Food Allergy Panel with Reflex to Components

The Food Allergy Panel with Reflex to Components panel contains 15 tests with 15 biomarkers.

The Food Allergy Panel with Reflex to Components is a specialized blood test that measures the levels of specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which are produced in response to common foods known to cause allergic reactions. These reactions may range from mild discomfort to severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms.

What's Tested:

The panel evaluates the immune response to the following foods:

• Almond
• Cashew nut
• Codfish
• Cow's milk
• Egg white
• Hazelnut
• Peanut
• Salmon
• Scallop
• Sesame seed
• Shrimp
• Soybean
• Tuna
• Walnut
• Wheat

These include some of the most common foods or food groups known to cause serious allergic reactions, such as milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.

How the Test Works:

When someone with a food allergy encounters specific food allergens, the immune system activates the release of IgE antibodies. This activation leads to the release of histamine, which is responsible for the allergic reaction.

The test measures the blood levels of specific IgE antibodies linked to the listed foods, helping in the diagnosis and management of food allergies.

Who Should Consider the Test:

• Individuals with known or suspected food allergies.
• People experiencing symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, diarrhea, or anaphylaxis after eating specific foods.
• Those looking to identify triggers for chronic allergic conditions.

About the Reflex to Components:

If an elevated IgE level is detected for a specific food, the test may automatically "reflex" to more detailed component testing. This means that additional analyses are performed to identify the exact proteins within the food causing the allergic reaction. This can help to differentiate between a true food allergy and a cross-reactive allergy due to another underlying condition, such as pollen allergy.

Benefits of the Test:

• Accurate Identification: Helps in the accurate identification of food allergens causing symptoms.
• Personalized Management: Assists in creating a personalized management plan, including dietary modifications.
• Understanding Severity: Offers insights into the potential severity of the allergic reaction.
• Component Resolution: Provides detailed information down to the specific allergenic proteins when reflexed.

Conclusion:

The Food Allergy Panel with Reflex to Components is a valuable tool for anyone seeking to understand or manage food allergies. By identifying specific food triggers and the nature of the immune response, this panel assists in creating personalized and effective care plans. It offers not just a diagnosis but deeper insights into the exact components causing the allergic response, facilitating a more nuanced approach to allergy management. Whether dealing with known allergies or investigating new symptoms, this test can provide the clarity needed for safer and more comfortable living.