Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays..
Benefits
- Fast results - Get answers in 3-5 business days without doctor visits or referrals
- Convenient access - Available at 4,500+ lab locations nationwide
- Precise detection - Quantitative IgE measurement via advanced FEIA technology
- Confidential results - Secure delivery to protect your privacy
- Empowered decisions - Make informed dietary choices and allergy prevention plans
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults experiencing allergic symptoms after consuming dairy products
- Children with suspected milk protein allergies causing digestive issues
- Individuals with unexplained hives, swelling, or respiratory symptoms post-dairy
- People monitoring known milk allergies for treatment effectiveness
- Those seeking allergy confirmation without invasive skin prick tests
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No doctor referral needed, schedule at your convenience
- Visit lab - Quick blood draw at any of our nationwide locations
- Get results - Receive secure results in 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies to beta-lactoglobulin, a major whey protein in cow's milk that triggers allergic reactions.
How accurate is this blood test? Highly accurate when combined with clinical assessment, using fluorescence enzyme immunoassay technology in certified labs.
Can I still have milk allergies if I tolerate cooked dairy? Yes. Beta-lactoglobulin is heat-sensitive, so you may tolerate baked goods but react to raw dairy products.
What's the difference between this and other milk allergy tests? This test specifically targets beta-lactoglobulin, while comprehensive panels test multiple milk proteins like casein and alpha-lactalbumin.
Do I need to stop taking medications before testing? Discontinue antihistamines several days prior if possible, as they may affect IgE levels. Consult your doctor first.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects specific IgE antibodies to beta-lactoglobulin, confirming allergic sensitization to this major cow's milk protein. Beta-lactoglobulin accounts for approximately 50% of whey proteins and 10% of total cow's milk protein, making it a significant allergen target (Thermo Fisher 2025). The quantitative measurement helps distinguish between true allergy and intolerance, enabling appropriate dietary management and medical care.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals experiencing allergic-type symptoms within 48 hours of dairy consumption should consider this test. Milk allergy affects approximately 2-3% of children in the U.S., with beta-lactoglobulin being a major allergen responsible for many cases (Mayo Clinic 2019). Adults with new-onset dairy reactions, parents of children with unexplained digestive issues, and those with family histories of food allergies particularly benefit from early detection.
When should I order Beta-Lactoglobulin Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when experiencing consistent allergic symptoms after dairy intake, including hives, gastrointestinal distress, respiratory issues, or swelling. It's also valuable as part of comprehensive allergy workups in children or adults with suspected multiple food sensitivities. Early testing prevents severe reactions and reduces healthcare costs by avoiding unnecessary dietary restrictions.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported using a standardized classification system based on IgE antibody levels:
< 0.10 kU/L
- Class: 0
- What it means: Negative / No sensitization
- Typical action: No dietary restrictions needed
0.10 – 0.34 kU/L
- Class: 1
- What it means: Low positive
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms, consider an elimination trial
0.35 – 0.69 kU/L
- Class: 2
- What it means: Moderate positive
- Typical action: Likely allergic, avoid beta-lactoglobulin sources
0.70 – 3.49 kU/L
- Class: 3
- What it means: High positive
- Typical action: Definite allergy, strict avoidance recommended
3.50 – 17.49 kU/L
- Class: 4
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Severe allergy risk, carry emergency medication
17.50 – 49.99 kU/L
- Class: 5
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: High anaphylaxis risk, medical management essential
≥ 50.00 kU/L
- Class: 6
- What it means: Extremely high positive
- Typical action: Extreme caution, specialized allergy care required
Results require clinical correlation by a healthcare provider to distinguish sensitization from clinical allergy.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this test. Discontinue antihistamines several days before testing if possible, as they may affect IgE levels. Inform your healthcare provider about current medications and recent allergic reactions. The blood draw requires approximately 0.3-0.5 mL of serum, collected via standard venipuncture into a serum gel tube.
How often should I get tested?
Initial allergy diagnosis
▸ Once for confirmation
Monitoring known allergy
▸ Every 1–2 years
Treatment response assessment
▸ Every 6–12 months during therapy
Children (potential outgrowth)
▸ Every 2–3 years
After severe reactions
▸ Immediately, then annually
Why early detection matters
Timely identification through blood testing significantly reduces healthcare costs by avoiding severe allergic reactions and unnecessary dietary restrictions (Thermo Fisher 2025). Early detection enables proper emergency preparedness, including epinephrine auto-injector prescriptions when indicated. It also allows for gradual introduction of heated milk products in some cases, improving quality of life while maintaining safety.
Related tests you may consider
Milk Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to cow's milk.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
IgE Food Allergy Advanced Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit - Checks for allergic reactions to 92 common foods by measuring IgE antibodies in the blood, helping identify foods that may cause symptoms like rashes, stomach issues, or trouble breathing.
