ADULT FOOD ALLERGY PROFILE
What is it?The Food Allergy Profile provides rapid and convenient measurement of food-specific IgE antibodies. The profile includes allergens associated with common food allergies and is useful in confirming or excluding suspected food allergies. Results can help direct subsequent testing and management options, including trial elimination diet, oral food challenge, and further evaluation of non-IgE-related reactions. This test includes 12 ImmunoCAP specific IgE allergens: clam, cod fish, corn (maize), egg white, milk, peanut, scallop†, sesame seed, shrimp, soybean, walnut, and wheat.
Why do I need it?The accurate diagnosis of food allergy is important not only for avoidance of foods that may cause a reaction, but also to avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions that may adversely affect quality of life. Diagnosis of food allergies begins with assessment of clinical history and physical examination to evaluate respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. When findings are consistent with an IgE antibody-mediated food reaction, food-specific IgE testing is performed with in vitro or in vivo tests. In vitro testing is particularly useful in patients at risk of severe anaphylactic reactions from skin-prick testing and others with medical conditions that contraindicate in vivo testing.
What do I do with the results?If your results are ‘abnormal’ or ‘out-of-range’ from the normal, please contact a health care provider. The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed nurse practitioner or physician.