Food Allergy Panel | Allergy Testing

What

The Food Allergy Panel measures the levels of IgE antibodies that your immune system produces in response to common food allergens.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase

Orders not permitted in: AK, HI, AZ

How

Type of sample to be collected:
Blood (venipuncture - a needle is used to draw blood from a vein)

This test features additional testing, see ‘Reflex’ section for details.

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit one of our Patient Service Centers.

About the Test

The Food Allergy Panel measures the levels of specific IgE antibodies in your blood to common food allergens. This 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.

PLEASE NOTE

This test reports the presence of IgE(s) antibodies to 15 allergens, but the result by itself cannot confirm the presence of an allergy. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider or an allergy specialist. They will review your results along with your medical history, signs and symptoms, medications, and any other test results. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose an allergy and prescribe medication, if needed.

How do I know if this test is right for me?

An allergic reaction to a particular food can range from uncomfortable to severe. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to a few hours after eating a particular food.

This test is right for you.

If you have any of these symptoms, this test may be right for you.
Tingling or itching in the mouth
Hives or eczema
Itching or swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat or other parts of the body
Wheezing
Nasal congestion or slight trouble breathing
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
History of a mild allergic reaction to a particular food

This test may not be right for you.

If you experience these more severe symptoms, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Constriction and tightening of the airways
A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe
A severe drop in blood pressure
Rapid pulse
Dizziness, lightheadedness
Loss of consciousness

The Food Allergy Panel measures the levels of specific IgE antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are an immune response to common foods known to cause allergic reactions. This 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.

There are some foods that can cause serious allergic reactions in people. Milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts are common foods or food groups known to cause serious allergic reactions.

The symptoms and severity of allergic reactions to particular foods may vary. If someone with a food allergy eats or comes across products containing specific food allergens, the immune system activates the release of too much of the antibody IgE. IgE activation causes the release of a substance called histamine, which causes an allergic reaction.

The Food Allergy Panel may be helpful in identifying if you have had or currently have an allergic reaction to certain foods. If so, you may any of the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Itchiness of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, or any other area
Hives (also known as urticaria), characterized by the sudden appearance of pale reddish bumps or welts on the skin that may be accompanied by swelling
Shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling faint
Anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause itching, hives, and skin rash; swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue; and difficulty breathing, potentially causing the body to go into shock.)

Most allergic reactions occur within minutes, but some may develop hours after exposure. The reaction to these allergens can vary from a stuffy nose to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause itching, hives, and skin rash; swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue; and difficulty breathing, potentially causing the body to go into shock. Anaphylactic shock occurs when a person's blood pressure drops so severely that the body's cells and tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Due to the severity of a possible allergic reaction, it's crucial to work with your healthcare provider to determine an optimal treatment and prevention plan.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report.

You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results.

If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.

If peanut, milk, or egg allergy levels are abnormal, additional respective component panels will be performed on the sample you have already provided to provide specific protein information for you to share with an allergist.

How Does it Work?

Take an in-person test at a Quest Diagnostics location.

Over 2000+ locations focus on your safety, confidentiality and convenience.

Schedule your appointment after purchasing a test to minimize wait time.

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Enter your zip code to find a Quest Diagnostics location closest to you.

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We will email you when your confidential results are available.

View results

Take control of your health

Conveniently shop and pay online for lab tests without a doctor's visit. An independent physician will review your request and if appropriate, confirm your order and offer oversight.

Schedule and manage your appointments

Conveniently schedule your appointment online at one of our Quest Diagnostics locations. Certain tests may also offer self-testing home delivery.

Get your results online

View your results through your secure account online. And it's easy to share the result with your doctor.

Your results are available on our free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready. You can also share your results with your doctor, family, or friends.

FAQs

How will I know if a food contains these ingredients?

According to federal law, major food allergen ingredients must be plainly stated on the labels of packaged foods and dietary supplements in the United States. Also, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) identifies eight foods or food groups as the major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.

Although avoidance is the best way to prevent a reaction, consumers can find these allergens in unsuspected places, such as soaps, creams, massage oils, and other products. Be sure to read labels and research the products you use carefully.

How long does it take for an allergic reaction to occur?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may occur very quickly. However, some may develop hours after exposure.

Does everyone react the same way to food allergens?

The reaction to common food allergens can vary from a stuffy nose to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause the body to go into shock. Anaphylactic shock occurs when a person’s blood pressure drops so severely that the body’s cells and tissues do not receive enough oxygen.

Food Allergy Test Panel

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