Pinnertest — Frequently Asked Questions

Pinnertest is a scientific food intolerance test that analyzes IgG antibody reactions your body develops against specific foods. Using advanced microarray laboratory technology, just a few drops of blood are tested to detect delayed immune responses that may contribute to digestive system disorders and other chronic symptoms.

These immune reactions can manifest with symptoms such as:

• Bloating
• Migraines and headaches
• Chronic fatigue and low energy
• Eczema and other skin problems
• Digestive issues such as gas, cramps or discomfort

By identifying which foods trigger IgG reactions in your body, Pinnertest helps you and your clinician design a personalized elimination diet so you can work toward reducing symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Pinnertest offers three main IgG food intolerance panels:

• Pinnertest 120 – Tests IgG intolerance against 120 different foods
• Pinnertest 200 – Covers 200 different foods
• Pinnertest 250 – The most comprehensive panel with 250 food items

All panels use the same advanced microarray technology and scientific analysis methods. The main difference is the number of foods tested, which is chosen according to the client’s lifestyle, dietary habits, and symptom intensity.

Many clients choose the broader panels when they have complex symptoms or a very varied diet. Healthcare professionals can help select the most appropriate panel based on history and complaints.

Pinnertest results show the IgG antibody levels (in μg/ml) measured in your body against each food. These values reflect how strongly your immune system responds to that food.

The measured value for each food is classified as:

• 🟢 < 7.5 μg/ml (Low – No Reaction)
  No significant immune response has been detected. The risk of intolerance to this food is low. Generally safe to continue consuming.
• 🟡 7.5 – 19.9 μg/ml (Moderate Reaction)
  A measurable IgG response has been detected. The body shows some level of immune reaction. Reduction, rotation, or cautious use is often recommended.
• 🔴 ≥ 20.0 μg/ml (High Reaction)
  A significant immune response has been detected. This food may contribute to inflammatory processes in the body. Temporary elimination and structured reintroduction is usually recommended.

These ranges are a guide for building a personalized elimination plan. For the most accurate interpretation, the report should always be reviewed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Pinnertest is designed to be simple, fast and non-invasive, and can be performed entirely from home.

Step-by-step process:

• A small amount of blood is collected by pricking the fingertip.
• The blood drops are placed on a special drying card included in the kit.
• The card is left to dry and then placed into the pre-addressed envelope.
• The sample is mailed to our laboratory (postage costs are usually covered).
• In the lab, IgG antibody levels against 120, 200 or 250 foods are analyzed using advanced microarray technology.
• Results are delivered digitally, typically within 7–10 business days.

No clinic visit is required. The at-home kit includes clear instructions and all necessary materials.

Your Pinnertest report shows the concentration of IgG antibodies (in μg/ml) that your immune system has produced in response to each tested food. These values are used to classify foods into different reactivity levels.

The reactivity ranges are:

• < 7.5 μg/ml – No Elevation
  No significant IgG response was detected. These foods are generally well-tolerated and may remain part of your regular diet.
• 7.5 to < 20.0 μg/ml – Moderate Reactivity
  A mild to moderate IgG response was observed. Consider limiting or rotating these foods to assess their impact on your well-being.
• ≥ 20.0 μg/ml – High Reactivity
  A strong IgG response was detected. You may benefit from temporarily eliminating these foods under professional supervision.

These categories provide a framework for creating a personalized eating plan. Always review your results with a qualified healthcare professional, who can match the IgG levels to your symptoms, medical history, and overall nutrition needs.

No. There is no requirement to fast before collecting the sample for Pinnertest. You may eat and drink normally unless your healthcare provider has given you different instructions for other reasons.

Yes, you can take Pinnertest while on a restricted diet, but it is important to understand how this may affect results.

If you have avoided a particular food for more than about six months, your IgG levels to that food may decrease and the test may show no reaction, even if you reacted to it in the past. IgG antibodies are produced in response to exposure, so long-term avoidance can lower the measured level.

If you are on a very strict elimination diet, discuss timing of the test with your healthcare provider to get the most meaningful result.

Short-term antibiotic use usually does not affect the technical accuracy of IgG measurements, especially if you are not taking immunosuppressive drugs at the same time.

However, long-term antibiotics can disrupt gut flora and may contribute to more food reactions being detected. If you are currently on or have recently completed a long course of antibiotics, it is a good idea to talk with your clinician about the best timing for testing.

Most everyday medications do not interfere with Pinnertest, but certain drugs can influence immune responses and antibody levels.

Medications that may affect results include:

• Long-term or repeated courses of antibiotics
• Immunosuppressive drugs
• Some therapies that strongly modify the immune system

If you are using any of these, consult your doctor before testing so they can advise on timing and interpretation.

Yes. The steroid concentration in most inhalers is relatively low and acts locally in the airways, so it is not expected to significantly influence IgG food intolerance results.

If you are on very high doses or multiple steroid medications, discuss this with your healthcare provider for individualized advice.

In typical use, topical cortisol (steroid) creams are unlikely to interfere with Pinnertest. The effect is usually localized to the skin area where they are applied, and systemic absorption is generally low.

As always, if you are using high-potency topical steroids over large body areas, it is wise to mention this to your clinician when they interpret your test.

Yes. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers such as Infliximab or Humira have not been shown to cause specific problems with IgG food intolerance testing.

Because TNF blockers modify immune function, your results should still be reviewed in context by the prescribing physician or another qualified clinician.

No. Celiac disease is diagnosed using a combination of blood tests, genetic tests and/or small-bowel biopsy. IgG food intolerance testing cannot diagnose celiac disease or classic gluten allergy.

Pinnertest can only show whether your immune system is producing IgG antibodies against gluten-containing foods. If you suspect celiac disease, you must be evaluated with appropriate medical testing.

No. Lactose is a carbohydrate (a sugar), and Pinnertest measures IgG antibodies to proteins, not carbohydrates.

Lactose intolerance is usually related to an enzyme deficiency (lactase) rather than an IgG-mediated immune reaction. Different tests are needed to evaluate lactose intolerance.

Foods that show high IgG levels in your report are typically listed in a red section. These foods are more likely to be associated with symptoms, and many clients benefit from temporarily removing them.

Basic elimination steps:

• Remove all red-listed foods from your diet for at least 1 month (longer if recommended by your clinician).
• After this period, re-introduce one food at a time and observe yourself for around 72 hours.
• If symptoms return, stop that food and avoid it again. You can retry it later (after another month or as advised).
• If symptoms do not return, you may add another red-listed food and repeat the process.

In practice, clients usually need to focus on a relatively small subset of foods (often around 6–7 key items), especially if some red-listed foods are rarely eaten in everyday life.

Important: This elimination process is not meant for known IgE food allergies. Those should never be reintroduced without medical supervision.

Yes. Pinnertest evaluates IgG food intolerance, not immediate IgE-mediated food allergy. If you have a known or suspected food allergy, that food should never be reintroduced without medical supervision.

When reintroducing foods after elimination, be aware of emergency symptoms such as:

• Swelling of the face, mouth or tongue
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Hives, rash, or widespread itching
• Any other signs of an acute allergic reaction

If any of these occur, seek emergency medical help immediately. Pinnertest is not a substitute for allergy testing, diagnosis or emergency care.

Pinnertest detects delayed food intolerances by measuring IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibodies that the immune system produces against specific foods. The mechanism is associated with Type III hypersensitivity reactions.

When intestinal permeability is increased or digestion is compromised, incompletely digested food proteins can cross the gut barrier and enter the bloodstream. The immune system may perceive these proteins as foreign and respond by producing IgG antibodies.

IgG antibodies can form immune complexes with food antigens. These complexes may deposit in tissues and:

• Trigger or maintain low-grade inflammation
• Chronically stimulate the immune system
• Contribute to symptoms such as migraines, bloating, fatigue and skin problems

Pinnertest analyzes IgG patterns to help identify which foods are most likely involved in these delayed immune reactions, supporting a personalized elimination strategy.

IgG food intolerance testing can be particularly useful in clients with chronic, unexplained or multi-system symptoms. Common indications include:

• Chronic digestive problems (bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation)
• Recurrent headaches or migraines
• Skin problems (eczema, acne, itching)
• Chronic fatigue and low energy
• Muscle and joint pain or fibromyalgia-like complaints
• Mood swings, low mood, anxiety or concentration difficulties
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Behavioral concerns such as hyperactivity or attention issues in children

In many of these clients, the underlying triggers remain unclear for years. By identifying possible food-related contributors, Pinnertest supports the development of a structured, individualized nutrition plan.

Pinnertest can be used in children, but the maturity of the immune system is important when interpreting IgG results.

In general, it is recommended to apply the test in children aged 3 years and older.

• 2–3 years: Testing may be considered with caution. Elimination should be gentle and supervised, with close monitoring of growth and development.
• 3–6 years: Testing is more reliable. Elimination diets should be carefully guided by parents and clinicians to avoid unnecessary restriction.
• 6+ years: The immune system is more stable and results tend to be easier to interpret within an adult-like protocol, always considering growth needs.

Any pediatric use should be overseen by a qualified healthcare professional with attention to nutritional adequacy and normal growth.