Where does my sample go after I send it back to Nectar?
Once you return your sample, it’s mailed to our partner laboratory for processing. This lab holds CLIA, CAP, and state-specific certifications, meeting federal and state regulations and compliance standards. These certifications include inspections to ensure adherence to industry best practices and quality assurance. In short, Nectar patients can feel confident all precautions are taken to process precise results.
How is my sample processed?
Another thing we’re proud of is the technology used to process your sample—developed by one of the leading manufacturers in medical laboratory diagnostics. The machine used to process your sample is also renowned for its reliability in detecting Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, the indicators of allergic reactions. Here's a peek into the process:
Sample inspection: To ensure your sample has enough blood to be tested and to check that your sample has not expired.
Reagent application: Special substances are applied to a test strip to initiate a chemical reaction.
Incubation: The test strip, infused with 40 different allergens, is incubated with your sample, allowing specific IgE antibodies to bind to the allergens coated on the test strip.
Color reaction: A second incubation with specific reagents triggers a color reaction, indicating the likelihood of an allergy.
Evaluation: High-resolution cameras scan the test strip, assessing intensity levels correlating with IgE and allergy classes for each allergen.
Results: Your allergy profile is presented using the IgE values and allergy classes for each tested allergen.
What do my results mean?
In your MyNectar dashboard, you'll find a comprehensive overview of your positive allergens. Think of IgE reactivity levels as indicators that an allergy could be present, not as a guarantee. Before getting a diagnosis, a licensed provider will review your results alongside your clinical history and geographic location. They will then craft a tailored treatment plan to manage your allergy symptoms in the short and long term.
How do you create my treatment plan?
Your allergy test results, clinical history, and geographic location are all taken into consideration when creating your treatment plan.
If you’re wondering why your recommended treatment formula doesn't include every allergen you're sensitive to, it's because a more targeted approach yields better results. Scientific literature suggests concentrating on your predominant allergens actually optimizes symptom alleviation for all of your allergies.
Disposal with responsibility
Finally, once you've received your results, rest assured that your sample is disposed of promptly and responsibly, adhering strictly to lab protocols.
Get your Nectar Allergy Test today and find out what you're allergic to.
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