Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify specific food triggers - test for 8 common allergens causing reactions
- Skip doctor visits - order directly online without physician referral required
- Get fast answers - receive results within days to guide dietary decisions
- Prevent severe reactions - early detection helps avoid potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis
- Improve quality of life - eliminate guesswork around food sensitivities and symptoms
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms after eating certain foods
- Individuals with suspected food allergies needing confirmation for proper management
- Parents concerned about potential food allergies in family members
- Those wanting to screen for common food sensitivities before symptoms worsen
- Anyone preferring convenient, direct-access allergy testing without doctor appointments
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - purchase your test kit directly without needing a prescription
- Collect sample - visit a local lab or use at-home blood draw service
- Get results - receive results within 3-5 business days with clear allergen measurements.
FAQ
What allergens does this panel test for? The panel screens for 8 common food allergens: seafood, tree nuts/peanuts, wheat, walnut, milk, soy, scallop, and egg white.
How accurate are the results? IgE-based allergy tests typically show sensitivity and specificity rates exceeding 80%, though clinical correlation is recommended (Herzum et al., 2005).
Can I take this test while on antihistamines? Some antihistamines may interfere with results. Disclose all medications when ordering for proper guidance.
Will this detect all types of food allergies? This panel detects IgE-mediated allergies only. Non-IgE or delayed reactions require different testing methods.
What should I do if the results are positive? Consult a board-certified allergist for confirmation, management planning, and possible additional testing.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Schechter Allergy Panel #2 measures specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that indicate allergic sensitization to eight common food allergens. By detecting these antibodies, the test helps identify which foods may trigger allergic reactions, including severe responses like anaphylaxis. This precise immunological profiling guides proper diagnosis and management of food allergies, which affect approximately 8% of children and 10% of adults in the U.S. (NIAID 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for individuals experiencing allergic symptoms possibly related to food consumption, those needing confirmation of suspected food allergies, and people preferring direct lab access without physician referrals. It's particularly valuable for health-conscious consumers who want timely information about food sensitivities affecting their quality of life and safety. Early identification helps prevent severe reactions and reduces unnecessary food avoidance that can impact nutrition.
When should I order Schechter Allergy Panel?
Order this test when experiencing allergy symptoms that may be food-related, such as itching, rashes, swelling, or digestive issues after eating. It's also recommended for clarifying unclear allergic reactions or screening individuals at risk for food allergies. Given that food allergy-related anaphylaxis causes approximately 150 deaths annually in the U.S. (NIAID 2023), early testing can be life-saving for those with severe sensitivities.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will show IgE levels for each tested allergen, measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter). Use this interpretation guide:
Under 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: Unlikely sensitization
- Typical action: Food likely safe to consume
0.35–0.70 kU/L
- What it means: Low sensitization
- Typical action: Monitor for symptoms
0.70–3.5 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Consider avoiding food
Over 3.5 kU/L
- What it means: High sensitization
- Typical action: Likely allergy — avoid food
Remember: Higher IgE levels don't always predict reaction severity - clinical correlation with an allergist is essential.
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 blood test. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you're taking, as certain antihistamines may affect results. Continue your normal diet before testing, as recent food consumption won't impact IgE antibody levels. The test can be performed at any time of day.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once for baseline
- Monitoring known allergies: Every 1-2 years
- After immunotherapy: As directed by allergist
- New symptom development: When symptoms arise
Why early detection matters
Food allergies carry significant health and economic impacts, with childhood food allergies costing an estimated $25 billion annually in medical and indirect costs (National Academies 2016). Early detection enables preventive management strategies that reduce emergency incidents and improve quality of life. Identifying specific allergens allows for targeted avoidance while maintaining nutritional adequacy, preventing both severe reactions and unnecessary dietary restrictions.
Related tests you may consider
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Dog Dander Allergy IgE Blood Test -Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect a dog allergy.
IgG Food Antibodies (87 IgG Foods + Total IgE) - Genova Test Kit - measures antibodies to 87 commonly consumed foods and provides a total IgE measurement to screen for food allergies or sensitivities.
