The allergy panel food test is a diagnostic tool that helps identify specific food allergies by measuring the levels of antibodies produced by the body in response to various food proteins. This blood test typically assesses Immunoglobulin E (IgE) or Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which are involved in allergic reactions and food intolerances, respectively. The test aids in determining whether an individual has an allergic reaction to certain foods, providing valuable information for the management and treatment of food allergies.

By identifying the specific foods that trigger an immune response, the allergy panel food test enables healthcare professionals to develop personalised dietary plans and strategies to prevent severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. This test is particularly useful for individuals experiencing symptoms like hives, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and difficulty breathing, which may be indicative of a food allergy.

An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system that causes undesirable reactions to certain substances like food, dust, pollen, drugs or even animal dander. These reactions normally do not occur in others. The substance causing the reaction is an allergen. Immunoglobin E is an antibody that the body produces in case of an allergic reaction. The total IgE test is a blood test used to measure the complete IgE levels in the blood, but it does not indicate what the specific allergen causing the reaction. . 

The Allergy-Vegetarian + Nonvegetarian Panel is a comprehensive diagnostic test designed to identify specific food allergies by measuring IgE antibodies against 22 common allergens from both vegetarian (e.g., egg white, wheat, peanut, soybean, cow milk, egg yolk, pineapple, lemon, rice, lentil, olive, tomato, garlic, onion) and nonvegetarian sources (e.g., chicken, beef, pork, cod fish, shrimp, tuna, salmon, blue mussel). This test helps diagnose food allergies to manage symptoms, guide dietary choices, improve quality of life, and prevent severe allergic reactions. It provides accurate results with a faster turnaround time, facilitating timely and effective allergy management.

Reasons for Undergoing the Allergy Panel Food Test

There are several reasons why an individual may need to undergo an allergy panel food test:

• Identifying the cause of symptoms such as hives, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and difficulty breathing, which may be indicative of a food allergy
• Diagnosing food allergies in individuals who have experienced adverse reactions to specific foods
• Helping in the management and treatment of food allergies by pinpointing the exact allergenic foods
• Assisting in the prevention of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis

List of Parameters Considered During the Allergy Panel Food Test

The allergy panel food test measures specific antibodies produced by the body in response to various food proteins:

• Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies: These are the primary antibodies involved in allergic reactions. High levels of IgE antibodies against specific food proteins indicate an allergy to those foods.
• Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies: While IgG antibodies are also measured in some tests, they are more commonly associated with food intolerances rather than allergies. An increase in IgG levels for a certain food suggests intolerance to that food.

Allergy Panel Food Test Preparation

Preparing for the allergy panel food test involves the following steps:

• Avoid taking medications that contain antihistamines for at least 7 days prior to the test.
• There is no need for fasting, but it is advisable to avoid eating foods to which you have previously reacted. Having something in your stomach before the test can be beneficial.
• Avoid overexposure to the sun to prevent sunburn, which could make the test uncomfortable and difficult to interpret.

Allergy Panel Food Test Results & Interpretation

The results of the allergy panel food test indicate the presence and level of IgE or IgG antibodies against specific foods:

• Positive Result: High levels of IgE or IgG antibodies indicate an allergy or intolerance to the specific food. For example, values between 0.70 and 3.49 may indicate intolerance, while higher values suggest a stronger reaction.
• Negative Result: Low levels of antibodies (e.g., values under 0.35) suggest that the individual is unlikely to be allergic or intolerant to the tested food.
• Interpretation: The results of the allergy panel food test should be interpreted by an allergist or healthcare professional who can explain the significance of the findings and recommend appropriate dietary changes or treatment.