Lab test

Basic Food Allergy Test Panel

A Basic Food Allergy Test Panel uses a single blood draw to screen for allergen-specific IgE antibodies against several common foods at once.

Typical price

From $160

Results

1-3 business days

Preparation

See preparation notes below

Sample

Blood draw or sample collection at a local center

A Basic Food Allergy Test Panel uses a single blood draw to screen for allergen-specific IgE antibodies against several common foods at once. IgE is the antibody class the immune system may produce after becoming sensitized to a food protein. Because the panel covers a range of everyday ingredients, a healthcare provider may order it when someone reports reactions to more than one food or needs a broad first look at suspected triggers. The results are a screening tool rather than a diagnosis, so they are read alongside symptoms and medical history.

• Milk-specific IgE Antibodies produced against cow's milk proteins; used to assess sensitization to dairy.
• Wheat-specific IgE Antibodies against wheat proteins; screened when wheat reactions are suspected.
• Shrimp-specific IgE Antibodies against shrimp proteins; one of the shellfish markers on the panel.
• Peanut-specific IgE Antibodies against peanut proteins; a common marker for suspected peanut allergy.
• Egg white-specific IgE Antibodies against egg white proteins; used to assess sensitization to egg.
• Soy-specific IgE Antibodies against soy proteins; screened for suspected soybean reactions.
• Walnut-specific IgE Antibodies against walnut proteins; a tree nut marker included in the panel.

• People who notice hives, itching, or swelling after eating certain foods
• Individuals with stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea that appears after meals
• Those with eczema or persistent skin reactions of unclear cause
• People who have reacted to more than one food and need broad screening
• Anyone with a family history of food allergy or allergic conditions

• No fasting is required for this IgE allergy panel
• The blood sample can be collected at any time of day
• Tell the healthcare provider about any medications you take
• Staying well hydrated can make the blood draw easier

Each food on the panel is reported with its own IgE value or class. A level above the reporting threshold may indicate sensitization to that food, but sensitization does not always mean a person will react when eating it. Low or undetectable levels make a true allergy less likely, though they do not completely rule one out. Because several foods are tested together, a provider looks at the overall pattern next to your symptoms. Discuss all results with a healthcare provider before making dietary changes.

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