Food Allergy Panel: Basic (15 Foods)
Measures IgE antibodies to 15 common food allergens including milk, eggs, nuts, seafood, and wheat to help identify food allergies.
Select Lab Partner
What this test measures
This food allergy panel measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to 15 food allergens, helping individuals and their healthcare providers determine whether they have an allergy. IgE is a type of antibody that the body makes to help fight off infections. However, IgE sometimes mistakenly identifies harmless substances, like certain foods, as harmful. When IgE antibodies attached to the surface of an immune cell recognize an antigen, they can cause the immune cell to release chemicals like histamines that cause an allergic reaction.
The panel measures immune responses to almond, cashew nut, codfish, cow's milk, egg white, hazelnut, peanut, salmon, scallop, sesame seed, shrimp, soybean, tuna, walnut, and wheat. These foods can cause serious allergic reactions in some individuals. Milk, egg, fish, shellfish, peanut, tree nuts, sesame seed, soybean, and wheat are among the top most common foods to cause serious allergic reactions. The test detects the presence of specific IgE antibodies in the blood, which may indicate sensitization to particular foods. A positive result indicates the body has produced allergy-related antibodies and may suggest a higher chance of having an allergy.
What's included
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals experiencing recurring unexplained symptoms such as hives, skin rashes, swelling, or digestive issues that may be related to food consumption
- Those with a family history of food allergies or other allergic conditions who want to identify potential food sensitivities
- Patients with symptoms that develop within minutes to hours after eating certain foods, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or respiratory symptoms
- Individuals with eczema, asthma, or other allergic conditions who suspect food triggers may be contributing to their symptoms
- Those who have experienced unexplained allergic reactions and want to identify specific food allergens that may be responsible
- Parents of children with suspected food allergies who need comprehensive testing to guide dietary management and safety planning
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation is required. Individuals can continue taking their regular medications, including antihistamines, as these typically do not interfere with IgE antibody testing. No fasting is required, and normal dietary habits can be maintained before the test.
Sample Type
A blood sample is collected through standard venipuncture, typically from a vein in the arm. The collection process is quick and straightforward, requiring only a small amount of blood.
Collection
The test is performed by having a small amount of blood drawn by a technician at one of the available lab locations. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory where it is analyzed for IgE antibodies specific to each of the 15 food allergens included in the panel.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after the laboratory receives the sample. Results will be available through the online portal and can be shared with healthcare providers for interpretation and follow-up care planning.
Understanding your results
The test result for each allergen is measured in kU/L, which is the concentration of antibodies to that specific food per liter of blood. To determine if there is an allergy to a food, the kU/L of each allergen needs to be compared with its own reference table. The reference table allows interpretation of test results by classifying what is considered to be a high or low concentration of antibodies. Results must be interpreted in the context of the clinical history and the patient's symptom presentation. The results of this test alone should not be used to determine if an individual has an allergy. It is important to follow up with a healthcare provider, as only a healthcare provider can diagnose or rule out an allergy and help determine next steps.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Ages | < 0.35 kU/L | Normal range - indicates no detectable sensitization to the specific food allergen |
| All Ages | 0.35 - 0.69 kU/L (Class 1) | Low level sensitization - clinical significance may vary |
| All Ages | ≥ 0.70 kU/L (Class 2 and above) | Abnormally high levels indicating significant sensitization that may be associated with allergic symptoms |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Levels of IgE antibodies to a specific allergen should be fewer than 0.35 kU/L. Low or undetectable levels of specific IgE antibodies to the tested food allergens typically suggest that sensitization to those particular foods is unlikely. This may indicate that the foods tested are probably not causing IgE-mediated allergic reactions. However, the significance of allergen specific IgE levels between 0.10 and 0.35 kU/L remains undefined. A negative test may not rule out clinical allergy or even anaphylaxis. Some individuals may still experience food-related symptoms due to non-IgE mediated mechanisms or other types of food sensitivities that are not detected by this test.
What does a “High” result mean?
Concentrations of 0.70 kU/L or more (class 2 and above) will flag as abnormally high. Elevated IgE levels to specific food allergens typically indicate sensitization to those foods, which may be associated with allergic reactions when consumed. The presence of elevated IgE levels indicates sensitization, which may be associated with allergic symptoms when the food is consumed. However, individual allergen specific IgE antibody levels may not always correlate with severity of clinical symptoms. Some individuals may have elevated IgE levels but experience mild symptoms, while others with lower levels may have more severe reactions. IgE antibody levels to allergens less than 0.10 kU/L do not exclude the possibility of an anaphylactic reaction to the allergen involved, since in vitro assays are indicators of previous sensitization rather than predictors of future response.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Food allergy testing results are completely confidential and handled with the utmost privacy protection. Test results are <u>not reported to your doctor</u> unless you specifically choose to share them, giving you complete control over your medical information. Your food allergy panel results are <u>not part of your medical records</u> and will not appear in any electronic health record systems unless you decide to provide them to your healthcare provider. Additionally, these test results are <u>not reported to insurance companies</u> and will <u>not appear on insurance statements</u> or explanation of benefits documents, ensuring your privacy is fully protected. All test results are securely stored and only accessible through your private online portal with encrypted login credentials. The laboratory follows strict HIPAA compliance protocols to safeguard your personal health information. No employers, insurance providers, or government agencies will have access to your food allergy testing results. This confidential testing allows individuals to identify potential food allergies without concerns about insurance discrimination or impacts on their medical coverage, giving you the freedom to make informed dietary decisions based on your results.
Frequently asked questions
Related tests
Related conditions
CPT Code: 86003
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
Select Lab Partner
Not sure if this is the right test? Contact our care team for guidance.