FOOD + INHALANTS + NON VEG+ DRUG ALLERGY SCREENING TESTS (BY IMMUNO- EIA)

Allergy

Report in 72Hrs

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No Fasting Required

Details

Screening panels for allergens.

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FOOD + INHALANTS + NON VEG+ DRUG ALLERGY SCREENING TESTS (BY IMMUNO-EIA)

Why is it done?
- Identifies specific IgE antibodies against food allergens (nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, peanuts, fish), inhalant allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores), non-vegetarian sources (meat, poultry), and drug allergens (antibiotics, NSAIDs, anesthetics) using enzyme immunoassay methodology
- Diagnoses allergic conditions including allergic rhinitis, asthma, food-induced anaphylaxis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, and drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions
- Ordered when patients present with allergic symptoms such as itching, swelling, hives, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal upset, or anaphylaxis following exposure to suspected allergens
- Performed during initial allergy evaluation, prior to allergen immunotherapy, when skin testing is contraindicated (severe dermatitis, dermographism), or when determining safe food/drug alternatives
- Useful for patients on antihistamines or corticosteroids that cannot be discontinued, and for those with multiple allergies requiring comprehensive screening
Normal Range
- Unit of Measurement: IU/mL (International Units per milliliter) or kUA/L (kilounits of allergen per liter)
- Normal/Negative Result: < 0.35 IU/mL (or < 0.35 kUA/L) - No significant IgE antibodies detected; indicates no allergy to that specific allergen
- Positive/Abnormal Results - Classification:
- Grade 1 (Low): 0.35 - 0.69 IU/mL - Minimal sensitization; mild allergic potential
- Grade 2 (Low-Moderate): 0.70 - 3.49 IU/mL - Mild sensitization; mild to moderate allergic symptoms possible
- Grade 3 (Moderate): 3.50 - 17.49 IU/mL - Moderate sensitization; moderate allergic reactions expected
- Grade 4 (Moderate-High): 17.50 - 52.49 IU/mL - High sensitization; high risk of significant reactions
- Grade 5 (High): 52.50 - 100 IU/mL - Very high sensitization; severe allergic reactions very likely
- Grade 6 (Very High): > 100 IU/mL - Extremely high sensitization; immediate anaphylactic risk
Interpretation
- Negative Results (< 0.35 IU/mL):
- Indicates absence of IgE-mediated allergic response to the tested allergen; allergen avoidance may not be necessary unless clinical history strongly suggests allergy
- Low Positive Results (Grade 1-2):
- Indicates early sensitization or cross-reactivity; clinical correlation essential; symptoms may not manifest unless sensitization increases or allergen exposure is substantial
- Moderate Positive Results (Grade 3-4):
- Strongly suggests clinical allergy; patient should avoid the allergen and carry emergency medications; increased risk of systemic reactions with accidental exposure
- High/Very High Positive Results (Grade 5-6):
- Indicates severe allergy with high probability of anaphylaxis; strict allergen avoidance mandatory; patient must carry epinephrine auto-injector and wear medical alert identification
- Factors Affecting Interpretation:
- Clinical history and symptomatology must correlate with laboratory results; some individuals show sensitization without clinical symptoms (asymptomatic sensitization)
- Cross-reactivity between allergens may produce positive results in related substances without causing allergic symptoms
- Elevated total IgE levels may affect results; recent infections, parasitic infestations, or immunological conditions may increase baseline IgE
- Age factor: Children may show higher sensitization rates; seasonal variation affects results for pollens and seasonal allergens
- Long-term allergen avoidance may reduce IgE levels; recent allergen exposure may temporarily elevate results
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Involved:
- Respiratory System - Allergen sensitization manifests as allergic rhinitis, asthma exacerbation, bronchospasm, and laryngeal edema
- Gastrointestinal System - Food allergens trigger oral allergy syndrome, GI tract edema, gastritis, enteritis, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
- Integumentary System (Skin) - Manifestations include urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, eczema flares, and contact dermatitis
- Cardiovascular System - Severe reactions cause cardiovascular collapse, hypotension, tachycardia, and anaphylactic shock
- Immune System - Central to allergic response; mast cells and basophils release mediators (histamine, tryptase, leukotrienes) causing systemic manifestations
- Common Allergic Conditions Diagnosed:
- Allergic Rhinitis - Nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing triggered by pollen or inhalant allergens
- Allergic Asthma - Reversible airway obstruction with dyspnea, wheeze, and cough following allergen exposure
- Food-Induced Anaphylaxis - Life-threatening systemic allergic reaction requiring immediate epinephrine; associated with highest-risk foods (peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs)
- Atopic Dermatitis - Chronic inflammatory skin condition exacerbated by food and environmental allergens
- Urticaria and Angioedema - Acute or chronic hives with potential for airway compromise with allergen exposure
- Allergic Conjunctivitis - Ocular itching, redness, and tearing in response to environmental allergens
- Drug Hypersensitivity - Ranging from mild rash to severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome with antibiotics, NSAIDs, and anesthetics
- Potential Complications of Abnormal Results:
- Anaphylactic Shock - Severe, potentially fatal systemic reaction causing cardiovascular collapse and airway obstruction
- Status Asthmaticus - Life-threatening asthma exacerbation with severe bronchospasm refractory to standard treatment
- Angioedema with Airway Obstruction - Laryngeal edema compromising breathing requiring emergency intervention
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome - Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions with high mortality
Follow-up Tests
- Confirmatory and Complementary Tests:
- Allergen-Specific IgE Panel - Expanded testing for other allergens if initial screening shows sensitization; reflex testing to related allergen family members
- Total IgE Level - Baseline measurement to assess overall allergic burden and identify patients at risk for multiple allergies
- Allergen Component-Resolved Diagnostics (CRD) - Identifies reactivity to specific allergen molecules for precise risk assessment and cross-reactivity evaluation
- Skin Prick Testing - Direct in-vivo allergen testing if immunoassay shows borderline results; confirms clinical significance of positive tests
- Intradermal Testing - Increased sensitivity for inhalant allergens when skin prick testing is negative but clinical suspicion remains high
- Oral Food Challenge Testing - Gold standard for food allergy diagnosis when IgE results are discordant with clinical history
- Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) - For patients with respiratory symptoms; assesses severity of airway obstruction in asthmatic patients
- Eosinophil Count (CBC with Differential) - Elevated eosinophils support allergic/parasitic etiology; monitor for hypereosinophilic syndromes
- Tryptase Level - Elevated during acute anaphylaxis; helps confirm mast cell-mediated reaction; measured 15-60 minutes post-reaction onset
- Drug-Specific IgE Testing - Targeted testing for suspected drug allergens (beta-lactams, NSAIDs, local anesthetics) if immunoassay positive
- Monitoring Frequency:
- Initial Assessment: Baseline testing at first presentation; repeat if clinical presentation changes significantly
- Follow-up Testing: Annually or biannually for chronic allergic conditions to assess sensitization trends and treatment response
- Post-Immunotherapy: Testing at 6-12 months intervals during allergen immunotherapy to document IgE reduction and immune tolerance development
- After Anaphylaxis: Consider repeat testing 4-6 weeks post-event when baseline acute reactivity has normalized
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Status: NOT REQUIRED
- This is a serum-based immunoassay test that does not require fasting; patient can eat and drink normally before sample collection
- Sample Collection Requirements:
- Blood Sample: 5-10 mL serum in a gold-top (serum separator) tube or red-top tube without additives; collected via venipuncture
- Sample Handling: Allow sample to clot for 30 minutes at room temperature, then centrifuge for 10 minutes at 3000 rpm; separate serum into sterile tube
- Storage: Refrigerate at 2-8°C if not processed immediately; samples stable for 7 days at 4°C or up to 3 months if frozen at -20°C
- Medications to Consider:
- Antihistamines: May be continued during testing as this is in-vitro analysis; does not affect IgE measurement unlike skin testing
- Corticosteroids: May be taken normally; systemic corticosteroids do not significantly interfere with specific IgE measurement
- Immunosuppressants: May reduce total IgE production but specific IgE antibodies often persist; inform laboratory if patient is severely immunocompromised
- Other Pre-Test Preparation:
- Timing: Avoid blood collection immediately following anaphylactic event; wait 24-48 hours for baseline measurements
- Acute Illness: Recent infections (viral or bacterial) may transiently elevate total IgE; consider timing of testing if patient recently ill
- Patient Identification: Ensure proper labeling with patient name, date of birth, and specimen collection date/time
- Avoid Hemolysis: Careful venipuncture technique prevents hemolysis which can interfere with some assay methodologies
- Allergen Avoidance: Not necessary to avoid allergen before testing; recent allergen exposure may temporarily elevate IgE but does not contraindicate testing

How our test process works!