Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our products and services.

Physicians
Frequently given answers.

Discover frequently asked questions, and our frequently given answers.

Are there any publications on CellTolerance®?

A 2019 study by Fritscher-Ravens et al. studied the reactions to food with Cellvizio® (Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy) in a large IBS-patient population and investigated the mechanisms of these reactions.

In a 2020 whitepaper, Kiesslich et al. reviewed endo-microscopic diagnosis of Food-induced Allergy-like Reactions.

Further recommended studies include:

  • Kiesslich R, Adib-Tezer H, Teubner D et al. Endomicroscopic detection of atypical food allergy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome – a new diagnostic era? DDW 2020, Su1344
  • Fritscher-Ravens A, Exclusion of atypical food allergens detected by confocal endomicroscopy is superior to low fodmap diet in patients with food-sensitive IBS. AGA ABSTRACTS | VOLUME 158, ISSUE 6, SUPPLEMENT 1, S-135, MAY 01, 2020.
What is Cellvizio® and how is this different from a normal endoscopy?

Cellvizio® uses Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (CLE) advanced imaging technology to deliver cellular visualization virtually anywhere in the human body.

The Cellvizio® flexible Confocal Miniprobes are inserted into the operating channel of any endoscope during a routine endoscopy, much like the manner in which biopsy forceps are used.

The Miniprobes are compatible with standard reprocessing methods.

How can I start enrolling patients?

Contact our team through the form here

How many different foods can be tested?

Up to 5 different foods are generally tested during one single Live cell response test

Who selects and sources the different foods?

The different foods are selected by the multi-disciplinary care in consultation with the patient who suspects certain food to trigger his symptoms

What if the control image prior to any provocation shows signs of primary leaky gut?

This condition is found in 5 to 10% of the patients where “toxins” from their intestines may leak into the bloodstream causing an inflammatory response. In this case the Live cell response procedure will not identify an intolerance to a specific food.

What happens if none of the foods tested yield a positive reaction?

The Live cell response procedure can repeated with a selection of other suspected foods.

What happens when you see a positive reaction? Can you continue the test?

The Live cell response procedure will stop at the first positive reaction to a suspected food. The elimination diet will be based on the outcome of the Live cell response procedure

How long does the test take?

The average procedure takes 30 minutes under twilight sedation. The patient can return to normal daily function soon after the procedure is completed.

Are there educational events with live cases where I can learn how to do the Live cell response procedure and learn how to interpret the Cellvizio images?

The Live cell response procedure is regularly demonstrated in Master Classes and other educational events.

Are tests performed before the live cell response procedure to rule out other conditions, such as IBD or Celiac?

Prior to the Live cell response procedure, your physician may refer you to other tests to rule out conditions such as IBD or Celiac.

What if the patient sees no improvement in symptoms after the check-in appointment?

Part of the CellTolerance® program is to ensure a close collaboration between the patient and the multi-disciplinary care team. If there is no resolution of symptoms, it's important to understand the structure and compliance of the patient's diet, and identify areas for potential improvement. While rare, there could be a situation where a second food intolerance needs to be identified and managed as well.

Patients.
Frequently given answers.

Discover frequently asked questions, and our frequently given answers.

How does CellTolerance® work?

The CellTolerance® program offers a 6-month journey towards a healthier life by addressing food intolerances. At the heart of this program is the revolutionary CellTolerance® Test, which helps identify and manage your specific intolerances. You can read everything about the program on this page.

Where is the CellTolerance® center closest to me?

There are CellTolerance® clinics in North America and Europe, you can find one close to you on in our clinic locator.

What is an endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses an endoscope—a flexible tube with a light and camera—to examine the interior surfaces of organs or tissues. It is used for diagnosing and treating various conditions, such as investigating symptoms like pain or bleeding, and performing procedures like biopsies or polyp removal. Patients typically need to prepare by fasting, may receive sedation, and can expect a quick recovery with minor discomfort. This procedure allows doctors to accurately diagnose and treat conditions with minimal invasiveness.

Will this relieve my symptoms?

70% of all IBS patients have a food intolerance which can be detected by CellTolerance®. (1) 96% of patients with IBS-related food intolerance show an improvement in symptoms after live cell-response guided exclusion diet. (2) Furthermore, Symptoms scored better with the cell-response guided food exclusion diet than with a Low-FODMAP Diet.

(1)Fritscher-Ravens A, Pflaum T, Mösinger et al. Many Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Have Atypical Food Allergies Not Associated With Immunoglobulin E. Gastroenterology. 2019 Jul;157(1):109-118.

(2)Halpert A. Review Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Patient-Provider Interaction and Patient Education. J. Clin. Med. 2018, 7(1), 3. doi: 10.3390/jcm7010003.

What happens if my live cell-response test is negative for the 5 foods tested?

Most patients will have their food intolerance identified during the first CellTolerance® test, and will begin their guided exclusion diet accordingly. If all of the tested foods are negative, a repeat test would be required to properly identify the trigger of the symptoms.

Have a Question? Contact Us.

If you have any questions that are not answered on this page, please feel free to contact our support team.