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IgE Antibody Screening Panel (Food Allergens) - Serum

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood to help identify potential food allergies. IgE is a type of antibody that the immune system produces in response to certain allergens.

Quick summary

["IgE antibodies can signal an allergic reaction to common foods, helping guide further testing or dietary adjustments."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
82550-5
Short code
Food Allerg Mix32 IgE Ql
Synonyms
Food Allerg Mix32 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 specific to a mix of common food allergens. IgE is part of your immune system’s response to substances it perceives as harmful, often leading to allergic reactions like hives, swelling, or digestive issues. This screening helps identify which foods may trigger an allergic response in you.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve experienced symptoms like itching, swelling, digestive upset, or breathing difficulties after eating certain foods. It can also be used to confirm suspected food allergies or guide allergy testing or treatment plans.

How Is the Test Performed?

A small blood sample is taken from your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure IgE levels against a panel of common food allergens. The results help determine if your immune system is reacting to these foods.

What Do the Results Mean?

Results show whether your IgE levels are elevated for specific foods. Elevated IgE levels for a food suggest a possible allergic reaction, but they don’t confirm a diagnosis alone. Your doctor may recommend additional testing or allergy evaluations if needed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

IgE Food Allergy Screen

Frequently asked questions

How often will I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for this blood test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.
What are the most common foods tested in this panel?
This panel typically includes allergens like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish, but the exact list may vary by lab. Your doctor will confirm the specific foods included in your test.
Can false positives or false negatives occur with this test?
Yes, IgE tests can sometimes produce false positives or false negatives. If your results are unclear, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as skin prick tests or oral food challenges, to confirm an allergy.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy