BLOOD TESTING
Food Allergy Profile Testing
What is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful and triggers an allergic reaction. Common food allergens include:
- Cow's milk
- Egg White
- Peanut
- Sesame
- Soya
Symptoms
Symptoms of a food allergy reaction can range from mild to severe, some common symptoms can include:
- Hives and itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Anaphylaxis
What is in the Food Allergy Profile Test?
The Food Allergy Profile Test is a blood test designed to identify allergic reactions to a variety of common food allergens. The test measures your total levels of total IgE and specific IgE.
- Total IgE: this test measures the overall level of IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies, which are produced by the immune system when you have an allergy
- Individual IgE: this test measures the specific IgE antibodies in response to proteins in the following foods: Codfish, Cow's milk, Egg whites, Egg yolk, Kiwi, Peanut, Sesame, Soya and Wheat
What Happens After the Test?
If the test results show that you are allergic to one or more of the foods tested, your healthcare provider will guide you on how to manage your allergies. This may include:
- Avoiding the allergenic foods: you may need to eliminate the foods you're allergic to from your diet to prevent allergenic reactions
- Emergency Plan: if your allergy is severe, you may be prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) to carry with you for emergency use in case of emergency use in case of anaphylaxis
What Happens if the Test is Negative?
If the results are negative but you continue to experience symptoms after eating certain foods, there may be other factors causing your symptoms, such as food intolerances, sensitivities, or other medical conditions. Further evaluation may be needed to determine the cause of your symptoms.
