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
- Comprehensive screening for 15 common food allergens in one convenient test
- Direct access testing with no doctor referral required for immediate results
- Quantitative IgE measurement using gold-standard ImmunoCAP technology for accuracy
- Class scoring system correlates IgE levels with
- Privacy and convenience through confidential walk-in lab testing allergy reaction probability
- Proactive health management helps prevent severe reactions and emergency situations
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms like hives or digestive issues
- People with family history of food allergies seeking preventive screening
- Those monitoring known food allergies for changes over time
- Adults and children with suspected reactions after eating certain foods
- Health-conscious consumers wanting comprehensive allergy insights without waiting for specialists
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Visit the lab for a simple blood draw—no appointment necessary at most locations
- Lab analyzes your serum using ImmunoCAP technology to measure IgE antibodies
- Receive results in 3-5 business days with detailed class scores and reference guide
FAQ
What allergens does this panel test for? The panel screens for 15 common foods: almond, cashew, codfish, egg white, hazelnut, milk, peanut, salmon, scallop, sesame seed, shrimp, soy, tuna, walnut, and wheat.
Can this test definitively diagnose a food allergy? No—positive IgE indicates sensitization but clinical allergy requires correlation with symptoms and medical history. Consult an allergist for diagnosis.
Do I need to avoid suspected allergens before testing? No dietary restrictions needed. Continue eating normally unless experiencing severe reactions, then consult a healthcare provider first.
How accurate is this test? ImmunoCAP technology shows up to 90% sensitivity and 85% specificity for common food allergens (AAAAI 2023).
What if my results show multiple positive allergens? High numbers are common—consult an allergist to determine which allergens are clinically relevant based on your symptoms and history.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Schechter Allergy Panel #1 detects specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against 15 common food allergens in your blood. When your immune system overreacts to certain food proteins, it produces these measurable antibodies. This comprehensive screening helps identify potential IgE-mediated food allergies, providing valuable insights for managing your diet and health.
The test uses ImmunoCAP Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay, considered the gold standard for allergen-specific IgE detection (Mayo Clinic 2024). Results include quantitative measurements and class scores that correlate IgE levels with the probability of experiencing allergic reactions.
Who would benefit from this test?
This panel serves individuals experiencing symptoms possibly related to food allergies, such as hives, gastrointestinal issues, or respiratory problems after eating. It's valuable for those with family history of allergies or anyone seeking proactive health screening.
Parents of children showing unexplained allergic symptoms find this test particularly useful. Adults developing new food sensitivities later in life also benefit from comprehensive screening. The direct-access format appeals to health-conscious consumers who prefer managing their testing without requiring physician referrals.
When should I order Schechter Allergy Panel #1?
Order this test when experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms that might relate to food consumption. Timing is important—avoid testing during acute allergic reactions for most stable results.
Consider testing if you've noticed patterns of symptoms after eating specific foods, have family history of allergies, or want baseline allergy information. The test is also useful for monitoring known sensitizations over time, especially in children who may outgrow certain food allergies.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results include quantitative IgE concentrations measured in kU/L (kilo Units per Liter) and corresponding class scores indicating reaction probability. Higher numbers suggest greater likelihood of clinical allergy, but require medical correlation.
< 0.10 kU/L
- (Class 0): No significant IgE detected
0.10–0.34 kU/L
- (Class 1): Very low/doubtful significance
0.35–0.69 kU/L
- (Class 2): Low but possible significance
0.70–3.49 kU/L
- (Class 3): Moderate likelihood
3.50–17.49 kU/L
- (Class 4): High likelihood
17.50–49.99 kU/L
- (Class 5): Very high likelihood
> 100 kU/L
- (Class 6): Extremely high likelihood
Food allergies affect approximately 8% of children and 10% of adults in the United States (CDC 2023).
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 dietary restrictions are required before this test. Continue taking medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Maintain your normal eating habits to ensure accurate baseline measurements.
Schedule testing when you're not experiencing acute allergic reactions, as this can temporarily affect IgE levels. Inform the phlebotomist about any bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medications you're taking.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your specific circumstances and allergist recommendations. Regular monitoring helps track changes in sensitization patterns over time.
- Initial screening: Once, then as symptoms warrant
- Known food allergies in children: Every 1–2 years to assess tolerance
- Stable adult allergies: Every 3–5 years or with symptom changes
- Immunotherapy monitoring: Every 6–12 months as directed
- New unexplained symptoms: As needed for evaluation
Why early detection matters
Early food allergy identification prevents severe reactions and improves quality of life significantly. Food allergies generate over $24 billion annually in U.S. healthcare costs, much of which stems from emergency treatments for severe reactions (FARE 2022).
Accurate testing enables tailored dietary management and appropriate emergency preparedness. Understanding your allergies helps avoid accidental exposure while maintaining nutritional balance. Early detection also facilitates timely consideration of allergy immunotherapy options under specialist guidance.
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.
Respiratory Allergen Panel Region 11 IgE Blood Test - Measures IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to various allergens commonly found in the Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, and the mountains of Arizona and Idaho region.
Almond Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to almonds.
