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Food Allergen Panel (Screening) – Immunoassay

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the presence of antibodies to common food allergens in your blood, helping identify potential triggers for allergic reactions.

Quick summary

["A simple blood test to check for common food allergies that may cause symptoms like hives, swelling, or digestive issues."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
82065-4
Short code
Food Allerg Mix27 IgE RAST
Synonyms
Food Allerg Mix27 IgE RAST
Category
glucose
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
multidisk
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
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

This screening evaluates IgE antibodies against a mix of common food allergens, including milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame, and mustard. The test detects if your immune system has reacted to these foods by producing antibodies.

Why It’s Done

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like itching, rash, digestive problems, or breathing difficulties after eating certain foods, or if you suspect a food allergy but haven’t been formally tested yet.

How It Works

A small blood sample is taken and analyzed using an immunoassay method to detect specific IgE antibodies linked to food allergens. Results are qualitative (positive or negative) rather than quantifying antibody levels.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You can eat and drink normally on the day of the test. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your provider know before the draw.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Food Allergy Screen (Serum)

Frequently asked questions

How long will I need to wait for results?
Results are typically available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you during your follow-up visit.
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
Yes, you can eat and drink normally on the day of your test. Avoiding food restrictions isn’t necessary unless your provider advises otherwise.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result indicates your immune system may have produced antibodies against one or more of the tested foods, which could mean an allergic reaction is possible. However, this doesn’t confirm the exact allergen or severity. Further testing may be needed to pinpoint the cause.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy