Mediator Release Test (MRT): Principles and Method

Mediator Release Test (MRT): Principles and Method

September 01, 2015


Non-IgE mediated reactions may involve a variety of immune mechanisms (IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C4, T-cell activation, phagocytosis, etc..) and non-immune mechanisms (pharmacologic, toxic) working independently or concurrently to trigger inflammatory and neurologic mediator release from associated leukocytes and platelets. Released mediators produce corresponding physiologic effects leading to symptom manifestation.

Because of the complexity of the mediators potentially released, a simple, yet comprehensive method of identifying food and chemical induced mediator release has been developed. The patented Mediator Release Test (MRT) is an accurate "End-Point" test which indirectly measure mediator release through precise measurement of changes to liquid/solids ratio of a blood sample after whole blood has been incubated with an individual food, additive, or chemical. MRT isn't limited to a single mechanism (such as ELISA) or quantification of a single mediator (such as LHRT). Rather, MRT detects the outcome of all non-IgE mediated reactions through it's innovative approach.

LEAP-MRT differs from other tests and is more inclusive. Because adverse food and food-chemical reactions can follow different pathways, single pathway blood tests fall short of their usefulness. In fact, the literature shows that roughly 3/4 of adverse food reactions in IBS and migraine are Type 4 cell-mediated hypersenstivity. Cell-mediated reactions cannot be identified with ELISA IgG or IgE testing, as no antibodies are involved in triggering mediator release. In addition, reactions to food-chemicals (such as colorings, additives, and naturally occurring pharmacologic agents) are often clinically significant, yet very few sources are available to identify reactions to anything other than foods.

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MRT/LEAP