Skip to content

IgE Immunoassay for Common Food Allergens (Screening)

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

This test measures levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE), a type of antibody that your body produces in response to certain foods, often indicating an allergy.

Quick summary

["IgE levels help identify potential food allergies by detecting your immune system’s reaction to common triggers."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
15227-2
Short code
Food Allerg Mix74 IgE Ql
Synonyms
Food Allerg Mix74 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

IgE antibodies are part of your immune system’s defense mechanism. When you’re exposed to certain foods, your body may produce IgE to protect against what it perceives as harmful. This test checks for elevated IgE levels specific to common allergens like milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.

Why It’s Done

Doctors may recommend this screening test if you’ve experienced symptoms like hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or digestive issues after eating certain foods. It can help determine if your symptoms are due to an allergic reaction rather than another condition.

Sample Collection

A small blood sample is taken from your arm using a needle. The blood is then processed to separate the serum, which contains the IgE antibodies tested for this allergy screen.

What to Expect Before the Test

There are no special preparations needed for this test. However, if you’re on blood-thinning medication or have a history of bleeding disorders, let your healthcare provider know before the test.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

IgE Food Allergy Screen

Frequently asked questions

Your IgE levels may be higher than normal if you have an allergic reaction to certain foods. While this test can suggest a potential allergy, it does not confirm a diagnosis. Further testing, such as an elimination diet or skin prick test, may be needed for confirmation.
This test helps identify potential food allergens by measuring IgE antibodies in your blood. If your IgE levels are elevated for specific foods, it may indicate a need for further evaluation by an allergist.
What does a high IgE level mean?
A high IgE level for certain foods suggests your immune system may be reacting to them, which could mean you have an allergy. However, this test alone does not confirm an allergy—additional testing is often required to diagnose food allergies accurately.
Can I eat certain foods before this test?
You can eat your normal diet before this test. However, if you suspect a food allergy, avoid the suspected foods for a few days before testing to reduce false positives, but consult your doctor first.
  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