Food Allergy Screening Panel (IgE Antibody Test)
This blood test measures levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to common food allergens. IgE is a type of antibody that the immune system produces in response to allergens, which can trigger allergic reactions.
["This test helps identify potential food allergies by detecting specific IgE antibodies in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15217-3
- Short code
- Food Allerg Mix1 IgE Ql
- Synonyms
- Food Allerg Mix1 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 This Test Measures
The test looks for IgE antibodies against a mix of common food allergens, including dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. Each allergen is tested individually to determine if your immune system recognizes it as a threat.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn and analyzed using a sensitive immunoassay method (likely a fluorescence immunoassay or similar) to detect IgE antibodies specific to each allergen. This helps determine if you may have an allergic reaction to these foods.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may recommend this test if you have symptoms like hives, swelling, digestive issues, or breathing difficulties after eating certain foods. It can also be used as part of an allergy evaluation before trying elimination diets or allergy treatments.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications (like antihistamines) that could affect results. Fast your blood for 8–12 hours if instructed, though this is not always required for IgE testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test provides a baseline for identifying potential food allergies by measuring IgE antibodies. While positive results suggest a possible allergy, they don’t confirm a diagnosis. Further testing (like skin prick tests or oral food challenges) may be needed for confirmation.
Short name
IgE Food Allergy Screen
Frequently asked questions
Can this test confirm a food allergy definitively?
What if my test results are positive for multiple allergens?
How long does it take to get results?
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