Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Convenient screening without physician referral needed
- Confidential results accessible online with physician review
- High accuracy using Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) method
- Prevents reactions by identifying soy sensitization early
- Supports dietary planning with clear allergen avoidance guidance
- Monitors allergy status over time or after treatment
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing symptoms after consuming soy products
- People with family history of food allergies or legume sensitivities
- Those with existing peanut or tree nut allergies
- Children with suspected food allergies requiring screening
- Adults planning allergen immunotherapy or dietary changes
- Health-conscious consumers wanting proactive allergy testing
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No physician referral needed; schedule at your convenience
- Visit a lab - Get a simple blood draw at any participating location
- Get results - Receive results securely online within 3-5 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to soy proteins that trigger allergic reactions.
How accurate is this blood test? FEIA method provides high sensitivity and specificity, with levels above 30 kU/L showing 94% accuracy for predicting clinical reactions (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Can I eat soy before testing? Yes, normal diet is recommended as recent exposure doesn't affect IgE antibody levels.
Will this replace food challenge testing? No, but it supports clinical decision-making and may reduce need for oral food challenges (PMC/NIH 2015).
What if my results are positive? Consult with an allergist for clinical correlation, dietary guidance, and emergency action planning.
How common is soy allergy? Affects approximately 0.3-0.7% of U.S. children, with many outgrowing it over time (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures serum levels of soy-specific IgE antibodies to help diagnose or rule out soy allergy. The Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) method detects immune proteins that react to soy allergens like Gly m 4, Gly m 5, and Gly m 6, which are key proteins in soybeans that trigger allergic responses (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals with suspected soy allergy symptoms, those with other food allergies (especially peanuts or tree nuts), children with food sensitivities, and people planning allergen immunotherapy. It's particularly valuable for health-conscious consumers who prefer direct-to-consumer testing without requiring physician referrals (Kids with Food Allergies 2024).
When should I order a Soy Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms suggestive of soy allergy, including tingling in the mouth, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, hives, congestion, or breathing difficulties after consuming soy products. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis (rapid pulse, throat swelling, low blood pressure, loss of consciousness) require immediate medical attention and subsequent allergy testing.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE < 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: Negative / Low likelihood
- Typical action: Soy allergy unlikely
IgE 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline sensitization
- Typical action: Clinical correlation needed
IgE 0.7–17.4 kU/L
- What it means: Positive sensitization
- Typical action: Avoid soy, consult allergist
IgE ≥ 30 kU/L
- What it means: High likelihood clinical allergy
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, emergency plan
IgE levels should always be interpreted alongside symptoms and clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider.
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. Continue normal diet and medications unless specifically instructed otherwise. Inform the lab if you're taking antihistamines, as some medications might potentially affect results, though this rarely impacts IgE testing significantly.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis – One-time testing
- Monitoring treatment progress – Annually or as directed
- Children outgrowing allergy – Every 2–3 years
- After immunotherapy – As recommended by allergist
Why early detection matters
Early soy allergy detection prevents accidental exposure and serious reactions, including anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals. Since soy is among the top eight food allergens causing severe reactions, knowing your IgE status enables proactive dietary management and emergency preparedness. This reduces healthcare costs from allergic reactions and improves quality of life through informed food choices (Testing.com 2021).
Related tests you may consider
Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test - Complements soy testing since patients are often sensitive to both legumes
IgE Food Allergy Advanced Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit - Provides broader allergen profile for differential diagnosis
Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test – This test checks IgE antibodies to common tree nuts and peanuts to help identify allergic reactions. Some individuals with tree nut allergies may also react to soy.
