One of the body's most essential defense barriers is the intestinal barrier. When this barrier becomes permeated, the body often develops autoimmunity. Intestinal permeability can thus be a factor in a variety of diseases, from food sensitivity to dermatologic conditions. For patients with multiple symptoms or a known autoimmune disease, analyzing intestinal permeability is an important step in disease diagnosis and treatment.
One popular intestinal permeability test is the Array 2 test from Cyrex, an industry leader in immune system testing. The Array 2 measures intestinal permeability to large molecules by analyzing the following antibodies:
It is recommended for patients with multiple autoimmune-related symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, food sensitivities/intolerances, autoimmune disease, and abnormal immune cell count and function.
The Array 2 test is analyzed via a serum sample. A phlebotomist must collect this sample at a draw laboratory; the patient cannot collect it at home. The phlebotomist handles sample collection, preparation, and shipping, making this an easy test for patients to complete.
While many intestinal permeability tests are analyzed via serum, some are also analyzed via urine. These urine tests boast the advantage of being completed at home but require ingestion of a lactulose/mannitol solution and a timed collection. This collection can be inconvenient or even embarrassing for patients who are busy or working - they must carry a urine collection container around with them all day. A serum test like the Array 2 can be more convenient and quick to complete but does require patients to find a phlebotomist. Luckily, Cyrex contracts with blood draw sites all over the country that their patients can use at no additional cost.
Once you have received Array 2 results, you can book a consultation directly with one of the members of Cyrex’s clinical team to review the findings and prepare a treatment plan for your patient.
The Cyrex Array 2 is a great test for patients with multiple symptoms, autoimmune diseases, or food sensitivities/intolerances. It provides important information about the integrity of the intestinal barrier and helps you determine if intestinal permeability is playing a role in the patient’s disease.
