More Frequently Asked Questions

Questions that people commonly ask include:

Who can be tested?
Anyone over the age of 5 can be tested. Only people with pacemakers cannot be tested using the BER test method.

Does it hurt?
No. This is a totally painless and non-invasive method of testing.

How will I be tested?
The testing method used is one of several capable of use within the field of Bio-Electronic Regulatory Medicine (BER). This system is based on the theory of utilising the acupuncture pressure points on the fingers or toes to measure resistance in the body to substances the client wishes to be tested for. The machine used is the RM10S manufactured by the German Med-Tronic Company. This unit provides a method of non-invasive painless testing with the scope to test as many substances as the tester has samples of.

You will hold an electrode in one hand that is connected to the testing unit and a probe will be placed on an acupuncture pressure point on a finger or toe on the opposite side of your body, thus placing you in a circuit with the machine. Samples of the potential allergen will be placed in the diagnostic unit which will then indicate whether there is any resistance from you to the substance in question.

What is an allergy?
Allergies and intolerances are disorders of the immune system. When the body comes into contact with a substance it can not tolerate, it can cause an exaggerated response. If you have a reaction to a particular food or substance in the environment (allergen) you are said to be allergic to, or intolerant of it. In this way, allergies are the body's way of eliminating something it considers unsuitable, and can be responsible for many complaints.

How common are allergies and intolerances?
A survey of 5200 people in the UK carried out in January 2007 by Allergy UK (a medical charity founded in 1991) showed 59% reported themselves as having food intolerance and 41% having classic food allergy symptoms. The full report can be seen at www.allergyuk.org under the "Stolen Lives 3" report. A startling statistic was that 67% stated that their GP did not understand their food problems.

What is the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?
If symptoms occur within an hour of eating/drinking/touching a particular substance, and particularly if the symptoms include an itchy or swollen mouth/throat, itchy skin, rashes, and vomiting, then an allergy is present. If symptoms occur between one hour and up to four days later, then an intolerance is present.

What am I allergic to?
You may be allergic or intolerant to all sorts of things. We test for over 100 items during the test, but if you think there is something specific that you are allergic or intolerant to, we recommend that you bring that item to your test (shampoo, toothpaste, specific foods and drinks etc).

Where can I get tested?
A clinic runs at Liverpool Street on Saturdays. Other clinics are also available across the UK.

How long is the waiting list for appointments?
The average waiting time for an appointment is 1-2 weeks, although some clinics do book up faster than others. Please contact Kate on 07951 740423 or kate@allergytest-london.co.uk to check availability and book your appointment.