Food Allergy Panel blood test

This panel measures specific IgE antibodies against multiple food allergens in a single blood draw. Foods tested typically include common allergens such as milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. For each allergen, the test reports a separate IgE value. A raised value means your immune system has produced antibodies against that food, which is known as sensitisation. Sensitisation is not the same as an allergy: many people with a raised IgE value have no symptoms when they eat that food.

A Food Allergy Panel may provide information that is useful when mapping possible food allergies. Allergic reactions to food range from mild symptoms, such as hives or itching, to more serious reactions. Insight into which foods trigger an IgE response can be a starting point for a conversation with a healthcare provider about further steps. The test result is not a diagnosis on its own: a healthcare provider weighs the values, your symptoms, and your history together. For symptoms that may relate to airborne allergens, such as pollen or house dust mite, a separate Inhalation Allergy Panel is available. In severe allergic reactions, markers such as histamine and tryptase can provide additional information; these are measured separately from this panel.

A Food Allergy Panel may be relevant if you experience symptoms such as hives, swelling, digestive upset, or breathing difficulties after eating certain foods. Some people also choose an IgE panel when they have a personal or family history of allergic conditions. A healthcare provider can help determine whether this test is informative in your situation.