How do I obtain testing?

Testing is obtained on the order of a physician, dentist or other healthcare provider licensed to order blood work in your area. A blood draw is required to prepare a specimen for testing. The specimen is then shipped overnight to Clifford Consulting & Research, Inc. in the shipping kit provided for testing on the next business day.

Is the test Prescriptive (who can order?)

Yes, the Clifford Materials Reactivity Test is prescriptive. Thus, it must be ordered by a physician, dentist, or other healthcare provider licensed to order blood work in your area.

Do I need to fast or alter my diet for testing?

No, this specific kind of lab testing does not require alteration of your diet nor that you fast. However, if other tests are being drawn at the same time that do require special dietary considerations or fasting, fasting or restrictions will not affect the Clifford Materials Reactivity Test.

Will my medications interfere?

Most medications, including antibiotics and antihistamines, will not affect the testing. If you have been on a long-term treatment plan that includes cortical-steroids or immunosuppressive medications, please consult with your healthcare professional before ordering the test.

How long will it take to get my reports back?

The results are received by the ordering professional within 3-4 business days after the specimen is shipped to Clifford Consulting & Research, Inc.

Can I have a copy of the results?

The results are automatically provided to the ordering healthcare professional. Please speak with your doctor to obtain a provided copiy or send us a records request to obtain an additional copy from our lab. There is an additional fee for third and subsequent printed or electronic copies. Click Here for the Form

Do you bill insurance?

We do not bill insurance nor accept insurance assignment, nor do we respond to insurance inquiries regarding clinical notes, patient history, evaluation, or other such information. We do not participate with the US Medicare nor Medicaid programs. Although we cannot guarantee nor predict the coverage of your healthcare insurance carrier, we do provide a detailed receipt for testing services. This form may aid in seeking reimbursement from your healthcare insurance carrier.

Do you test for Anesthetics?

Anesthetic susceptibility is not tested in the Clifford Materials Reactivity Test. This is an area of great interest in our current research. We do cover the major preservatives used in local anesthetis.

Where do I go to get the test prepared?

The blood sample is drawn by the healthcare professional or on their order through a local drawing facility such as a clinic, health department or hospital lab. An additional fee may be charged for the blood draw and preparation, and is not included in the cost of the Clifford Materials Reactivity Test.

Can I ship my specimen on Thursday or Friday?

Test specimens may be shipped Monday through Thursday to Clifford Consulting and Research, Inc. for testing. We do ask that no specimens be shipped on Friday as there are no available personnel on the weekends to accept the shipment and store the specimen. After the serum is separated and removed from the clotting tube, the serum specimens drawn on Friday may be stored in a refrigerator or freezer over the weekend.

Do I need to pay for specimen shipping?

The cost of shipping the specimen is covered by us when using the included shipping materials in the specimen shipping kit provided by our lab. Specimens sent using any other shipping document or shipping company must be paid by the sender. The return shipping cost of results to the ordering professional is covered by Clifford Consulting & Research, Inc. for all specimens in the standard testing fee.

What does the test screen for?

The Clifford Materials Reactivity Test screens for existing systemic reactions associated with chemical groups and compounds commonly found in dental restorative materials. The Clifford Materials Reactivity Test is not intended as an allergy detection test.

Has my specimen arrived at the lab?

Domestic specimen shipments may be tracked by the tracking number on the preprinted return shipping label by going to the internet and logging on to either fedex.com or ups.com . International specimen shipments may also be tracked through the shipping company used.

What dentist or physician offers this testing in my area?

Testing may be ordered by any dentist, physician, or healthcare professional licensed to order blood work in your area. We would be happy to work with your preferred professional. Alternately, we may be able to help you find a professional from your area that has worked with us in the past. Please call our office at (719)-550-0008 during business hours.

How long are the test results good for?

Results can and do change over time. For most relatively healthy adults results should be stable for at least 18 to 24 months. There may be some healthcare treatments or new material exposures that can change results for better or worse. Your healthcare professional is the best source for information regarding the usability of the results over time.

How accurate is the test (are there false negatives or positives)?

As with any biological lab testing, both false positives and false negatives can technically occur. The accuracy and precision of the Clifford Materials Reactivity test is approximately comparable to testing used for evaluation of blood sugar and cholesterol. Based upon the results of multiple samples drawn over a period of several days, the accuracy is about 95% or greater. The precision of repeated testing from a single sample is about 97% or greater.