Food Allergy

WHAT?

At-home sample collection device for measuring levels of specific IgE antibodies in your blood that are elevated if you are allergic to certain foods. Laboratory results are provided within 5 days.

WHY?

Food allergies are becoming more common. With an allergy, the immune system reacts to proteins in certain foods, because it sees them as alien and attempts to remove the threat. An intolerance is different because it is a non-immunological response triggered by digestive issues, for example the inability to digest lactose.

Allergy symptoms differ in severity and can range from mild rashes or itching to nausea or severe breathing issues. An intolerance may bring discomfort and pain, including bloating, cramps and diarrhoea, but will not be life-threatening. It is therefore important to identify food allergies first. Our test measures the amount of IgE present in your blood which is an indication of a hypersensitivity or true allergy. IgG is a secondary response usually associated with a previous exposure to an antigen, so it is not advised for food allergy testing.

WHO?

A food allergy panel is an easy way to confirm a suspected food allergy. If you are allergic to certain foods, they should be eliminated from your diet to avoid discomforts or potentially life-threatening reactions such as anaphylactic shock.

HOW?

This sample kit contains a finger-prick blood collection device, along with clear instructions. Samples collected at home are couriered to and tested at the BioSmart accredited pathology laboratory.

Blood is tested for the following IgE antibodies which will be elevated if you have a food allergy or normal if you are simply intolerant to that food type: Avocado, Banana, Citrus Mix, Kiwi, Peanut, Hazelnut, Pea, Soybean, Celery, Beef Meat, Pork Meat, Clam Shell, Shrimp, Crab, Tuna (Yellowfin), Codfish, Garlic, Onion, Baker’s Yeast, Sesame, Rice, Corn, Wheat Flour, Alpha-Lactalbumin, Beta-Lactalbumin, Casein, Egg White and CCD (cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants).

The amount of each IgE antibody is measured which gives insight into the severity of the allergy. For example, a peanut allergy that causes life-threatening anaphylactic shock will have a very strong antibody response. Your food allergy report will come in an easy-to-understand format with a detailed explanation of results, what they mean and your next steps.