Allergy Panel - Food Vegetarians Panel

Allergy

Report in 48Hrs

At Home

No Fasting Required

Details

IgE antibody panel for common vegetarian foods (lentils, wheat, soy, nuts, vegetables).

₹7,844₹11,206

30% OFF

Allergy Panel - Food Vegetarians Panel

Why is it done?
- Identifies IgE antibodies to common plant-based food allergens typically consumed by vegetarians
- Diagnoses suspected food allergies in individuals following vegetarian or vegan diets
- Helps determine triggers for allergic reactions such as urticaria, angioedema, anaphylaxis, or gastrointestinal symptoms
- Typically ordered when patients report symptoms after consuming plant-based foods including nuts, legumes, grains, or vegetables
- Performed during initial allergy evaluation or when dietary modifications are needed for symptom management
- Essential for vegetarians and vegans to safely identify safe food choices while maintaining adequate nutrition
Normal Range
- Reference Values (IgE Specific Antibodies): Negative/Non-Reactive: < 0.35 kU/L (kilounits per liter)
- Borderline/Equivocal: 0.35 - 0.69 kU/L (may warrant additional testing or clinical correlation)
- Positive/Elevated Levels (Graded I-VI):
- Class I: 0.70 - 3.49 kU/L (low sensitivity, mild allergy risk)
- Class II: 3.50 - 17.49 kU/L (moderate sensitivity)
- Class III: 17.50 - 49.99 kU/L (high sensitivity)
- Class IV: 50.00 - 99.99 kU/L (very high sensitivity)
- Class V: 100.00 - 149.99 kU/L (extremely high sensitivity)
- Class VI: > 150.00 kU/L (extremely high sensitivity with strong reaction risk)
- Interpretation:
- Negative results indicate no detectable IgE antibodies to tested allergens
- Positive results indicate sensitization to specific food allergens; higher values suggest stronger allergic response
- Units measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter) using quantitative immunoassay methodology
Interpretation
- Negative Results (< 0.35 kU/L):
- No specific IgE antibodies detected to tested food allergens
- Individual is unlikely to have IgE-mediated allergic response to these foods
- If symptoms persist, consider non-IgE mediated food intolerances or other underlying conditions
- Borderline Results (0.35 - 0.69 kU/L):
- Results near the cutoff require clinical correlation with patient symptoms and history
- Repeat testing or confirmatory testing may be warranted
- Oral challenge testing may be considered to confirm clinical relevance
- Positive Results (≥ 0.70 kU/L):
- Specific IgE antibodies present; indicates sensitization to tested allergen
- Class I-II (0.70 - 17.49 kU/L): Mild to moderate sensitization; clinical symptoms variable
- Class III-VI (≥ 17.50 kU/L): High to extremely high sensitization; greater risk of clinical reactions
- Avoidance of identified allergens is recommended; patient counseling essential
- Typical Vegetarian Panel Allergens Tested:
- Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts)
- Legumes (peanuts, soybeans, lentils, chickpeas)
- Seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin)
- Grains (wheat, oats)
- Vegetables (tomato, celery, mushrooms)
- Factors Affecting Test Results:
- Cross-reactivity between similar foods may cause false positives
- Antihistamine use within 3-5 days may suppress immune response and affect accuracy
- Severity of reactions does not always correlate with test value levels
- Recent anaphylaxis may temporarily reduce detectable IgE levels
- IgE levels may naturally decrease over time with allergen avoidance
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Involved:
- Gastrointestinal system: mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon
- Integumentary system: skin mast cells triggering urticaria and pruritus
- Respiratory system: nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, lungs, bronchi
- Immune system: mast cells, basophils producing allergic cascade reactions
- Cardiovascular system: potential vasodilation and shock with severe reactions
- Associated Medical Conditions:
- IgE-mediated food allergy
- Oral allergy syndrome (cross-reactivity with pollen allergens)
- Allergic rhinitis and asthma exacerbation with food allergen exposure
- Atopic dermatitis with food allergen triggers
- Food protein-induced gastroenterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)
- Eosinophilic esophagitis and other eosinophilic GI disorders
- Potential Complications with Positive Results:
- Anaphylaxis: severe, potentially life-threatening systemic reaction
- Angioedema: swelling of deep skin layers, particularly lips, tongue, throat
- Bronchospasm and respiratory compromise
- Severe GI symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
- Nutritional deficiencies if multiple plant allergens require avoidance
- Secondary bacterial infection of skin lesions from scratching
Follow-up Tests
- Additional Tests Based on Results:
- Comprehensive allergy panel: expanded testing for additional food allergens not included in vegetarian panel
- Skin prick testing: confirmatory testing with direct allergen application to skin
- Oral food challenge: controlled administration of suspected allergen under medical supervision
- Total IgE level: assess overall allergic sensitization status
- Component-resolved diagnostics (CRD): identify specific allergenic proteins within foods
- Tryptase level: if anaphylaxis suspected, helps confirm mast cell activation
- Complementary Diagnostic Tests:
- Inhalant allergen panel: screen for pollen allergies contributing to oral allergy syndrome
- Complete metabolic panel: establish nutritional status and baseline organ function before dietary restrictions
- Iron and vitamin B12 studies: assess risk of deficiency with restricted plant-based diet
- Celiac panel (tissue transglutaminase, total IgA): rule out celiac disease with wheat allergy
- IgG food sensitivity testing: evaluate non-IgE mediated food intolerances if symptoms persist
- Monitoring and Reassessment Frequency:
- Initial follow-up: within 2-4 weeks to assess patient comprehension and adaptation to dietary restrictions
- Annual or biennial reassessment: IgE levels may naturally decrease with sustained allergen avoidance
- As-needed retesting: if new symptoms develop suggesting reaction to different allergen
- Desensitization follow-up: if undergoing immunotherapy, baseline and periodic monitoring of IgE and IgG4
- Related Consultation Services:
- Allergy and Immunology specialist consultation for management plan development
- Registered Dietitian: create nutritionally adequate meal plans with allergen avoidance
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: No fasting is required for this test
- Blood sample can be drawn at any time of day
- Food or fluid intake does not affect IgE antibody test results
- Medication Considerations:
- Avoid antihistamines (H1 and H2 blockers) for 3-5 days before testing
- Common antihistamines to discontinue: diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine, ranitidine, famotidine
- Tricyclic antidepressants may affect results; notify phlebotomist if taking these medications
- Systemic corticosteroids may transiently reduce IgE levels; discuss with ordering physician
- Proton pump inhibitors and other routine medications do not interfere with test
- Pre-Test Instructions:
- Normal meals and beverages are permitted morning of test
- Avoid consuming tested allergens immediately before blood draw to minimize immune activation
- Arrive for appointment well-hydrated to facilitate blood draw
- Inform phlebotomist and laboratory of all current medications and supplements
- Provide detailed history of allergic reactions and symptoms to healthcare provider
- Avoid strenuous exercise or emotional stress for 24 hours before testing if possible
- Post-Test Care:
- Results typically available within 1-3 business days
- Schedule follow-up appointment with allergist to discuss results and management plan
- Apply pressure to venipuncture site for 2-3 minutes if bleeding continues
- Report any persistent bleeding, bruising, or signs of infection at puncture site

How our test process works!