Have a question?
Didn't find the answer you were looking for in our FAQs? Don't worry — our team is here to help.
Simply write us at hello@self.co
General Questions
Our tests use CE/IVD certified technology and are performed in our certified medical laboratory. The molecular testing technology provides highly accurate results, validated by clinical studies and over 137,000 tests performed.
Quality is our top priority. Each allergen analyte in our tests has been compared against the gold-standard ImmunoCAP allergy test. The method was additionally validated through 3,000 clinical cases, where physicians compared test results with patient histories and previous diagnostic findings. Any discrepancies were analyzed, and the analytical process was refined until all required accuracy criteria were met.
All tests comply with CE and IVD certifications and meet the LST EN ISO 15189 and LST EN ISO 13485:2016 standards.
Your test results are prepared within 10 working days from the moment your blood sample is collected and sent back to our laboratory. All results are reviewed by our medical team before being delivered to you.
The test requires only a small finger prick to collect 20 µl of blood. Most people find it quick and minimally uncomfortable, similar to checking blood sugar. Our kit includes clear instructions to make the process as easy as possible.
Yes, you can take our allergy and intolerance tests while on most medications, including antihistamines. However, if you have specific concerns about your medication, we recommend consulting with your healthcare provider.
Allergies (IgE-mediated) trigger immediate immune responses and can cause severe reactions. Food intolerances (IgG-mediated) cause delayed symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or headaches hours or days after eating. We test for both to give you a complete picture.
All samples are analyzed in our certified medical laboratory using certified equipment. Each test result is reviewed and validated by our qualified medical team to ensure accuracy and reliability before being sent to you.
Your results will be available securely online. Once your test is completed, you'll receive an email notification with a link to access your personalized report, which includes clear explanations and recommendations based on your results.
Yes. All personal and medical data are handled in full compliance with GDPR regulations. We use encrypted systems to ensure your information is stored and transmitted securely, accessible only to you and authorized medical personnel.
Food Intolerance Questions
Our test checks your immune response (IgG antibodies) to a wide range of common foods. These include categories such as dairy, grains, meat, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. This broad panel helps identify which foods may be linked to delayed reactions or digestive discomfort.
IgG antibodies are part of your immune system's memory response. When certain foods are repeatedly consumed, your body may produce higher levels of IgG antibodies as a reaction. Elevated IgG levels can indicate a sensitivity that contributes to delayed symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, or headaches. The test measures these levels to help you understand which foods might be affecting your wellbeing.
No — this is not an allergy (IgE) test. Allergies usually cause immediate reactions, while food intolerances cause delayed responses that appear hours or even days after eating. Our test helps identify potential food sensitivities rather than allergic reactions.
Your results indicate which foods may be triggering delayed immune reactions. The best next step is to follow an elimination diet — temporarily removing the foods that showed higher IgG reactivity.
Typically, these foods are avoided for 6–8 weeks to allow your immune system and digestive tract to reset. After this period, each food is reintroduced one at a time, while observing for any returning symptoms such as bloating, fatigue, or skin issues.
Your report includes a detailed guide to help you structure this process safely and effectively.
We generally recommend retesting every 9 to 12 months, or sooner if you make significant dietary or lifestyle changes. This helps track how your immune system adapts and whether sensitivities have improved after dietary adjustments.
Yes, you can — but keep in mind that the test only measures reactions to foods you currently eat. If certain foods (like gluten or dairy) have been completely excluded from your diet for several weeks, your IgG levels to those foods may be low or undetectable. For the most accurate results, it's best to include most foods in your diet for a short period before testing, if possible.
Allergy Related Questions
No. The allergy test is based on molecular allergy blood testing — currently the most reliable method worldwide for identifying type I (immediate-type) allergic reactions, which account for about 50% of all allergy cases. Other diagnostic methods are used to investigate chronic or delayed allergies.
Unlike skin prick tests, which require in-person visits and stopping medications, our blood-based test can be done anytime and from anywhere. It measures specific IgE antibodies in your blood using molecular allergology technology — the same approach used in modern hospital laboratories. This allows for more detailed and objective results, without the risk of skin irritation.
No — antihistamines and most other common medications do not affect IgE blood test results. You can continue your usual medication before sample collection. If you're taking immunosuppressive drugs or have specific medical concerns, we recommend discussing them with your doctor.
You can take the test at any time of the year. Unlike skin tests that may be influenced by seasonal exposure, IgE blood testing is not dependent on pollen season or recent allergen contact.
Your report will show which allergens triggered measurable IgE responses and how strong those responses are. It also highlights potential cross-reactions between related allergens (for example, birch pollen and apples). Our allergy specialist will explain what your results mean, discuss symptom management, and suggest next steps.
A molecular allergy test is an advanced form of allergy diagnostics that measures your immune response (specific IgE antibodies) to individual allergen molecules — rather than just whole allergen extracts.
Traditional tests show if you're allergic to something general, like birch pollen or peanuts. Molecular testing goes deeper — it identifies which specific proteins (molecules) within those allergens trigger your immune system.


