Food Panel

The Food Panel is an allergy screening test that detects specific IgE antibodies in the blood, associated with  food allergy. This test confirms the specific foods that trigger the allergic reaction in an individual and cause allergic symptoms.

An allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance (allergens) as harmful and produces an inappropriate response by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). The Food Panel is a type of allergy screening test that helps doctors identify whether an individual’s symptoms may be due to common food allergens such as egg whites, soybean, peanut, wheat, cod fish, shrimp/prawns, blue mussel, and cow milk.

Your doctor may suggest the Food Panel if you exhibit symptoms associated with food allergy such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, skin rashes, hives, etc. This comprehensive panel may also be advised for individuals with a family history of allergies. A positive or elevated test result indicates that the individual is sensitive to one or more common food allergens, which can then be further investigated through more specific allergy testing. A negative result indicates no sensitization to the tested allergens, though it does not rule out allergies to other substances not included in this test.

The Food Panel plays a critical role in managing food allergies by providing insights into dietary restrictions and personalized treatment plans. Once specific food allergens are identified through this panel, doctors can advise individuals on avoiding these triggers and managing potential allergic reactions. Moreover, this panel can also be beneficial for monitoring changes in allergic sensitivities over time, helping individuals and doctors to adapt treatment strategies as needed.

Generally, no special preparation is required for the allergy Food Panel. However, inform your doctor about any medications (such as antihistamines) that you are taking, as they might influence your test results.

Lab test results can vary depending on the specific test kit used, as different methods and the quality of allergens used can affect the quantification of IgE. Therefore, these results are intended to be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms.