FAQ

Here are some questions that we have received from our customers about the company,
allergen analysis services, products, etc.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.

ITEA Q&A

Allergen Analysis Services

Products

Reception hours: Reception hours are 10:00 to 17:00
*Excluding Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and year-end and New Year holidays

Contact information: Contact Form：URL https://www.itea.jp/en/inquiry/
Contact Email：info@itea.jp
Contact Phone Number：TEL 03-3526-2031

Confidentiality Agreement: All details of contracts will be kept confidential, and the utmost care will be taken to maintain confidentiality. Upon request, we can conclude a “Confidentiality Agreement,” “Individual Contracting Agreement,” or “Continuous Transaction Agreement,” etc., with you, so please feel free to ask for this at any time.
To link (https://www.itea.jp/en/privacy-policy/)

I don’t know what test method should be used. Can you help me?: Yes. We propose the kinds of tests that meet the customer’s requirements.
The proposed tests will be those that are feasible given the purpose of testing and the sample.

Can these services be requested by an individual?: We only contract with corporations.

How much does testing cost?: The cost of testing will vary depending on the nature of your request, such as the form of the sample, number of samples, due date, and other requirements. We will prepare an estimate after confirming the details. Please use the Contact Form to contact us.

What are the most-tested-for allergens?: We receive a lot of requests about dust mite allergens and Japanese cedar allergens.
We also receive requests for testing for pet allergens (cat, dog) and mold allergens, etc. Please click here to see what allergens we are currently handling.

I would like to ask you to perform the same kind of test you did for me in the past. Would that be possible?: Yes. Please provide information about the test you requested in the past (test number or estimate number, etc.).

What quantity of sample is required?: It depends on the type of sample and test conditions. Please use the Contact Form to contact us.

How do I send the sample for testing?: Send it to us via postal mail or parcel delivery service. The person in charge will notify you of the details before the start of testing.

Would it be possible for you to come collect the sample from me?: As a general rule, we ask our customers to hand-carry the sample directly to us, or to send it in.

Can you return the sample to me after the test?: The samples used in the test (test equipment and remaining samples) will be returned to the customer.

How long does it take to get the test results after the sample has been sent in?: The length of time depends on the type of allergen and test conditions. Usually, we send you a rapid report by e-mail about 14 business days after the start of testing. Please let us know if you are in a special hurry.

In what form is the report issued?: Test report will be made in the form of printed materials or electronic files (PDF).
You will be notified by mail in the case of printed materials and by e-mail in the case of electronic files.

Is it possible for you to issue a report in English?: Yes. We will provide you with a separate estimate for that, so please let us know if you require it.

Are there standards or specifications for allergen reduction tests?: The allergen measurement standard “ISO 4333: Determination of reduction activity of specific proteins derived from pollen, mite and other sources on textile products” applies to textiles. Although it is possible to perform the test by the same method at our company, a certificate cannot be issued because our company is not an ISO certification body. There are no other standards or specifications in Japan.

I would like to publish the test results in a brochure or post them on a website. Is it possible?: Yes. Please be sure to include the test number and our name: ITEA.

Can it be stated that reduction of allergens through use of the tested articles is effective against allergic symptoms?: No. It can theoretically be assumed that reduction of allergens through use of the test article is effective in reducing allergic symptoms in humans, but if you want to state that the test article is effective against allergic symptoms, the evidence needs to be demonstrated in a separate clinical study, etc.

What kinds of things does a preliminary test investigate?: When an allergen inactivating agent is evaluated, the inactivating agent is in the test solution when the evaluation is performed. For this reason, it is necessary to investigate the influence of this inactivating agent on the evaluation system in advance.

How do I purchase the products?: Our products can be purchased either directly from us or through a reagent dealer.

How do I inquire about a product?: If you have any questions about a product, please feel free to contact us.
For inquiries via e-mail, phone, fax, or online form, click here.

What about product inventory and due dates?: If you have any questions about a product inventory or due dates, please feel free to contact us.
For inquiries via e-mail, phone, fax, or online form, click here.

I want to purchase only standard solutions and antibodies. Do you sell reagents separately from the ELISA kit?: At present, the ELISA kit reagents are not sold separately.

Do the extracts dissolve in purified water?: Yes, they dissolve completely in purified water and will become phosphate buffered saline [PBS] (pH7.4) solutions. However, some cloudiness may occur.

Why is filtration performed in the process of producing extracts?: The purpose of filtration depends on the pore size of the filter. A 0.8 µm or 0.45 µm membrane will filter out impurities in the extract. A 0.22 µm membrane filter is used for sterilization.

Does the preservative contained in the extract affect the ELISA measurement system?: Proclin® 950 is added as preservatives, which has no effect on the enzymes used in routine ELISA. Products without preservatives are also available. Please feel free to consult us.

Can ITEA extracts be used with kits made by other companies?: Yes, they can. However, depending on the kit type, the allergen concentration stated in the specification of ITEA may differ slightly.

If the allergen concentration or total protein concentration is not specified for the product, can you still tell me the concentration?: Yes. However, you will be requested to pay a measurement fee, and there will be a separate delivery date.

What kind of container does the pollen come in?: For 1-2 g, it comes in glass bottles. Larger amounts come in plastic bottles.

What is the difference between a domestic product and an imported product?: The species may be different, depending on the place of production and type of pollen. Please confirm the scientific name.

Is a Certificate of Analysis attached to the product?: The following documents will be attached, depending on the product.
・ELISA Kit … Instructions for Use, Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
・Extract … Product Information, Certificate of Analysis (product information only for immunoassay extracts)
・Pollen … Product Information

Some of the containers are different from before.: There are no specifications for the container. Please be advised that the shape of the container may change without notice.