Inappropriate Test for Food Allergy – Why ALCAT Is Not Reliable
When it comes to diagnosing food allergies or intolerances, accuracy is critical. The ALCAT test is often marketed as a way to detect food allergies and intolerances, but scientific research does not support its reliability.
What Is the ALCAT Test?
ALCAT (Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test) claims to identify food allergies or intolerances by measuring changes in white blood cell size after exposure to different substances. However, this method lacks scientific validation and has no concrete published evidence to support its accuracy.
Why ALCAT Is Not Reliable
🚫 Lack of Reproducibility: When the same sample was sent twice, the test produced completely different results, indicating that it lacks consistency.
🚫 No Correlation with True Food Allergy: The test fails to identify food allergies in individuals who have a medically confirmed diagnosis.
🚫 Not Recommended by Experts: Allergy and immunology specialists do not endorse ALCAT due to its poor accuracy and lack of validation.
Official Statement from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
According to ASCIA, cytotoxic testing (also known as ALCAT or Bryan’s test) is unreliable for diagnosing food allergies. Their findings reveal:
✅ Results are inconsistent and not reproducible
✅ ALCAT does not correlate with conventional allergy testing
✅ It frequently misdiagnoses food hypersensitivity in people who do not have food allergies
The Right Way to Test for Food Allergy
If you suspect a food allergy, the best approach is to see a board-certified Allergist & Immunologist who can conduct a thorough evaluation, including:
✔️ A detailed clinical history
✔️ Standardized skin prick testing or blood IgE tests (when appropriate)
✔️ Oral food challenges—the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies
Bottom Line
ALCAT is not a scientifically validated test and can lead to unnecessary food restrictions or false reassurance. Always seek proper diagnosis and treatment from a qualified Allergy & Immunology specialist.
