Food Allergy Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Screening Test (Serum)
This test measures the level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that may react to common food allergens. It helps identify potential food sensitivities that could trigger allergic reactions.
["This screening helps determine if certain foods might cause allergic responses in you."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 23804-8
- Short code
- Deprecated Food Allerg Mix2 IgE Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Food Allerg Mix2 IgE Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- multidisk
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test detects IgE antibodies, which are part of your immune system’s response to allergens. When your body encounters a food it’s allergic to, it may produce IgE antibodies as part of an immune reaction. This test looks for elevated levels of these antibodies in your serum, which can indicate a possible food allergy.
Why Might You Need This Test?
A doctor may recommend this test if you’ve experienced symptoms like hives, swelling, digestive issues, or difficulty breathing after eating certain foods. It can also be used as part of an allergy evaluation before trying elimination diets or allergy treatments.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to measure IgE levels specific to common food allergens.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result means your blood contains higher-than-normal levels of IgE antibodies to certain foods. This doesn’t confirm a food allergy but may warrant further testing or allergy evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
IgE food allergy screening is a preliminary step. Elevated IgE levels suggest a potential allergic reaction but don’t definitively diagnose a food allergy. If results are positive, your doctor may recommend additional testing, such as a food challenge or skin prick test, to confirm the specific trigger. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action, especially if you have symptoms or concerns about food sensitivities.
Short name
IgE Food Allergy Screen
Frequently asked questions
What Are Common Food Allergens Tested For?
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Can I Eat Normally Before the Test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy