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

Allergy

Report in 72Hrs

At Home

No Fasting Required

Details

Screening panels for allergens.

₹3,404₹4,863

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Food + Non Veg Allergy Screening Tests (By Immuno-EIA)

Why is it done?
- Detects specific IgE antibodies to food and non-vegetarian food allergens using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) methodology
- Identifies immune-mediated allergic reactions to common food proteins such as eggs, milk, peanuts, shellfish, fish, wheat, soy, and tree nuts
- Screens for allergic reactions to non-vegetarian sources including meat proteins, poultry, and animal-derived food products
- Performed when patients present with symptoms of food allergy such as itching, hives, angioedema, gastrointestinal distress, or anaphylaxis
- Used to confirm or exclude food allergy diagnoses based on clinical suspicion and symptomatology
- Recommended as a non-invasive alternative to skin prick testing, particularly in patients with severe skin conditions or those on antihistamines
- Typically ordered during acute allergic episodes or when planning dietary modifications and avoidance strategies
Normal Range
- Negative Result: < 0.35 kUA/L (kilounits of allergen-specific IgE per liter) - indicates no detectable IgE antibodies to the tested allergen
- Class 0: < 0.35 kUA/L - Normal (No sensitization)
- Class 1: 0.35 - 0.69 kUA/L - Borderline (Minimal sensitization, usually clinically irrelevant)
- Class 2: 0.70 - 3.49 kUA/L - Mild positive (Low levels of specific IgE, may have clinical relevance)
- Class 3: 3.50 - 17.49 kUA/L - Moderate positive (Moderate sensitization with clinical significance)
- Class 4: 17.50 - 49.99 kUA/L - High positive (High levels indicating strong sensitization)
- Class 5: 50.00 - 100.00 kUA/L - Very high positive (Very high sensitization with strong clinical relevance)
- Class 6: > 100.00 kUA/L - Extremely high positive (Extremely high sensitization, high risk of severe reactions)
- Unit of Measurement: kUA/L (kilounits of allergen-specific IgE per liter)
- Normal/Negative: Absence of specific IgE antibodies indicating no allergic sensitization to the tested food allergen
- Abnormal/Positive: Presence of specific IgE antibodies indicating allergic sensitization; clinical significance correlates with antibody concentration level
Interpretation
- Negative/Class 0 Results (< 0.35 kUA/L):
  - Patient is not sensitized to the specific allergen tested
  - Symptoms are likely due to non-IgE mediated mechanisms or other causes (food intolerance, histamine intolerance)
  - Low probability of IgE-mediated allergic reaction to the tested food
- Borderline Results (Class 1: 0.35-0.69 kUA/L):
  - Minimal/trace IgE sensitization detected; clinical relevance is usually questionable
  - May represent early sensitization or cross-reactivity; recommend clinical correlation
  - Patient can usually tolerate the food unless clinical symptoms strongly suggest otherwise
- Positive Results (Class 2-6: ≥ 0.70 kUA/L):
  - Class 2 (Mild): Low probability of clinical allergy; may tolerate food in small amounts
  - Class 3 (Moderate): Moderate probability of clinical allergy; recommend caution with food consumption
  - Class 4-6 (High to Very High): High to very high probability of clinical allergy; strong recommendation to avoid the allergen
- Factors Affecting Results:
  - Recent allergen exposure may increase antibody levels transiently
  - Age, gender, and geographic location may influence sensitization patterns
  - Cross-reactivity between allergens may cause positive results to multiple related foods
  - Immunoglobulin deficiencies may result in false negatives despite clinical symptoms
  - Non-IgE mediated allergies (celiac disease, food intolerance) will show negative results
- Clinical Significance:
  - A positive test confirms IgE-mediated allergic sensitization but does not definitively diagnose clinical allergy without corresponding symptoms
  - IgE antibody levels correlate with risk of allergic reaction but do not predict severity or threshold dose for reaction
  - Results must be interpreted in conjunction with detailed clinical history, physical examination, and reported symptoms
  - Useful for ruling out food allergy when negative in symptomatic patients
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Involved:
  - Immune system (particularly mast cells and basophils)
  - Gastrointestinal system (mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine)
  - Skin (integumentary system)
  - Respiratory system (nasal passages, lungs, airways)
  - Cardiovascular system (in severe anaphylactic reactions)
- Medical Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results:
  - IgE-mediated food allergy (Type I hypersensitivity reaction)
  - Anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock
  - Allergic rhinitis triggered by food allergens
  - Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis
  - Atopic dermatitis exacerbated by food allergens
  - Allergic asthma triggered by food allergens
  - Oral allergy syndrome (OAS)
  - Eosinophilic esophagitis (when food allergens are involved)
- Diseases This Test Helps Diagnose or Monitor:
  - Food allergy diagnosis and confirmation
  - Atopic syndrome (patients with history of atopy)
  - Chronic urticaria related to food allergen exposure
  - Angioedema and associated swelling conditions
- Potential Complications Associated with Abnormal Results:
  - Life-threatening anaphylaxis with cardiovascular collapse and respiratory failure
  - Angioedema with airway obstruction risk
  - Severe gastrointestinal manifestations including vomiting and hemorrhage
  - Severe eczema flares and secondary skin infections
  - Acute asthma exacerbations requiring hospitalization
  - Nutritional deficiencies from overly restrictive diets based on test results
  - Psychological impact and quality of life reduction from unnecessary food avoidance
Follow-up Tests
- Additional Tests Based on Positive Results:
  - Skin Prick Testing (SPT) - to confirm IgE-mediated sensitization with direct allergen challenge
  - Component-Resolved Diagnostics (CRD) - identifies specific allergen proteins to predict clinical outcomes
  - Oral Food Challenge (OFC) - gold standard to confirm or exclude food allergy diagnosis
  - Total IgE levels - assess overall allergic sensitization status
  - Eosinophil count - elevated levels may suggest allergic response
- Further Investigations for Suspected Non-IgE Mediated Allergies:
  - Tissue Transglutaminase (tTG-IgA) - screens for celiac disease
  - Hydrogen Breath Test - diagnoses lactose intolerance
  - Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy with Biopsy - evaluates eosinophilic esophagitis
  - Elimination Diet Trial - helps identify non-IgE mediated reactions
- Monitoring Frequency for Ongoing Conditions:
  - Repeat testing annually or after 1-2 years for pediatric patients to assess natural resolution of food allergy
  - Re-test only if clinical symptoms persist or if immunotherapy is being considered
  - Not recommended to routinely repeat testing in confirmed food allergies; serial testing does not predict resolution
  - Monitor clinical symptoms and response to allergen avoidance regularly
- Related Tests Providing Complementary Information:
  - Complete Metabolic Panel - assesses nutritional status in patients with restrictive diets
  - Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels - evaluates nutritional status when egg/dairy restricted
  - Immunoglobulin Levels (IgG, IgA) - assess immune function
  - Histamine levels - may be elevated in suspected histamine intolerance
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: No
- This test can be performed at any time of day without fasting
- Patients may eat and drink normally before the test
- Medications to Avoid:
  - Antihistamines (H1 and H2 blockers) should be discontinued 3-5 days before testing if possible
  - Tricyclic antidepressants should be avoided 1-2 weeks before testing
  - Topical corticosteroids should be discontinued from the test site
  - Note: For serum-based testing, these restrictions do not apply; however, consultation with the healthcare provider is recommended
- Patient Preparation Requirements:
  - Bring valid photo identification and insurance card
  - Provide detailed list of current medications and supplements to the healthcare provider
  - Inform healthcare provider of any recent infections, fever, or acute illness
  - Disclose history of severe allergic reactions and current immunotherapy
  - Wear loose, easily accessible sleeves for venipuncture (blood draw)
  - Allow 15-30 minutes for the blood collection appointment
  - Arrange transportation if there is concern about vasovagal response or syncope
  - Have emergency medications (epinephrine auto-injector) readily available if known severe food allergy

How our test process works!