Description
IgE Food Allergy Basic Test – Serum
What does this test measure?
This blood test measures specific IgE antibodies against a panel of common foods (likely around 20-25 items) to identify true type I food allergies (immediate hypersensitivity). This is similar to tests like ImmunoCAP or skin prick tests, but done in vitro.
The panel would include frequent allergens such as:
- Dairy (cow’s milk)
- Egg (egg white, yolk)
- Peanut, Tree nuts (like walnut, cashew)
- Shellfish (shrimp, crab)
- Fish (cod, tuna perhaps)
- Wheat, Soy
- Sesame (if common in region)
- Legumes (peas, etc if needed)
- Possibly fruits (like citrus, strawberry) and vegetables (like tomato)
- Chocolate (cacao)
Who is this test most suitable for?
- Young children being introduced to foods
- People with known one food allergy checking for others
- Highly atopic individuals who want to identify all triggers
- Those considering allergen immunotherapy
Clinical Use
This test detects IgE antibodies to identify foods that may cause immediate allergic reactions such as hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis. It’s helpful for individuals experiencing symptoms like throat itching or eczema flare-ups associated with certain foods.
A positive result indicates sensitization, but clinical correlation is essential, as some may have IgE without noticeable reactions, and others may exhibit allergies despite low IgE levels. Strong positive results usually suggest true allergies, leading to food avoidance and possibly carrying epinephrine for severe cases.
This test is also useful for children with eczema or suspected food triggers, as it helps identify which foods to eliminate. The “Basic” designation means it covers only major allergens, while advanced tests may evaluate more than 90 foods.
