Food Allergy Panel 1 Blood Test

Sample Report Test Code: 607899 Specimen Type: Blood

Description:

Food Allergy Panel 1 Blood Test

The Food Allergy Blood Test looks for allergic reactions to the 10 most common food allergens.  Allergens in this panel account for around 90% of all food allergy cases.

This Food Allergy blood test looks for allergies to:

• Beef
• Chocolate/Cacao
• Corn
• Eggs (whole)
• Seafood (Mussel, Codfish, Salmon, Shrimp, Tuna)
• Milk
• Peanuts
• Pork
• Soybeans
• Wheat

Food Allergy FAQs

Q. How does this test work?

A. This test checks your blood for an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). When you’re exposed to a food allergen, your immune system releases too much IgE. IgE then causes your body to produce a substance called histamine, resulting in an allergic reaction.

IgE antibodies are normally found in small amounts in the blood, but higher amounts can be a sign that your body overreacts to allergens. You may have a food allergy if you have IgE antibodies along with allergic symptoms. Only a healthcare provider or allergy specialist can confirm a food allergy by performing additional tests and reviewing your medical history and symptoms.

Q. Is this test right for me?

A. You should get tested if you believe you have an allergic reaction after eating certain foods. Allergic symptoms differ from person to person, but can include:

• Tingling or itching of your face, lips, tongue, throat, or other body parts
• Hives or eczema
• Wheezing or slight trouble breathing
• Runny nose or watery eyes
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or pain in your stomach

This test is right for you if you:

• Have had a previous allergic reaction
• Have noticed new symptoms but haven’t been diagnosed with a food allergy
• Are unsure whether you have had an allergic reaction to certain foods
• Have had a previous IgE blood test but mild or no symptoms after ingesting the tested foods

 If you’re not sure, it’s best to see a healthcare provider or allergy specialist before taking the test.

This test is not right for you if you:

• Have been diagnosed with a severe food allergy by a doctor or have had a severe allergic reaction in the past. In these cases, it's best to follow-up with your doctor to discuss what's right for you.

Q. What will my food allergy results tell me?

A. Your results will tell you whether you have IgE antibodies to the food allergens or components tested.

It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider or an allergy specialist. Only a healthcare provider or allergy specialist can confirm a food allergy by performing additional tests and reviewing your medical history and symptoms.

Q. Who is at risk for developing food allergies?

A. You are more likely to have food allergies if you:

• Have a family member with food allergies
• Have other food allergies
• Have other types of allergies (like hay fever or eczema)
• Have asthma

Q. Can I still be allergic to a food even if my IgE results are negative?

A. You may still have an allergic reaction to a food even if your results are negative. An allergic reaction can have several causes:

• You may be allergic to other foods that were not included in this test
• Your reaction to a food may not be caused by IgE antibodies (e.g. gluten or lactose intolerance, celiac disease, FPIES).
• The test may not detect certain proteins in the food allergen.
• You may have low total IgE antibody levels that the test cannot detect but still have enough to cause an allergic reaction.

Q. What is the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance?

A. Food intolerance is when the body is unable to properly digest a certain food, or when foods irritate the digestive system. Food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy and does not cause an immune response. Food intolerance usually makes people feel ill, causing nausea, gas, indigestion, abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, and headache. Examples of food intolerance include lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance.

A food allergy is an IgE antibody-mediated immune system response to a certain food because it has mistaken that food as a threat to your body. An IgE-mediated food allergy can be a serious, life-threatening condition. Food allergies have distinct symptoms, such as itching, hives, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.

Q. What should I do if I think I am having an allergic reaction?

A. If you are having trouble breathing or swallowing, you should seek medical attention right away. 

Blood Allergy testing has several advantages over skin testing.  Skin testing requires needle scratches for each substance whereas blood testing can use a single specimen to run multiple tests.  Unlike skin testing, the accuracy of blood testing is not affected by medications such as antihistamines, steroids, and certain antidepressants.  Blood testing is preferable for people with heart conditions, asthma, or skin conditions including eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. 

We also offer a Food Allergy Panel 2 and Food Allergy Panel 3 which include different combinations of common food allergens.  For more testing options, please see our Allergy Testing Category.

Turnaround time for this test is typically 5-8 business days.

Where can I find a Food Allergy Panel Blood Test near me?

Check our lab finder to locate a collection site in your area.