the change will probably be irrelevant. However, I would have made the same choice that you did, because if you know what you're doing, being able to connect the types of immune system responses, (specific lymphocytes), with specific foods, can provide helpful insight into the ultimate results of the reactions, (based on the mechanisms involved). IOW, is a specific response normally associated with a GI effect, a respiratory effect, a cardiac effect, a skin effect, etc.? If it's a GI effect, is it normally associated with MC, Crohn's, parasites, pathogens, traveler's diarrhea, or what?Zizzle wrote:I asked if this new test is worth waiting for, and he said it's really just for the medical community's benefit. The results for the patient will still mean the same thing.
Thanks for sharing.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
The MRT, (mediator release testing), is apparently based on measuring changes in certain blood chemicals, (known as mediators), such as histamines, cytokines, prostaglandins, serotonin, etc.. ELISA stands for Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and it tests for the presence of either antibodies or antigens in the sample.
That implies that ELISA tests are much more specific than MRT testing, since an ELISA test only responds to a specific antibody or antigen. The MRT testing is much more comprehensive, though, since it can determine many different types of immune system responses, for a broad range of agents which trigger an immune system response.
Basically, the release of mediator chemicals is a subsequent result of antibody-antigen binding on receptors, (such as on mast cells). The mediators then go on to cause the actual clinical symptoms of an allergic response. IOW, ELISA tests for early stage markers of an immune system response, where MRT tests for late stage markers of the response.
Tex
That implies that ELISA tests are much more specific than MRT testing, since an ELISA test only responds to a specific antibody or antigen. The MRT testing is much more comprehensive, though, since it can determine many different types of immune system responses, for a broad range of agents which trigger an immune system response.
Basically, the release of mediator chemicals is a subsequent result of antibody-antigen binding on receptors, (such as on mast cells). The mediators then go on to cause the actual clinical symptoms of an allergic response. IOW, ELISA tests for early stage markers of an immune system response, where MRT tests for late stage markers of the response.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Joefnh
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Jenny it would be recommended as for instance although we are sensitive to gluten, the antibody tests used for that usually come out normal for most of using the standard blood tests, even though we know that we have problems with gluten.
My take on this is that MRT testing tests a wide range of foods and drug compounds in a more complete way than ELISA. I think the data from the test has the most value initially letting you know your high reactivity foods and of course you very low reactivity foods. I have felt the best I have in a long whlie eating pretty much only the foods I tested very low reactivity to. We call that eating our greens as the color code for low reactivity foods is green, yellow for moderate and red for highly reactive.
Additionally the tests offered by enterolab look for food sensitivities in a differrent way than either MRT or ELISA, in that it looks for local antibodies in the GI tract. I don't believe that enterolab testing looks at the wide range of foods and drugs that MRT does, but if you already know you are sensitive to gluten soy and dairy and are avoiding them the next step I would make is the MRT testing to be able to refine your diet further. It really does help.
Best of luck Jenny I hope you can find some relief soon, you have been through so much.
Take care
Joe
My take on this is that MRT testing tests a wide range of foods and drug compounds in a more complete way than ELISA. I think the data from the test has the most value initially letting you know your high reactivity foods and of course you very low reactivity foods. I have felt the best I have in a long whlie eating pretty much only the foods I tested very low reactivity to. We call that eating our greens as the color code for low reactivity foods is green, yellow for moderate and red for highly reactive.
Additionally the tests offered by enterolab look for food sensitivities in a differrent way than either MRT or ELISA, in that it looks for local antibodies in the GI tract. I don't believe that enterolab testing looks at the wide range of foods and drugs that MRT does, but if you already know you are sensitive to gluten soy and dairy and are avoiding them the next step I would make is the MRT testing to be able to refine your diet further. It really does help.
Best of luck Jenny I hope you can find some relief soon, you have been through so much.
Take care
Joe
Joe
Hi Jenny,
I was still editing my post when you responded, so my final version might be a little easier to understand, but basically, yes - I have a hunch that MRT testing might be very helpful in your case, because it can catch reactions for which no ELISA tests are even available. ELISA tests are so specific, that in order to test for as many allergens as the MRT program covers, all those ELISA tests would cost a fortune. By comparison the MRT testing is much more affordable - it's not as specific as ELISA, but it's much more comprehensive. MRT testing just requires more followup experimentation afterwards, to verify the results.
Joe,
FWIW, the Enterolab tests are ELISA tests - they check specifically for IgA antibodies, and you're certainly correct that they only test for antibodies to a few select foods. The sample medium is, of course, stool, rather than blood serum, but it's still an ELISA test.
Tex
I was still editing my post when you responded, so my final version might be a little easier to understand, but basically, yes - I have a hunch that MRT testing might be very helpful in your case, because it can catch reactions for which no ELISA tests are even available. ELISA tests are so specific, that in order to test for as many allergens as the MRT program covers, all those ELISA tests would cost a fortune. By comparison the MRT testing is much more affordable - it's not as specific as ELISA, but it's much more comprehensive. MRT testing just requires more followup experimentation afterwards, to verify the results.
Joe,
FWIW, the Enterolab tests are ELISA tests - they check specifically for IgA antibodies, and you're certainly correct that they only test for antibodies to a few select foods. The sample medium is, of course, stool, rather than blood serum, but it's still an ELISA test.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Joefnh
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- Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:25 pm
- Location: Southern New Hampshire
Thanks for the clarification Tex I was not aware of that.
Jenny before you go back on the med check with Deb if you go to her if it would be better to have the test taken without the med. I remember a discussion about this with Deb early on and I thought she said the test would be more accurate without the med. I'm sure you could email her to clarify that.
Joe
Jenny before you go back on the med check with Deb if you go to her if it would be better to have the test taken without the med. I remember a discussion about this with Deb early on and I thought she said the test would be more accurate without the med. I'm sure you could email her to clarify that.
Joe
Joe
Zizzle,
Just adding my 2 cents about whether or not to use a dietitian. Of course I am biased because I am one but I wanted to point out a few benefits. From my standpoint it is highly recommeneded because doctors are not trained in nutrition (and a patient also is not trained). For example, if you are reactive to solanine, phenylethamine, or any other food chemical, would a physician really know how to advise you? Or, if a dietitian suspected histamine intolerance she could advise you on how to proceed. Trust me, the results cannot be taken at face value. A dietitian is trained to look at your history and symptoms in conjunction with test results. They will also spend far more time with you than a doctor (the $100 is for an hour, not 5 minutes, and in some states there is reimbursement for dietitian services). They will guide in what to eat, what supplements to take etc. They can also tell you where to find specialty products, restaurants etc.
It is true you can order the test through a doctor, but it is more cost effective to go through a dietitian. We get a price break on the test for the sole purpose of encouraging people to use nutrition services. Generally you will get an evaluation, instruction and a few follow ups for the total cost..
I can understand you wanting to wait for the test. I am also waiting to re-test.
Mary Beth
Just adding my 2 cents about whether or not to use a dietitian. Of course I am biased because I am one but I wanted to point out a few benefits. From my standpoint it is highly recommeneded because doctors are not trained in nutrition (and a patient also is not trained). For example, if you are reactive to solanine, phenylethamine, or any other food chemical, would a physician really know how to advise you? Or, if a dietitian suspected histamine intolerance she could advise you on how to proceed. Trust me, the results cannot be taken at face value. A dietitian is trained to look at your history and symptoms in conjunction with test results. They will also spend far more time with you than a doctor (the $100 is for an hour, not 5 minutes, and in some states there is reimbursement for dietitian services). They will guide in what to eat, what supplements to take etc. They can also tell you where to find specialty products, restaurants etc.
It is true you can order the test through a doctor, but it is more cost effective to go through a dietitian. We get a price break on the test for the sole purpose of encouraging people to use nutrition services. Generally you will get an evaluation, instruction and a few follow ups for the total cost..
I can understand you wanting to wait for the test. I am also waiting to re-test.
Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
Joe wrote:I too would highly recommend working with a dietician, I would go as far as to say it really is necessary.
and I agree with Mary Beth, that taking your test results to a doctor would surely be an exercise in frustration.Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Zizzle,
Interesting information. Thanks for the very thorough post.
I'm just around the Beltway from you in suburban Maryland so I imagine we both would pay roughly the same for the testing. The clinician I contacted charged $395.00 for testing. Consultation with the dietician would be an additional cost. I think my insurance would pay for some portion of the fee, but I'm not sure how much.
I'm going to get the testing done, although it sounds like it would be best to wait until the fall at this point. I plan on having a one time consultation with the dietician after the test results are back. I think this is the best way to fully understand the results and to also develop a plan of action based on my particular sensitivities.
I think this is a bit far for you to travel but here's the link for the practice that I contacted:
http://www.rbitzer.com/services/for-cli ... y-testing/
Sounds like several of us may have MRT test results to report come this fall. It should prove to be very interesting.
Thanks again Zizzle!
Julie
Interesting information. Thanks for the very thorough post.
I'm just around the Beltway from you in suburban Maryland so I imagine we both would pay roughly the same for the testing. The clinician I contacted charged $395.00 for testing. Consultation with the dietician would be an additional cost. I think my insurance would pay for some portion of the fee, but I'm not sure how much.
I'm going to get the testing done, although it sounds like it would be best to wait until the fall at this point. I plan on having a one time consultation with the dietician after the test results are back. I think this is the best way to fully understand the results and to also develop a plan of action based on my particular sensitivities.
I think this is a bit far for you to travel but here's the link for the practice that I contacted:
http://www.rbitzer.com/services/for-cli ... y-testing/
Sounds like several of us may have MRT test results to report come this fall. It should prove to be very interesting.
Thanks again Zizzle!
Julie