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Food Screening Panel (fx5)

Food screening fx5: allergy symptoms, anaphylaxis and the result

According to MedlinePlus, allergens are harmless substances, such as pollen and peanuts, that may cause an allergic reaction in some people; the immune system may make IgE antibodies against them, and that IgE against foods is what a food screening measures. According to MedlinePlus, in an allergic reaction the amount of IgE in the blood increases, and this causes the allergy symptoms.

According to MedlinePlus, allergy symptoms can range from itching and sneezing to asthma or life-threatening anaphylactic shock, and according to MedlinePlus that shock is most common with allergies to certain foods, medicines, insect bites and stings, and latex. A blood test can measure the IgE to foods.

Star-SHL tests the food screening for egg white, cow's milk, cod, wheat, peanut and soy, with 'negative' as the reference.

Doctor's Assessment Included

A food screening measures IgE antibodies to a mix of foods. According to MedlinePlus, a high specific IgE means someone may be allergic to the allergen tested.

Star-SHL and Unilabs test the food screening for egg white, cow's milk, cod, wheat, peanut and soy; the reference is 'negative' or 'not detectable'.
According to MedlinePlus, the amount of IgE in a food screening does not predict how serious an allergy may be.
A food screening is an allergy blood test, and according to MedlinePlus such a test can be false-positive because of a slight reaction to certain foods eaten before the test.

Food Screening Panel (fx5): what this test measures

The food screening measures specific IgE to a mix of foods; Star-SHL calls the test 'Specifiek IgE: voedingsallergenenmengsel (FP5)' and measures it in serum.

Food Screening Panel (fx5): why this value matters

The food screening matters because, according to MedlinePlus, allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of allergy.

Food Screening Panel (fx5): how the blood test works

Referral: No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw: A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Where: 650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Food Screening Panel (fx5): when is testing worthwhile?

According to MedlinePlus, hives, diarrhoea, vomiting, shortness of breath and wheezing are allergy symptoms for which an allergy test, such as a food screening, may be ordered.

Food Screening Panel (fx5): symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

A food screening with a negative result fits Star-SHL's reference, and according to MedlinePlus it is uncommon for an allergy blood test to miss an allergy that is actually there.

High Levels

According to MedlinePlus, an allergy to one of the foods tested is one explanation for a positive food screening; the result can also be false-positive because of a mild reaction of the body to substances in certain foods someone ate before the test.

Food Screening Panel (fx5): causes of a low or high value

What raises the value

An allergy to one of the tested foods

A high specific IgE means someone may be allergic to the allergen tested; the amount does not predict how serious the allergy may be.
A slight reaction to food eaten before the test (false positive)

An allergy blood test can show an allergy that is not there if the body is having a slight reaction to substances in certain foods eaten before the test.

Food Screening Panel (fx5): lifestyle and this value

A positive food screening is something to discuss with your GP. According to MedlinePlus, someone at risk of anaphylactic shock needs to be very careful to avoid the things they are allergic to, and may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector at all times.

Food Screening Panel (fx5): frequently asked questions

Does the food screening predict how serious an allergy is?

No, according to MedlinePlus the amount of IgE in a food screening does not predict how serious an allergy may be.

Food Screening Panel (fx5): sources

MedlinePlus, Allergy Blood Test, medlineplus.gov, geraadpleegd 2026-10-18 (retrieved 2026) medlineplus.gov

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