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Walk-in-lab Lab Test: Egg Yolk Allergy IgE Blood Test

Egg Yolk Allergy IgE Blood Test

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The Egg Yolk Allergy IgE Blood Test measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to egg yolks.

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Quick Facts

  • Sample: Blood draw (serum)
  • Fasting: No fasting required
  • Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.

Benefits

  • No doctor referral needed — order online and test at your convenience
  • Fast, accurate results — advanced ImmunoCAP® technology delivers precise IgE measurements
  • Confidential testing — secure results help you take control of your allergy management
  • Distinguish yolk from white allergies — pinpoint exactly which egg component triggers reactions
  • Supports dietary planning — enables personalized nutrition strategies with healthcare guidance

Who Is This Test For?

  • Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after eating eggs or egg-containing foods
  • Adults or children with unexplained skin rashes, digestive upset, or respiratory issues
  • People with a family history of food allergies seeking proactive screening
  • Anyone needing to differentiate egg yolk allergy from egg white sensitivity
  • Individuals preparing for allergy management discussions with healthcare providers

How It Works – Just 3 Steps

  1. Order online - Schedule your test at any certified lab location
  2. Get tested - Quick blood draw takes just minutes, no preparation needed
  3. Review results - Receive confidential results within 3-5 days


FAQ

What does this test measure? It detects IgE antibodies specific to egg yolk proteins, indicating an allergic response.

Can I eat egg whites if I'm allergic to yolks? Many people with yolk allergies tolerate egg whites, though cross-contamination is hard to avoid (Mayo Clinic Labs 2024).

Do I need to fast before this test? No special preparation is required, though inform your provider about antihistamines or corticosteroids.

How common is egg yolk allergy? Egg yolk allergy is less common than egg white allergy, affecting a subset of the 1-2% of children with egg allergies (Mayo Clinic Labs 2024).

What if my results are positive? Positive results warrant consultation with an allergist for management plans, dietary counseling, or potential immunotherapy.

Could I also be allergic to chicken? Cross-reactivity with chicken is possible due to shared proteins; discuss this with your healthcare provider.

 

More Details

What is the purpose of this test?

This Egg Yolk Allergy IgE Blood Test measures Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to egg yolk proteins in your blood. When you have an egg yolk allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies yolk proteins as harmful invaders. In response, it produces IgE antibodies that trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals, causing allergic symptoms. By detecting elevated IgE levels, this test helps confirm whether you have an egg yolk allergy, distinguishing it from egg white or whole egg allergies (Walk-In Lab 2025).

Egg yolk allergy is more prominent in adults compared to children, though it can affect individuals of any age. Interestingly, many people allergic to egg yolks can safely consume egg whites, though complete separation is nearly impossible. This test uses advanced ImmunoCAP® or fluorescence enzyme immunoassay methodologies, offering high sensitivity (approximately 85-90%) and specificity (approximately 80-90%) for accurate diagnosis (NCBI 2020).

Who would benefit from this test?

You may benefit from this test if you experience allergic symptoms after consuming eggs or egg-containing products. This includes individuals with unexplained skin reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, or respiratory issues following egg consumption. The test is also valuable for people with a family history of food allergies or those who need to differentiate between egg yolk and egg white sensitivities for personalized dietary planning.

Healthcare providers often recommend this test when initiating allergy workups, monitoring known egg allergies, or preparing for immunotherapy treatments. It's particularly useful for adults, as egg yolk allergy tends to be more common in this age group. If you've experienced cross-reactions with chicken (which shares some allergens with egg yolk) or other poultry eggs like duck, goose, quail, or turkey, this test can help clarify your allergy profile (Elsevier 2013).

When should I order an Egg Yolk Allergy IgE Blood Test?

Order this test if you've experienced symptoms related to an allergic reaction after eating eggs. Most food allergy symptoms occur within two hours of ingestion, frequently beginning within minutes. However, reactions can sometimes be delayed by four to six hours or longer in rare cases.

Common symptoms indicating you should consider testing include:

  • Tingling sensation near or around the mouth
  • Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
  • Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Itching, hives, or skin rashes
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or wheezing
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness

In severe cases, egg allergy can trigger anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention. Warning signs include rapid heart rate, swollen throat restricting breathing, low blood pressure, and extreme dizziness or loss of consciousness. If you've experienced anaphylaxis, work with an allergist to identify specific triggers through testing.

How do I interpret the results?

Your results will show IgE antibody levels as class ratings indicating your degree of sensitization to egg yolk allergens. Higher values suggest a stronger allergic response.

Class 0 (Negative)

  • Meaning: No detectable IgE antibodies
  • Action: Egg yolk allergy unlikely; no dietary restrictions needed

Class I (Low)

  • Meaning: Low IgE levels detected
  • Action: Mild sensitization; monitor symptoms and discuss with provider

Class II (Moderate)

  • Meaning: Moderate IgE elevation
  • Action: Moderate allergy; avoid egg yolk and consult allergist

Class III–IV (High)

  • Meaning: High IgE levels
  • Action: Significant allergy; strict avoidance and allergy management plan

Class V–VI (Very High)

  • Meaning: Very high IgE levels
  • Action: Severe allergy risk; emergency action plan and allergist care essential

Up to 70% of egg-allergic individuals may tolerate extensively heated eggs because high temperatures denature allergenic proteins.

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 or special dietary preparation is required before this test. You can eat and drink normally. However, inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're currently taking, particularly antihistamines or corticosteroids, as these may potentially affect test results.

The blood sample is collected in a serum gel or red-top tube at a walk-in lab or collection center. The specimen is centrifuged if needed, properly labeled, and shipped to a testing facility. Prompt collection and shipping maintain specimen integrity for accurate results. Most people experience minimal discomfort during the brief blood draw procedure.

How often should I get tested?

Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and clinical needs:

  • Initial diagnosis or symptom evaluation: Once, followed by clinical follow-up
  • Monitoring known allergy in children: Every 1–2 years to assess potential tolerance development
  • Before attempting food reintroduction: As recommended by allergist before dietary trials
  • After immunotherapy treatment: As directed by allergist to evaluate treatment response
  • Stable, well-managed adult allergy: Typically not repeated unless symptoms change

Your allergist or healthcare provider will recommend appropriate testing intervals based on your age, symptom severity, and treatment goals. Children may outgrow egg allergies over time, making periodic retesting valuable to assess tolerance development.

Why early detection matters

Early identification of egg yolk allergy reduces your risk of severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, which can result in significant healthcare costs and serious health consequences. Anaphylaxis requires emergency medical intervention and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. By knowing your specific allergen triggers, you can take proactive steps to avoid exposure and prevent dangerous reactions.

Early diagnosis also enables you to work with healthcare providers on comprehensive management strategies. This includes developing emergency action plans, learning to recognize warning signs, and understanding which foods and products to avoid. With egg yolk allergy affecting approximately 1-2% of children and being more common in adults, accessible testing helps individuals maintain wellness and dietary safety (Mayo Clinic Labs 2024).

Additionally, knowing your egg yolk allergy status helps you make informed dietary choices. You'll need to avoid not only egg yolks but also many egg-containing products including mayonnaise, baked goods, pasta, salad dressings, processed meats, breaded foods, custards, ice cream, and products containing apovitellin, phosvitin, or livetin proteins. With proper diagnosis, you can work with a dietitian to ensure adequate protein intake from alternative sources while safely managing your allergy.

 

Related tests you may consider

Whole Egg Allergy IgE Blood Test — screens for IgE antibodies to both egg white and egg yolk proteins, providing a comprehensive allergy profile when you're unsure which component triggers reactions.

Egg Component Allergy IgE Blood Test — distinguishes between allergies to specific egg proteins such as ovalbumin and ovomucoid in whites, and other proteins in yolks, enhancing diagnostic precision for targeted management.

IgE Food Allergy Basic Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit — offers broader screening for multiple common food allergens simultaneously, useful when you have complex symptoms or suspect multiple food sensitivities beyond eggs.

Sample Report

CPT Code(s): 86003

Test Code(s):

602487, 2856

Specimen:

Blood

Preparation:

No special preparation is required.

Test Results:

3-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.


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