Complete Food Allergy Test
Globally, as many as 520 million people may suffer from food allergies, with many patients sensitive to one to three foods.
Making food allergies difficult to identify is the fact that they often present with a wide variety of symptoms that can coincide with non-allergic food reactions. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms triggered by celiac disease and specific food intolerances such as lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are often interpreted as food allergies.
Diagnosis can help to reduce the incidence of adverse reactions and the unnecessary exclusion of foods that should be eaten as part of a normal, healthy die.
Stop by one of our labs or schedule a mobile concierge to have your sample collected by one of our licensed healthcare professionals.
What this Test measures
Specific IgE serological tests aid in the diagnosis of allergic disease. As such, anyone presenting with allergy symptoms is a candidate for specific IgE testing. My Labs Direct’s ImmunoCAP™ Specific IgE Whole Allergen provides an objective measurement of the circulating IgE antibodies and the sensitization to a specific allergen in serum or plasma and allows quantitative measurements of individual allergens.
Up to 80 percent of patients with allergies are sensitized to more than one allergen. The effect is cumulative: An individual may have a number of triggers, which, combined, may lead to symptoms. The allergen symptom threshold is the point at which the cumulative allergen load leads to symptoms.
Each person has a different level of IgE antibodies at which he or she will show symptoms. Until the symptom threshold is reached, individuals will not show symptoms. However, when these allergens add up, they have a cumulative effect, pushing the one over their symptom threshold. By reducing exposure to certain triggers, symptoms can be avoided.
Identifying and reducing exposure to sensitized allergens, particularly house dust mite, can reduce the risk of virally induced asthma exacerbations. In individuals with asthma, allergies and respiratory viral infections act synergistically―pushing the one over their symptom threshold―to increase the risk of a severe exacerbation. Those with asthma and allergy, who subsequently develop a respiratory viral infection, are at increased risk of hospital admission.
- Almond
- Cashew
- Cod Fish
- Cow’s Milk
- Egg White
- Hazelnut
- Peanut
- Salmon
- Scallop
- Sesame
- Shrimp
- Soybean
- Tuna
- Walnut
- Wheat
Common food allergy symptoms include:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Mild wheezing or coughing
- Itching or tingling mouth, lips, or throat
- Fatigue
- Urticaria
- Failure to thrive
- Intense itching
- Facial edema
- Feeling very hot or very cold
- Anxiety
- Pale or flushed appearance
- Dyspnea
- Hoarseness
- Croupy/choking cough
- Very pale/cyanotic lips
- Unresponsiveness
- Circulatory collapse
Food allergies in children
Food allergies are a growing problem among infants and children. Approximately 40 percent of infants and young children with moderate to severe eczema suffer from food allergies, with eggs, cow’s milk, soy, and wheat accounting for the majority of allergenic foods.
Fortunately, the majority of children with an egg or milk allergy will outgrow it by age 5. In the meantime, though, children allergic to those and other foods often experience a diminished quality of life. This is often due to:
- Social isolation as a result of food restrictions.
- Anxiety among children and parents regarding school attendance and social events.
- Avoidance of major foods, which can lead to malnutrition and a failure to thrive.
For these reasons, early identification and avoidance of the allergenic foods is critical. Furthermore, there is a known link between food allergies and other disease: About 40 percent to 60 percent of children with an allergy to eggs or milk will develop asthma, and 30 percent to 55 percent will develop allergic rhinitis.
Questions? We Have Answers.
Why should I get an IgE blood allergy test instead of a Food sensitivity test to measure my food allergies?
Food sensitivity tests are designed to detect delayed immune reactions to foods, while IgE blood tests are used to diagnose immediate allergic reactions. IgE tests are more scientifically validated and widely accepted in clinical practice, especially for diagnosing food allergies with clear, immediate symptoms. Food sensitivity tests, on the other hand, remain controversial and may not provide reliable results in all cases.
What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
The key difference between food allergies and food intolerances is the immune system’s involvement. Food allergies involve an immune response mediated by IgE antibodies and can cause rapid and severe reactions, while food intolerances do not involve the immune system and often lead to delayed and less severe symptoms related to digestion or metabolism. Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the appropriate management and dietary changes for each condition. If you suspect you have a food allergy or intolerance, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.
What will my results tell me?
An IgE (Immunoglobulin E) food allergy blood test measures the levels of IgE antibodies in your blood in response to specific food allergens. The results of this test can provide valuable information about your food allergies, including: Identification of allergenic foods, severity of allergic reactions, or confirmation of allergies. With guidance of a healthcare provider, allergy tests can be used for allergen avoidance, monitoring allergic sensitivity and treatment planning.
When should I take my test?
Please prepare to test first thing in the morning. Be sure to drink plenty of water before testing! Being well hydrated will help increase blood flow and improve the testing experience.
*Note: Do not test on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or Holiday. Your sample must be picked up, dropped at a dropbox location or brought to FedEx on the same day you test.
Can I share my results with my healthcare provider?
Your results can be easily shared with your healthcare provider, and in fact, we encourage you to share your data in order to obtain the treatment you might need. Contact us for a network of healthcare providers that specialize in treating diabetes and nutritional deficiencies.
