Food Allergy Panel with Reflex to Components

This test measures the levels of specific IgE antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are an immune response to common foods known to cause 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.

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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
• 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.

This 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.

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. Your test results will be available to you a few days after we collect your sample.