MRT Testing

Jazi · Post by **Jazi** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 10:55 am

I did a search on here for this and really couldn't find anything. I've heard it mentioned in a recent post.

Does a physician order this? Is it as reliable as Enterolab?

Post by **tex** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 12:42 pm

Hi Joanne,

Here are a couple of forums with numerous posts about the topic. The first one is mostly discussions and the second one is based on test results for various members.

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=66

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=68

MRT is not as good as EnteroLab testing for pinpointing the major food sensitivities (because it often misses gluten, dairy, etc.), but it is very good for tracking down additional (less common) sensitivities that are otherwise hard to detect. It requires trial and error testing to verify sensitivity or tolerance of some of the results. IOW, avoid the red items and possibly the yellow items, and test the green items to verify that they are safe.

The testing is supposed to be done under the supervision of a licensed dietitian, but unfortunately only one dietitian in the world appears to have a good working knowledge of the limitations of MC, and she is a member of this board. But she can recommend a dietitian in your area who might be able to help. Most dietitians will not allow enough time between food tests for reactions to develop, because they are familiar with allergies (but not food sensitivities of the type that we have to deal with), and they may not allow for certain types of foods that we should avoid, such as fiber, raw veggies, fruit, sugar, etc.

Unless their insurance will pay for it, most members order the test themselves.

Tex

wmonique2 · Post by **wmonique2** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 3:33 pm

Tex,

Who does one order the test from? Which lab?

I am ready to do it since I am progressing...my problem is even if I test good on some foods, there is the problem of fiber and the mast cell issue as well. I am not eating any fiber foods already (just rice, potatoes and stuff I tested negative at enterolab).

I called one lab and they told me the doc has to order it. And since I don't have insurance anyway, I'd rather just order it myself.

Thanks,

Monique

wmonique2 · Post by **wmonique2** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 3:35 pm

I meant to say that I am NOT progressing...

Post by **tex** » Fri Apr 12, 2013 9:10 pm

Monique,

This is the lab site:

http://www.nowleap.com/

As I recall, they do like to go through certain doctors (probably alternative practitioners, but I'm just guessing). And some members have ordered the test through a dietitian (I think). But I'm thinking that some members have found ways to order the test themselves, at a significantly reduced cost, but since I've never done that testing, I don't know any of the details. Hopefully someone who knows something about this will post some insight about it. The biggest problem with most of the dietitians certified to work with the program is that they don't savvy MC, so most of them are not much help in many cases.

Love,
Tex

wmonique2 · Post by **wmonique2** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 11:32 am

Hi Tex,

Thanks for that link and I'll call them on Monday. I connected with Mary Beth and she's trying to find dietitians who live in my area and who know MRT. The question is (as you pointed out) would they know MC?

I found plenty of places where they'll order it for you but I am trying to find one where I can order it myself. They probably will have a local lab they work with where I can take a blood test.

Mary Beth said that it is cheaper to go through a dietitian (because they order it) but I don't know that yet, or for sure. I am waiting for next week to talk to everybody.

I am a bloodhound and soon as I smell blood I'll know it

Meanwhile, I'd love to hear from the members who did it SANS the middle men.

Give us your take!

Love,

Monique

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Sat Apr 13, 2013 6:52 pm

Monique, I contacted the lab directly and found out it is located close to where I live. I made an appointment and had the blood drawn in their office. It was apparent they don't usually do this but for some reason let me come in. I used Oxford Biomedical for my tests. I tried the LEAP for a short while but it is darned near impossible to do if you have a very limited diet. The modified paleo diet works best for me.

Their information is:
Oxford Clinical Lab
3555 Fiscal Court, Ste 9
Riviera Beach, Fl 33404
561-848-7111

Good luck.

Sheila W

Jazi · Post by **Jazi** » Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:30 am

Lots of info here. I'm going to call them also.... it's better than nothing since I can't do Enterolab.

Jazi · Post by **Jazi** » Sun Apr 14, 2013 5:18 pm

I found this ---> http://www.mrtlabs.com/

Is there a difference?

Post by **tex** » Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:08 pm

Joanne,

That's a different facility. The prior existence of that lab is the reason why the lab associated with the NowLeap program (that members here use) had to change their name to Oxford Biomedical Technologies a few years ago. MRT Laboratories uses IgE and IgG testing methods. The testing approach used at Oxford Biomedical Technologies does not involve IgE and/or IgG testing. Instead, it uses a process known as mediator release testing, which basically measures and compares the ratio of solids to liquids in blood samples, after the samples are exposed to various antigens.

IgG and IgE tests are classic allergy tests, which detect antibodies to antigens in the blood. MRT does not involve any antibody testing.

So yes, there's a huge difference. IgE and IgG tests will detect allergies to classic allergies, but they are basically worthless for detecting the type of food sensitivities that we have with MC.

Tex

wmonique2 · Post by **wmonique2** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 3:49 pm

Tex-------thanks for explaining the difference and the protocol. I was getting confused about the different labs and methods and you answered my questions. I did talk to Oxford Biomedical today...and they sent me the list of items tested and the various prices.

Sheila------it looks like you bought the whole LEAP program. Was it better than just buying the 150 foods tested? That one costs $600. Then you have to get your blood drawn and ship the stuff. It is quite pricey when you add it all up. I am also limited in my food choices already because of the fiber limitations, so getting the whole program doesn't sound like a good alternative for me. Beside, I know what I am suppose to do.

I wonder if members here can chime in about the cheapest alternatives and give us prices...Meanwhile I am doing my homework and calling people.

Thanks to all,

Monique

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 5:20 pm

Monique, I bought the 150 food test. I was given the LEAP information and an explanation of how it worked. I didn't use a dietician immediately and after trying to figure out how I could accomplish the rotation, I decided to continue the paleo diet instead. My food choices are very limited and just thinking about having to figure out that insane rotation was stressful. Who needs more stress?

They charged me $495.00 in 2012 to draw blood and do the test and I picked up the results. Those results were really disheartening. Some basics in my diet were now off limits and foods that I enjoy were either yellow or red. Major bummer. I hate this disease although I know it isn't going to kill me, I'm sure it could aggravate a person to death.

Sheila W

wmonique2 · Post by **wmonique2** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 5:24 pm

Thanks Sheila. Well, the price went up significantly. They want 600 for the 150 tests but I have to go to a lab and get the blood and ship it to them via UPS express. So I have to figure out what the lab will charge plus the shipping.

Thanks for clarifying the whole thing for me. It really helps to make a decision.

Monique

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 6:45 pm

Monique, I think there was a reason for the reduced price but for the life of me, I can't remember what it was. What is included for your $600?

Sheila W

wmonique2 · Post by **wmonique2** » Mon Apr 15, 2013 6:51 pm

Hi Sheila,

I called and just asked for the test alone and that was $600 then they told me I'd have to find a lab where I can test and ship and that would be another expense. I am calling tomorrow again and ask them about their ImmunoCalm diet which they mentioned in a following email (they said that it maybe a good one for me).

Apparently this diet is reintroducing foods after 6 weeks to 3 months one at the time. I'll get more info tomorrow and see if a package might be better for me.

Thanks,

Monique

MICROSCOPIC COLITIS SUPPORT

MRT Testing

MRT Testing

MRT testing

MRT testing

MRT testing

MRT testing

MRT testing

MRT testing