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Histamine intolerance
Genetic testing for histamine intolerance
Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body. It is found in large quantities in some foods, where it forms as a result of the ripening and fermentation process. If you suffer from repeated digestive problems after eating certain foods, or if someone in your family has been diagnosed with the disease, a genetic analysis will confirm or refute whether you are predisposed to histamine intolerance (HIT). In the case of a proven predisposition, a low-histamine diet will help to eliminate the difficulties.
IN WHICH SITUATIONS IT IS APPROPRIATE TO TAKE THE TEST
REDUCED DAO ACTIVITY
You have been found to have reduced DAO enzyme activity.
MANIFESTATIONS OF INTOLERANCE
You suffer from some of the manifestations of histamine intolerance.
FAMILY MEDICAL HISTORY
The occurrence of HIT in someone in the family.
DIAGNOSTIC UNCERTAINTY
You are following a diet without being diagnosed.
- An examination covered by the public health insurance is indicated by the attending physician - specialist (gastroenterologist or allergist) based on your personal and family medical history.
DETAILED INFORMATION
Histamine intolerance is caused by an insufficient amount of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which maintains proper histamine levels in the body. Deficiency of this enzyme can be caused by genetic predisposition, the use of various, even over-the-counter drugs (some cough, pain and inflammation medications, antibiotics, high blood pressure drugs and others).
Histamine has many important functions in the body, such as being part of the natural immune response and regulating the course of inflammatory processes. In food, it is present in high concentrations, especially in fermented and long-kept foods, such as sausages, aged cheese, beer, wine, sauerkraut, sourdough bread, chocolate, but also spinach, tomatoes, some citrus fruits, bananas and many others.
The manifestations of histamine intolerance are quite varied and some can easily be mistaken for allergic reactions. The most common ones include abdominal cramps and pain, chronic diarrhea, swelling, itchy skin and other skin manifestations. Headaches, changes in blood pressure or shortness of breath may also occur. Genetic analysis of variants associated with reduced DAO activity will reveal whether the intolerance is genetic or acquired during life, or whether you have a hereditary predisposition to histamine intolerance.
You will receive the result within 10 working days.
HOW DOES THE WHOLE PROCESS WORK?
After ordering the test, you will receive an email with detailed information. A DNA sample is most often obtained through an oral swab or blood sample. You can perform the oral swab yourself in the comfort of your own home using a collection kit which will be sent to you by mail together with instructions and other documents. You can have your blood drawn at your local physician's office or at our outpatient clinic. The result of the analysis will be sent to you by e-mail or by post as agreed. In the case of a positive result, we recommend an appointment for a genetic consultation.
1.
Ordering
Choose a specific test or make an appointment for a genetic consultation.2.
Sampling
A sample of your DNA is most often obtained through an oral swab or blood sample.3.
Analysis
Our team of experienced professionals will analyse the sample using the latest methods and technologies.4.
RESULT
After the test has been evaluated, you will receive a detailed and easy-to-understand laboratory report, or a consultation with a clinical geneticist will be recommended.Frequently Asked Questions
The time required for the laboratory examination (sample analysis) and the delivery date of the result vary according to the type and complexity of the examination. Usually it is in the order of weeks, for complex tests up to several months. The delivery date of the result is indicated in the details of each test on our website. In urgent situations, e.g. for a woman with a newly diagnosed breast or ovarian tumour before surgery, the oncopanel cancer test is performed in STATIM mode and the result is available within 3-4 weeks, whereas in normal mode it takes up to 6 months.
Health insurance always covers genetic consultations recommended by the attending physician (usually a general practitioner, paediatrician, oncologist, gynaecologist or other specialist). During the consultation, a clinical geneticist will assess whether the indication criteria for testing for the predisposition genes are met; if so, the entire genetic test, including laboratory analysis of the sample and subsequent consultation with the geneticist/doctor, is covered by health insurance. If the criteria for the genetic testing are not met, the patient can pay for the selected/recommended test as a self-payment.
After making an appointment, you will come to our office where you will first fill out a personal and family history questionnaire, or you can download it from here on our website and fill it out in advance, in the comfort of your own home. Remember to bring it with you afterwards. This is followed by a consultation with a doctor who will compile your three-generation family tree and decide on the indication for laboratory genetic testing. We also recommend that you bring medical reports from recent important examinations.
Recommendation - a referral from the doctor who recommended the genetic consultation. Alternatively, a completed genetic family and personal history questionnaire, which can be downloaded here. However, the questionnaire can also be completed after you arrive at our office. Medical reports from previous examinations related to the requested genetic test. It is not necessary to be fasting for the genetic examination, so you can easily make an appointment in the afternoon.
It has been reported that approximately 5-10% of cancers are caused by inborn changes in certain genes. One of the main goals of predictive genetic testing is the early identification of people at risk. If risk predispositions (gene mutations) are detected, preventive follow-up at specialised centres is recommended, where possible cancers are detected early and the chances of successful treatment are increased. In the case of high-risk mutations, preventive surgery may be recommended to make the risk of cancer in a given organ virtually impossible (for example, removal of the breast glands or removal of the uterus and ovary in BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers).
If your first-degree relative (parents, siblings, children) develops colon cancer before the age of 45, your risk of developing this cancer is 5 times higher. If you have three first-degree relatives, your risk can be as high as 50%. In families with a history of recurrent bowel cancer or with a history of bowel cancer at a young age, it could be hereditary cancer syndrome (Lynch syndrome). In such cases, genetic consultation is recommended.