This episode explores the role of immune-mediated testing in the evaluation of complex, chronic symptoms that may not respond to conventional approaches. Dr. Jessica Christie is joined by Veronica Kent, CEO of Alletess Medical Laboratory, and Kristen Trainer, Registered Dietitian and Clinical Educator, to discuss food allergies, food sensitivities, mold exposure, Candida, Alpha-gal syndrome, elimination diets, and the evolving landscape of laboratory testing.
The conversation examines the differences between IgE-mediated food allergies and IgG food sensitivity testing, when clinicians may consider specialized laboratory assessments, and the importance of combining laboratory data with a comprehensive patient history and individualized care plans. The guests also discuss laboratory quality standards, patient education, and why test interpretation should be viewed as one component of clinical decision-making rather than a standalone diagnostic tool. (Santos 2023)
Veronica Kent is the Chief Executive Officer and owner of Alletess Medical Laboratory. She has spent decades working in specialty laboratory medicine and oversees operations focused on allergy, immunology, and immune-based laboratory testing. During the episode, she discusses laboratory quality systems, emerging testing technologies, and the role of clinician education in laboratory medicine.
Website: https://foodallergy.com
Kristen Trainer is a Registered Dietitian and Clinical Educator at Alletess Medical Laboratory. She has worked with clinicians and patients for more than two decades, helping interpret laboratory results and develop individualized nutrition and elimination diet plans for patients undergoing food allergy and food sensitivity testing.
Note: Discussion of these tests during the episode should not be interpreted as endorsement or guideline recommendations. Clinical appropriateness depends on the individual patient and current evidence.
The discussion differentiates IgE-mediated food allergies, which may produce immediate immune reactions, from food sensitivities, which are proposed to involve different immune pathways and may present differently clinically. (Santos 2023) The role of IgG food sensitivity testing remains controversial and is not universally recommended by major allergy organizations. (Kelso 2018)
According to the discussion, testing decisions should begin with a comprehensive patient history and symptom evaluation. Testing should be selected based on the suspected underlying mechanism rather than using broad screening panels indiscriminately. (Santos 2023)
Component-resolved diagnostics evaluates specific proteins within an allergen rather than testing only the whole allergen, potentially providing additional information regarding sensitization patterns in certain allergic conditions. (Santos 2023)
Alpha-gal syndrome is an IgE-mediated allergy associated with tick bites that may result in delayed allergic reactions after consuming mammalian meat or products derived from mammals. Recognition of this condition has increased in recent years. (Platts-Mills 2025) (Thompson 2023)
The guests describe elimination diets as a structured process involving temporary removal of selected foods followed by gradual reintroduction while monitoring symptoms under clinician supervision. (Santos 2023)
The episode stresses that laboratory testing is only one part of patient care and that interpretation, counseling, dietary guidance, and follow-up are necessary to help patients implement meaningful changes. (Santos 2025)
Standardized testing procedures, accreditation, quality control, and timely reporting all contribute to reliable laboratory results that clinicians can incorporate into patient care. (Chaudhry 2023)
The guests discuss advances including miniaturized laboratory technologies, capillary blood collection, microbiome research, and genetics as potential future areas of development in allergy and immunology testing.
00:02:22 Veronica Kent and Kristen Trainer introduce Alletess
00:03:36 Food allergy, sensitivity, candida, mold, and tick-borne testing
00:04:54 How Alletess began as a specialized laboratory
00:08:16 Bridging the gap between lab results and patient care
00:09:27 How allergy and immunology testing has evolved
00:13:23 How elimination diets and reintroduction work
00:15:19 When mold-related illness testing may be warranted
00:17:38 Alpha-gal syndrome and missed tick-borne allergy cases
00:25:38 Common misconceptions about food allergy testing
This episode is sponsored by Fullscript, a comprehensive care delivery platform designed to support whole-person, integrative healthcare. Fullscript allows clinicians to streamline supplement dispensing, lab ordering, and patient education in one free, centralized system—helping reduce administrative burden while supporting clinical decision-making. For practitioners, Fullscript offers access to professional-grade supplements, evidence-informed protocols, and lab integrations that can support more efficient planning and follow-up. For patients, it provides a clear, organized way to receive recommendations, manage refills, and stay engaged in their care. The goal is not to replace clinical judgment, but to make it easier for clinicians to focus on what matters most: thoughtful, individualized patient care.
The views expressed on this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Fullscript or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Healthcare decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.