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Frequently Asked Questions - Testing

Please see below for some commonly asked questions regarding testing options available.

Q: Do I have to test through a healthcare provider?
A: No, You may test directly through this website or through one of our program advisors at Previmedica. We do require a blood draw to be provided by a medical professional that we can assist in arranging. You may also take part in our additional support programs.

Q: Do I need to fill each tube completely?
A: Each tube must be filled to capacity. Failure to do so may require recollection.

Q: Is fasting required before taking the Alcat test?
A: No, fasting is not required. However, we recommend NOT taking any medications or supplements at least four hours prior to the blood draw.

Q: Do I need to reintroduce foods before taking the Alcat test?
A: All foods known to elicit a true IgE allergic response (not detected by the Alcat Test) should be avoided at all costs. 
Numerous pathways may provoke the cellular response detected by the Alcat Food and Chemical Sensitivity Test. Some may require exposure, others do not. 

For suspect food offenders that have been avoided previous to testing, priming the system by consuming those foods two to three times within the week prior to testing would be best, so long as there are no true allergies to the food in question (or Celiac disease if gluten is in question). For patients who do not wish to consume the suspected "problem foods" prior to testing, it is important to be aware that the cellular response measured by the Alcat Test, may or may not occur for those suspected foods, depending on the pathway responsible for the response.

Q: What is the shipping procedure for the Alcat test?
A: Specimens must be shipped via UPS/FedEx the same day blood is drawn. Check with UPS/FedEx prior to draw for express delivery cutoff times. When using our company for the blood draw they will return the kit to us. A return shipping label will be inside the kit.

BEFORE YOU SEND YOUR SPECIMEN!
IMPORTANT: "Lab Requisition Form" inside your kit REQUIRES YOUR SIGNATURE on the FRONT of the document so we may provide services.

Q: How long does it take to get my test kit?
A: You can expect your test kit to arrive in 3-5 business days depending on where you reside.

Q: How long will it take to receive my Alcat Test results?
A: An email will be sent to inform you once your specimen reaches the laboratory, including an update on when you can anticipate your results. Within 10 business days of the laboratory receiving your blood work, you will be notified via email that your results are accessible for viewing on the PreviMedica portal.  

Q: How soon should I start eliminating my reactive foods?
A: Because the immune system is a dynamic and changing system in the body and the sensitivity to foods may differ in a few months, we suggest you don’t delay. The sooner you understand what foods to avoid, what foods to consume within a varied pattern, the sooner you can get started and start to feel your best. 

Q: I know I have an allergy to a food. Why is it on my acceptable food list/green column?
A: The Alcat Test is NOT a food allergy test. It is designed to test for sensitivities, which involve a delayed, not necessarily an immediate, response. If you have true food allergies, continue to avoid those foods at all costs, regardless of the reaction or non-reaction determined by the Alcat Test. 

Q: How much support is available after testing?
A: Each food sensitivity test (of 150 foods or more) purchased through PreviMedica, includes a complimentary one month membership with PreviMedica, providing access to nutrition experts customized meal planning and educational resources. Your membership includes two 1:1 video sessions with the nutrition practitioner assigned to you.

Q: Is it an option to continue working with PreviMedica once my complimentary month membership has ended?
A: PreviMedica’s nutrition advisors are eager to be on your health care team for as long as you need. To continue benefiting from monthly memberships, please contact us.

Q: What happens if I want to cancel my test?
A: If you have decided not to proceed with testing, please inform your program advisor, in writing, within 30 days of your purchase. Please return the test kit at your expense to: 
      Cell Science Systems/PreviMedica 
      852 South Military Trail
      Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 
Once we receive the returned kit, a refund will be processed less the $75.00 cancellation fee and shipping if applicable. 
Please DO NOT use the FedEx shipping bag to return the kit. If the bag/label is used, an additional fee of $28.00 will also be deducted from your refund amount. For cancellations after a specimen has shipped to the lab, the cancellation fee is $125.00 to be deducted from the amount to be refunded.

No refund will be issued if a request to cancel is received after 90 days from the test order date. Customer has the option to use credit toward another test or to transfer the original test ordered to a family member or friend as a gift. Specimen for new or gifted test must be received within 30 days of this request.

Q: Is the Alcat Test covered by insurance?
A: Insurance plans do not reimburse for this test, currently. If you have an HSA account or FSA account, you may be able to use that for reimbursement.Â