What is MRT Testing?

What is MRT Testing? The Complete Guide to the Mediator Release Test

The Mediator Release Test (MRT) is a patented blood test that measures your immune system’s inflammatory response to 176 different foods and food chemicals. Unlike standard allergy tests that only detect IgE-mediated reactions, the MRT identifies delayed hypersensitivity reactions — the hidden triggers behind chronic migraines, IBS, skin conditions, fatigue, and autoimmune flare-ups that can take up to 72 hours to appear.

Developed by Oxford Biomedical Technologies, the MRT 176 Panel is considered the gold standard for food sensitivity testing among functional medicine practitioners. It is the foundation of the LEAP (Lifestyle Eating and Performance) elimination diet protocol, which has helped thousands of patients identify and eliminate their personal trigger foods.

How Does the MRT Test Work?

Traditional food allergy tests measure IgG or IgE antibodies — but these markers only capture one pathway of immune activation. The MRT takes a fundamentally different approach:

1. Blood draw — A small blood sample is collected at a certified lab or mobile phlebotomy service
2. Cell incubation — Your white blood cells are exposed to 176 individual food antigens and food chemicals
3. Mediator measurement — The test measures the total volume change in your blood cells after exposure, capturing ALL inflammatory mediators (cytokines, histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes) released — not just one antibody type
4. Results classification — Each substance is classified as Green (safe), Yellow (moderate reactivity), or Red (high reactivity)

This “end-point” measurement is what makes MRT superior to IgG-only panels. While IgG tests detect a single antibody pathway, MRT captures the net inflammatory response across all immune pathways simultaneously — including Type III and Type IV hypersensitivity reactions that IgG panels miss entirely.

What Does the MRT 176 Panel Test For?

The MRT panel tests your reactivity to 176 substances across these categories:

• Proteins — Beef, chicken, pork, turkey, lamb, fish (cod, salmon, tuna, shrimp), eggs
• Dairy — Cow’s milk, casein, whey, goat’s milk, cheese varieties
• Grains — Wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, rye, spelt, millet, quinoa
• Fruits — Apple, banana, blueberry, grape, lemon, orange, strawberry, watermelon, and 20+ more
• Vegetables — Broccoli, carrot, celery, garlic, onion, potato, spinach, tomato, and 25+ more
• Nuts & Seeds — Almond, cashew, peanut, walnut, sesame, sunflower
• Spices & Herbs — Cinnamon, cumin, ginger, mustard, oregano, turmeric, vanilla
• Food chemicals — Citric acid, FD&C dyes (Red #40, Yellow #5, Blue #1), aspartame, MSG, carrageenan, benzoic acid, caffeine, fructose, lecithin

The food chemical category is particularly important — our analysis of over 20,000 food products shows that citric acid alone appears in nearly 8,000 products, while FD&C Red #40 is in over 2,000. If you react to these chemicals, they’re nearly impossible to avoid without testing.

MRT vs. IgG Testing: Why MRT is More Accurate

Who Should Get an MRT Test?

MRT testing is recommended for anyone experiencing chronic symptoms that haven’t responded to conventional treatment:

• Digestive issues — IBS, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, GERD
• Migraines and headaches — Especially those without clear triggers
• Skin conditions — Eczema, psoriasis, acne, hives, rosacea
• Chronic fatigue — Brain fog, low energy, poor concentration
• Joint pain and inflammation — Fibromyalgia, arthritis flares
• Mood disorders — Anxiety, depression, mood swings linked to diet
• Autoimmune conditions — Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, MS

How to Get MRT Tested

The MRT test requires a blood draw at an authorized facility. Here’s how to get started:

1. Find a practitioner — Use our directory of Certified LEAP Therapists across all 50 US states
2. Schedule your blood draw — Many facilities offer walk-in testing, and mobile phlebotomy services can come to your home
3. Get your results — Results typically arrive within 7-10 business days
4. Start your LEAP protocol — A Certified LEAP Therapist will create your personalized elimination and reintroduction plan

Understanding Your MRT Results

Your results will classify each of the 176 substances into three categories:

• 🟢 Green (Non-Reactive) — Safe to eat. These are your foundation foods for the elimination phase
• 🟡 Yellow (Moderate) — Borderline reactivity. Eliminated initially, then carefully reintroduced in Phase 2
• 🔴 Red (Reactive) — Significant inflammatory response detected. Eliminated for a minimum of 3-6 months

Your CLT will use these results to build a phased reintroduction plan following the LEAP diet protocol, starting with your safest Green foods and gradually expanding your diet over 6-12 weeks.

Check Your Foods Now

While you wait for your MRT test, you can check any food product against the full MRT 176 panel right now. We’ve analyzed over 20,000 food products — search for any product to see which MRT-tested substances it contains:

→ Browse All Product Assessments

→ Find a Testing Location Near You

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the MRT test cost?

The MRT 176 Panel costs $695 for the MRT 176 Panel kit. CLT consultation fees are separate and vary by practitioner.

Is the MRT test covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans do not cover MRT testing, as it is considered a functional medicine test. However, you may be able to use HSA/FSA funds. Check with your provider.

How long do MRT results take?

Results are typically available within 7-10 business days after your blood sample reaches Oxford Biomedical Technologies’ laboratory.

Can I do the MRT test at home?

The blood draw must be performed by a licensed phlebotomist, but many mobile phlebotomy services will come to your home for the draw.

What is the difference between MRT and ALCAT?

Both tests measure cell-mediated reactions, but MRT uses a more advanced methodology that measures the total volume change of mediator release, while ALCAT measures cell size changes. MRT is generally considered more accurate and reproducible in clinical settings.