IgE Antibody Screening Panel for Common Food Allergens (20-item)
This blood test measures levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against 20 common foods. IgE is a type of antibody that may signal the immune system to react to certain foods, sometimes causing allergic reactions.
["IgE antibodies to foods can help identify potential food allergies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46713-4
- Short code
- Food Allerg Mix20 IgE Qn
- Synonyms
- Food Allerg Mix20 IgE Qn
- 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 specific to 20 frequently allergenic foods, including dairy, eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, and others. These antibodies are part of your immune system’s response and may indicate a heightened sensitivity to these ingredients.
Why Might You Need This Test?
A food allergy IgE screening may be recommended if you experience symptoms like hives, swelling, digestive issues, or breathing difficulties after eating certain foods. It can help doctors confirm or rule out food allergies before planning dietary changes or treatment.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from your arm. The sample is sent to a lab, where it is analyzed to measure IgE antibody levels against the listed foods using immunoassay methods.
What Are the Next Steps?
If elevated IgE levels are found, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing (like skin prick tests) or a detailed food diary to confirm allergies. They may also suggest avoiding suspected foods and working with a dietitian or allergist for management strategies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
IgE antibody testing is primarily used as a screening tool to identify potential food allergies. Elevated IgE levels suggest an immune response to specific foods, which can guide dietary modifications, allergy testing, and treatment planning. However, false positives can occur, so results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Short name
IgE Food Allergy Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I eat certain foods before the test?
What if my test results show elevated IgE levels?
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