How do I redeem my Groupon voucher
- Groupon codes are redeemed right here at intolerancelab.co.uk.
- Add the test that matches your Groupon voucher to your basket and go to the checkout.
- Enter your Groupon code in the coupon field at checkout.
- Each code works once — if you have more than one voucher, place a separate order for each code.
- After checkout you’ll receive the sample instructions. They explain how to take your hair sample and where to post it — please do this promptly, as we’ll be waiting on your sample to proceed.
- If your code isn’t accepted, email info@intolerancelab.co.uk with the code and we’ll sort it out for you.
What’s the difference between allergy and intolerance?
Allergy and intolerance are often confused, or thought of as similar conditions, when in reality they are very different. Allergy is an immediate, sometimes dangerous or life-threatening reaction to a food or drink. This is often present from a young age and usually involves the antibody type IgE. Intolerance can be developed later in life and takes longer for symptoms to present themselves, making it more difficult to pinpoint the culprit food(s). A sensitivity screen can give you a shortlist of foods worth exploring, and many people use it as a starting point for an elimination approach. With suspected food allergy, always seek professional medical help.
Are the tests available at the NHS?
Our screen isn’t available on the NHS — it’s a private service for information and lifestyle insight, not a medical test. If you have health insurance, your provider can tell you whether they’d contribute towards the cost. For persistent symptoms, your GP should always be your first port of call.
What do you test for?
We test for over 350 types of food, including wheat, eggs, nuts, etc. We also test for over 350 non-food items, like pet hair, pollen and detergents. If you need a full list, get in touch and we can get you one.
What age is the youngest you would consider testing?
We don't test anybody under the age of six.
Can I take the test if I’m pregnant?
Optimum nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding is vital for mother and child. To reduce any possible risk to the mother or baby, it’s Intolerance Lab’s protocol not to offer tests, advice or lifestyle changes during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.
Are the Tests painful?
The tests are as painful as plucking a hair from your body.
My hair is very short can you still complete the tests?
Your hair does not have to come from your head. It can come from your leg, arm, or even chest.
My hair is dyed, will this affect the results?
This will not have any effect on the results.
I’ve been cutting out foods already. Should I reintroduce them?
No — there’s no need to change what you’re eating before taking your sample. The screen is run on your hair sample as it is, and The report provides a reference list generated by the service’s proprietary, non-diagnostic process. It does not measure bodily reactions or establish an intolerance.
How does your test compare to the blood test?
They’re two very different things. A blood test, arranged through your GP, looks for IgE-mediated allergy — a medical test for a medical condition, and the right route if you suspect an allergy. Our screen is not a medical or allergy test: it’s a bioresonance screen of your hair sample that gives you a shortlist of foods and non-food items worth exploring through an elimination approach. The two aren’t interchangeable, and ours doesn’t replace medical testing — if you suspect an allergy, please speak to your GP.
Should I get a blood test or a hair sample test?
If you notice a reaction that is almost instant, or within a couple of hours at most, speak to your GP first — they may consider allergy testing, and serious reactions always need medical attention. Our screen is not an allergy test and can’t rule an allergy in or out. If your reactions seem slower or harder to pin down, our hair screen can give you a shortlist of foods worth exploring through an elimination approach — information and lifestyle insight, not a diagnosis.
Can you test for food intolerance from hair?
A hair sample is exactly what our screen works from — it’s the method we use here at the Intolerance Lab.
There are several great reasons why we choose to work from a hair sample.
- it is non-invasive. There is no blood sample, and you can cut a small piece of hair in your own home and send it directly to us. This also makes it perfect for children and adults who are sensitive to touch or anxious about medical procedures.
- The turnaround time for testing your hair sample is quick. This means you have your results faster. We are also able to lower the costs and pass this on to you due to the efficiency of the process.
- Using your hair sample also allows us to test a large number of items during the process. We currently test for over 700 items using your one hair sample. This includes 350 food items and 350 non-food items such as cleaning products and chemicals used in the home.
Is this a test for intolerance?
Yes — the screen we perform here at the Intolerance Lab is for food intolerances: it highlights the items your sample reacted to, for information and lifestyle insight, not a medical diagnosis. This is different to a food allergy response, which would require a blood test and possibly other types of testing from your GP. Food intolerances generally occur in your digestive tract and produce uncomfortable symptoms. Food allergies are an immune response and can be life-threatening. We do not test for these.
Is an intolerance test worth it?
If you’ve been going round in circles trying to work out which foods don’t agree with you, a screen gives you a structured place to start. The report provides a reference list generated by the service’s proprietary, non-diagnostic process. It does not measure bodily reactions or establish an intolerance. It’s for information and lifestyle insight, not a diagnosis — and it’s backed by our 90-day money-back guarantee. If you have persistent symptoms, please speak to your GP.
How do doctors test for food intolerance?
Doctors don’t generally test for food intolerances — there’s no standard medical test for them, although your GP can arrange tests for specific conditions such as lactose intolerance or coeliac disease, so persistent symptoms are always worth raising with them. Food allergy testing, which doctors can order, is a different thing entirely. For everyday intolerances, the approach most often suggested is an elimination diet with a food diary — which is exactly what our screen gives you a starting shortlist for.
What is the best food intolerance test?
We believe ours is for several reasons:
- It’s so non-invasive and does not require any blood samples. You can cut a small piece of your hair in the privacy of your own home and send it to us for testing. It’s easy to do children with this test as well!
- The report is clear and easy to act on — a shortlist of the items your sample reacted to, ready to trial with an elimination approach. Customers regularly tell us the process is quick and simple.
- With one small hair sample we can screen over 700 items — 350 foods and drinks plus 350 non-food items — all from a few strands of hair.
How do I find out my intolerances?
Order one of our screens online — there’s no kit to wait for. Simply post 9–10 strands of hair to our UK lab (standard postage will do), and your report is emailed within 3 working days of your sample arriving. The report provides a reference list generated by the service’s proprietary, non-diagnostic process. It does not measure bodily reactions or establish an intolerance.
Are food intolerance tests accurate and reliable?
An honest answer: our screen uses bioresonance, which sits outside mainstream medicine and isn’t accepted by the NHS — so we don’t present it as a medical or diagnostic test, and no food-intolerance test of any kind can diagnose a condition. What the screen gives you is a consistent, structured shortlist of the items your sample reacted to — a starting point for a six-week elimination trial with a food diary, which is where the real answers come from. We’ve written up the evidence question in full in our guide to food intolerance test accuracy, and every screen is backed by our 90-day money-back guarantee. What are the most common food intolerances?
The most common food intolerances include:
- Lactose
- Casein
- Gluten
- Egg
- Nuts
- Yeast
We’ve found through our testing that these come up a lot, however people can be intolerant to many different foods and products. It’s always best to test, not guess.
How do you get tested for food allergies?
Food allergies can be life-threatening, and if you suspect that you may have one, you need to see your doctor ASAP. Allergies are immune reactions, and doctors will usually use a blood or pin prick test to diagnose them. We DO NOT test for allergies here at the intolerance lab. Our test is for food intolerances only.
Can you test for food allergies at home?
No, you can’t. As mentioned above, food allergies can be life-threatening. You need to see your doctor ASAP if you suspect you may have one. Here at the intolerance lab, we deal with food intolerances only, NOT food allergies.
What are examples of intolerances?
Examples of food intolerances include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, egg intolerance and yeast intolerance. People can be intolerant to any foods; it depends on the individual.
It can be tricky to pinpoint a food intolerance because everyone reacts differently. However, there are some symptoms that are very common among sufferers. These are the most common symptoms you might have if you suffer from food intolerances:
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Constipation
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Skin rashes
- Runny nose
What causes food intolerance?
This question does not have a simple answer. Food intolerances can have a variety of possible contributors — here are some that are often discussed:
- Genetic history of the intolerance
- Poor gut health
- Over use of antibiotics
- Bacterial imbalance in the gut
- Changes in the gut lining
- Previous gastro infections
- Auto immunity
It also depends on the individual, and your personal health history.
Does intolerance mean allergy?
No, food intolerance and food allergy are two very different things. A food intolerance is a digestive system reaction and can take 24 to 48 hours to produce a reaction. It is not life threatening, but it can lessen quality of life. A food allergy is an immediate immune system reaction to consuming a food the person is allergic to. Food allergies can be life-threatening and can result in anaphylaxis, which needs immediate medical attention.
What is the best test for food allergies?
Food allergies are very different to food intolerances. If food allergies are suspected, you need to discuss the best testing options for your situation with your doctor. We do not deal with food allergies here at the Intolerance Lab.
What foods are tested in allergy skin testing?
This also depends on what your individual presentation is. Your doctor will decide with you what foods need to be tested. We do not deal with food allergies here at the intolerance lab.
Can I test myself for food allergies?
No. Food allergies are life threatening and need to be tested with a doctor. You can, however, screen yourself for food INTOLERANCES at home with one of our hair screens — the report gives you a shortlist of items worth exploring, not a diagnosis.
Is intolerance lab a con?
Hah, we love this question. A healthy dose of scepticism is fair enough — so we’re upfront about what the screen is: information and lifestyle insight, not a medical diagnosis. We explain exactly how the process works, every screen is backed by our 90-day money-back guarantee, and you can check out our Google reviews and decide for yourself!
Are food intolerance Labs Legit?
Absolutely. We’re a UK lab trusted by 2,000+ customers. Every report gives you a clear shortlist of the items your sample reacted to — a starting point to explore through an elimination approach — and it’s all backed by our 90-day money-back guarantee.
