Food Allergy Test

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.

Home Collection for Allergy Panel Food Test

Metropolis Healthcare offers a convenient home collection service for the allergy panel food test, ensuring comfort and safety for patients. A trained phlebotomist will visit your doorstep to collect the blood sample, maintaining high standards of sample handling and testing accuracy. This service ensures that you receive timely and reliable results without compromising on the quality of the diagnostic solution.

By opting for Metropolis Healthcare's home collection option, you can benefit from their commitment to making healthcare accessible and their drive to provide quality diagnostic solutions conveniently at home.