Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required.
- Turnaround: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of IgE antibodies in your blood that are specific to egg yolk (F075-IgE Egg (Yolk)). IgE is the type of antibody the immune system can produce when it identifies certain proteins as harmful.
It measures egg yolk only. It does not measure egg whites, other foods, or other antibody classes. A result shows whether egg yolk-specific IgE is present. It does not, on its own, confirm a clinical food allergy.
Benefits
- Measures IgE antibodies specific to egg yolk in a single blood sample
- Helps you understand whether your immune system has produced IgE to egg yolk
- Gives your healthcare provider one more piece of information to review
- Can support conversations about a management plan with your provider
- No special preparation required
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults or children who have had symptoms of an allergic reaction after eating eggs
- People who notice tingling around the mouth, swelling, itching, or hives after eating
- People who have abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating
- People who experience congestion or lightheadedness after eating
- People whose healthcare provider wants egg yolk IgE information to guide next steps
If you have signs of anaphylaxis, such as a swollen throat, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and what can the result tell me?
It measures egg yolk-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. The result can help your healthcare provider evaluate whether your immune system has produced IgE to egg yolk proteins. It does not confirm a clinical food allergy by itself, and it does not show how severe a reaction could be or whether a food is safe to eat.
2. How is this test different from other egg or food allergy tests?
Its scope is narrow. It looks only at IgE to egg yolk, so it does not report on egg whites, other foods, or other antibody classes. IgE results are not interchangeable with other antibody measurements, so this test should be viewed as one specific piece of information rather than a full food allergy assessment.
3. Who should consider this test, and when?
Consider it if you have had symptoms such as tingling around the mouth, swelling, hives, digestive upset, or congestion after eating eggs. Food-related symptoms most often appear within two hours of eating and frequently within minutes. In some rare cases, a reaction can be delayed by four to six hours or longer.
4. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are expected in 3-5 business days. Timing may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
6. How should I interpret my results, and what should I do if they are abnormal?
Your result reflects the level of egg yolk-specific IgE in your blood. Its meaning depends on your symptoms, history, and other clinical information. A positive result does not automatically mean you have a clinical allergy, and a negative result does not guarantee you can eat egg yolk safely. Share your results with a qualified healthcare provider, who can decide whether further evaluation is appropriate.
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 special preparation is required.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity may occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins in different foods or substances. This test measures only egg yolk-specific IgE. It does not test for any of the items listed below. These examples are not exhaustive, and they are possible considerations, not confirmed allergies. Cross-reactivity does not mean you will react to another item. Depending on your history, symptoms, or your healthcare provider's guidance, related allergen testing may be worth discussing.
Chicken meat and other poultry:Egg yolk and poultry meat may share allergenic proteins, including chicken serum albumin (alpha-livetin). This pattern has been described as bird-egg syndrome.
Other bird eggs (duck, goose, turkey): Egg proteins from different bird species can be similar, and cross-reactivity has been reported between hen's eggs and other avian eggs.
Bird feathers and bird exposure: Some people who are sensitized to birds, such as parrots or budgies, may also react to egg yolk, because feathers and egg yolk can share alpha-livetin.
