• Title: MELISA - A valuable diagnostic tool in environmental and functional medicine
• Content text:

  “Type IV metal allergy is often overlooked as a culprit in many of today’s chronic illnesses. MELISA testing gives targeted information on what needs to be avoided. I am grateful for MELISA testing, it allows many patients to get their life back, instead of remaining chronically ill for the rest of their days.”  
  Dr Toril Jelter, MD, Mount Diablo Integrated Wellness Center

  MELISA – a valuable diagnostic tool in Functional and Environmental medicine

  Inflammation activated by metal allergy may be one of the causes of ill health in patients. MELISA, a clinically validated blood test, will identify if metals are causing an immune reaction, thereby contributing to health problems.

  MELISA studies

  94% of patients experienced significant health improvement after they followed treatment recommendations based on the result of their MELISA test

  (Vrbova R, Podzimek S, Himmlova L, et al. Titanium and Other Metal Hypersensitivity Diagnosed by MELISA® Test: Follow-Up Study BioMed Research International 2021)

  76% of chronic fatigue patients experienced health improvement after removing dental restorations containing allergenic metals, identified by MELISA testing

  (Stejskal, V, et al. Metal-specific lymphocytes: biomarkers of sensitivity in man. Neuroendocrinology Letters 1999; 20:289-298)

  71% of patients with autoimmune diseases and mercury allergy improved after having their amalgam fillings removed

  (Prochazkova J, Sterzl I, Kucerova H, Bartova J, Stejskal V. The beneficial effect of amalgam replacement on health in patients with autoimmunity. Neuroendocrinology Letters 2004;25(3):211-218)

  50% of fibromyalgia patients showed that after restricting exposure to metals that stimulated their immune system, they no longer fulfilled the criteria for fibromyalgia. 20% had reduced trigger points and all reported improvement in symptoms

  (Stejskal V, Öckert K, Bjørklund G. Metal-induced inflammation triggers fibromyalgia in metal-allergic patients, Neuroendocrinol Lett 2013; 34(6):559–565)

  63% of patients with connective tissue disease were allergic to two or more metals

  (Stejskal V, Reynolds T, Bjørklund G. Increased frequency of delayed type hypersensitivity to metals in patients with connective tissue disease. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 2015; 31:230-236)

  Based on more than 20 years research, MELISA has identified symptoms and indicators for those likely to be metal hypersensitive and if several of these are present, allergy to metals should be considered. Specific metal allergens can be identified with MELISA testing. Most relevant results are obtained when testing is based on current exposure to metals found in fillings, crowns, orthopedic devices, pacemakers, Essure, occupational exposure etc. Studies show that if metal allergy is found, many symptoms will improve or disappear if exposure to relevant metals is reduced. Comprehensive questionnaire and a brief online version are available. A complete evaluation with a list of metal exposure can be provided if the full questionnaire is completed.

  Common sources of metal exposure

  (exact composition may vary)

  Dental crowns: chromium, cobalt, gallium, gold, indium, iridium, nickel manganese, molybdenum, palladium, platinum, silver
  Dental (amalgam) fillings: copper, inorganic mercury, nickel, silver, tin
  Orthodontic braces and retainers: chromium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel
  Dental titanium implants: aluminium, nickel, titanium, vanadium
  Knee/hip prostheses: aluminium, chromium, cobalt, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, tungsten, titanium, vanadium
  Environmental exposure: cadmium, lead, methyl mercury, nickel, titanium
  Surgical stents, clips and coils: chromium, cobalt, gold, molybdenum, nickel, platinum, palladium, titanium
  Vaccines: aluminium, thimerosal

  Indicators of metal allergy

  Atopy – eczema, asthma, food allergies, hayfever (in immediate family also)
  Autoimmune disease – rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis, coeliac disease, Sjögrens, multiple sclerosis (in immediate family also)
  Dermal reactions to costume jewellery, metal piercings, metal clasps and buckles etc
  Positive patch testing, dermal allergies to creams, cosmetics
  Chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity and/or multiple non-specific symptoms of unknown origin such as fatigue, pain, “brain fog”, depression

  Dental status

  Health change after dental/surgical procedures
  Burning mouth syndrome, ulcers, oral lichen planus, bleeding gums
  Facial rash after implants
  Unexplained change in health post implant; fatigue, rashes, joint/muscle pain, headaches, low grade fever, “brain fog”, depression

  Surgical status

  Slow healing after metal implants
  Unexplained pain, loosening or unidentified infection
  Generalised dermal rashes
  Unexplained change in health post surgery, fatigue, rashes, joint/ muscle pain, headaches, low-grade fever, “brain fog”, depression

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• Title: MELISA test control values
• Content text:

  The implication of positive and negative controls in the MELISA test

  
  To ensure the accuracy and reliability of MELISA testing, both positive and negative controls must be performed alongside antigen testing. These controls confirm that the test has functioned correctly and that lymphocytes respond appropriately and specifically to the tested antigens.

  Positive Control – Pokeweed Mitogen (PWM)

  The positive control uses Pokeweed Mitogen (PWM), a substance that should trigger a strong immune response in all individuals. This step verifies whether the patient's immune system is capable of mounting a cellular reaction.

  If the cells fail to react properly to the positive control, it suggests that the immune system is not functioning optimally or that cells are weakened. Possible reasons for this include:

  • Immunosuppressant medication, which may dampen the immune response.
  • Cell viability issues after sample collection - weakened or damaged cells (e.g., due to prolonged transport, transport conditions, incorrect temperature range).

  For the test to be considered valid, the reaction to PWM must be not just present but also very strong. A weak response to PWM indicates reduced test sensitivity, making it harder to detect weaker immune reactions to specific antigens.

  Negative Control – Baseline Cell Activity

  The negative control measures the baseline activity of the immune cells, with expected values typically ranging between 500 and 3,000 cpm. A low negative control ensures a clear distinction between normal background activity and responses to the antigens being tested.

  If the negative control values are too high, the overall test sensitivity decreases, making it harder to detect weak/slight responses and/or to differentiate weak, moderate, and strong specific reactions to antigens.

  An elevated negative control suggests that the immune system was already stimulated at the time of blood collection, which can be caused by:

  • Recent or ongoing viral/bacterial infections
  • Recent vaccination
  • Exposure to mold
  • Organ transplantation

  Stimulation Index (SI) – Evaluating Immune Response

  The Stimulation Index (SI) of PWM must be at least 100 for the test results to be fully interpretable.

  • SI between 50-100: Indicates reduced test sensitivity, making it harder to distinguish subtle immune responses to antigens. In such cases, the morphology analysis becomes even more essential for interpretation.
  • SI below 50: Results are generally unreliable and cannot be evaluated.

  By ensuring appropriate positive and negative control values, the MELISA test maintains high sensitivity, allowing for the detection of even weak immune responses to tested antigens.

   

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• Title: Accessing MELISA
• Subtitle: get tested
• Content text:

  MELISA testing is currently only available in two laboratories in Europe and one laboratory in Israel.

  The lab in Israel is only able to provide MELISA for residents, samples from abroad are not accepted.

  The lab in Spain is not able to accept blood samples from areas outside the EU.

  The lab in Switzerland has very limited capacity for MELISA testing. Testing must be booked well in advance and samples can only be sent on the agreed date. 

  Blood samples must be delivered within 48 hours after the blood draw and the courier needs permission to ship blood samples. Special shipping documents are required.
  In case you are able to arrange transport from your location to 1227 Genève-Acacias in Switzerland it should be possible to provide MELISA testing for you.
  FedEx is the usual option but shipping within 48 hours is not available from all locations. Please contact your local FedEx office to check if shipping within 48 hours is ppossible. FedEx International Priority Express by 12 PM service is usually the correct option for shipping with FedEx.
  Based on our experience, it is almost impossible to arrange shipping within 48 hours from Australia or New Zealand. It is not possible to use FedEx and available courier service can be very expensive.

  There is an option to proceed with MELISA while you are travelling. You can schedule a phlebotomy appointment directly at the lab and your samples will be processed immediately.
  Alternatively, in case you are travelling we can help to arrange shipping of your samples from locations in the European Union to the lab in Spain.

  We are working to establish cooperation with new lab partners to make MELISA testing available to patients worldwide. Due to the complexity of the test and the associated requirements, this can take some time. 

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• Title: MELISA forms & Customs documents
• Subtitle: MELISA
• FAQ - Title: MELISA forms & Customs documents
• FAQ - Subtitle: MELISA
• FAQ - Intro text: You should have all the paperwork available in your test kit but if something is missing you can download the required forms below.
• Content text:

  Do not send your samples for MELISA testing to the lab in Germany due to the closure of the lab. More information HERE.

• FAQ - Q & A:
  • FAQ - Q:

    United States - regular test kit

    , FAQ - A:

    Please follow the instructions: 
    Introductory Guide (regular test kit)
    Shipping instructions US (regular test kit)

    MELISA requisition form – goes inside the test kit box with your samples:
    MELISA Metals Requisition form US
    MELISA Lyme Requisition form US

    Instructions for blood draw:
    Guide for Phlebotomists

    Customs documents required for sending blood from the United States:
    3 x Pro-forma Invoice US
    Declaration of Biological Shipments
    Customs Declaration Letter InVitaLab US

     

  • FAQ - Q:

    United States - winter test kit

    , FAQ - A:

    Please follow the instructions: Shipping instructions US (winter test kit)

    Customs documents required for sending blood from the United States:

    3 x Pro-forma Invoice US
    Declaration of Biological Shipments
    Customs Declaration Letter InVitaLab US

    MELISA requisition form – goes inside the test kit box with your samples
    MELISA Metals Requisition form US (winter)
    MELISA Lyme Requisition form US (winter)

     

  • FAQ - Q:

    Canada - regular test kit

    , FAQ - A:

    
    Please follow the instructions: Shipping instructions Canada (regular test kit)

    Customs documents required for sending blood from Canada:
    3 x Pro-forma Invoice Canada
    Declaration of Biological Shipments
    Customs Declaration Letter InVitaLab Canada

    MELISA requisition form – goes inside the test kit box with your samples
    MELISA Metals Requisition form Canada
    MELISA Lyme Requisition form Canada

     

  • FAQ - Q:

    Canada - winter test kit

    , FAQ - A:

    Please follow the instructions: Shipping instructions Canada (winter test kit)

    Customs documents required for sending blood from Canada:
    3 x Pro-forma Invoice Canada
    Declaration of Biological Shipments
    Customs Declaration Letter InVitaLab Canada

    MELISA requisition form – goes inside the test kit box with your samples
    MELISA Metals Requisition form Canada (winter)
    MELISA Lyme Requisition form Canada (winter)

     

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