Food Allergy Panel

A blood-based allergy panel screening for IgE antibodies to six common food allergens: egg, cow's milk, peanut, soy, wheat, and cod. Identifies IgE-mediated food allergies (immediate reactions) as distinct from food intolerances.

True IgE-mediated food allergy — characterised by rapid-onset symptoms such as hives, swelling, gastrointestinal distress, or anaphylaxis — is distinct from food intolerance, which involves different immunological or digestive mechanisms and generally produces milder, delayed symptoms. This panel specifically measures IgE antibodies, the class of immunoglobulin responsible for immediate allergic reactions. The six allergens tested represent the most common causes of IgE-mediated food allergy in Western populations. Peanut allergy is among the most prevalent and can cause severe reactions. Cow's milk and egg allergies are common in children and may persist into adulthood. Soy and wheat are widespread in processed foods and can be difficult to avoid without clear diagnostic information. Cod serves as a representative fish allergen — individuals sensitised to cod often cross-react with other fish species. Blood-based IgE testing offers a safe, convenient alternative to oral food challenges and does not require stopping antihistamine medication. A positive result indicates immunological sensitisation to that food, though clinical relevance — whether the sensitisation produces symptoms on exposure — ideally requires correlation with dietary history and potentially supervised challenge testing. The results provide a rational basis for dietary management decisions and referral to an allergologist if needed.