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 IgE antibody levels in your blood to whole egg, meaning both egg yolk and egg white. IgE is the type of antibody the immune system can produce when it views certain egg proteins as harmful.
This is a single food allergen test for whole eggs only. It does not measure other foods or other antibody classes. A result reflects IgE sensitization to egg and does not, by itself, confirm a clinical egg allergy.
Benefits
- Measures IgE antibodies to both egg yolk and egg white.
- Uses a simple blood sample with no special preparation.
- Provides information your healthcare provider can use when evaluating a possible egg allergy.
- May support your healthcare provider in developing a management plan.
- Results are delivered online.
Who Is This Test For?
- People who have experienced symptoms they suspect are related to eating eggs.
- People who notice tingling around the mouth, hives, or itching after eggs.
- People who have had digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating eggs.
- People who have had breathing-related or congestion symptoms after eating eggs.
- People who want IgE information to discuss with their healthcare provider.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and does it include other types of eggs?
This test measures IgE antibodies to whole egg (yolk and white) in a blood sample. It is limited to whole egg. Although people with an egg allergy may also react to other bird eggs, such as duck, goose, quail, or turkey, those eggs are not measured separately by this test.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
If you have had symptoms after eating eggs, this test may be worth considering. Reactions can range from mild to severe and often begin within minutes, though most occur within two hours. In rare cases, they can be delayed by four to six hours or longer. Severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing or a swollen throat, require immediate medical attention.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required. You can complete your blood draw without changing your usual routine unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
4. How quickly will I get my results?
Expect results in 3-5 business days. They may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?
A result shows the level of IgE antibodies to whole egg, and it should be read alongside your symptoms, history, and other clinical information. It cannot, on its own, confirm a clinical egg allergy or predict how you might react. If your result is abnormal, share it with a qualified healthcare provider, who can explain what it means for you and 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 allergen sources. This test measures only IgE to whole egg and does not test for any of the items listed below. These examples are not exhaustive, and they describe possible relationships rather than confirmed allergies. A relationship 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.
- Other bird eggs (duck, goose, quail, turkey): Egg proteins from different birds can be similar, so some people allergic to hen's egg may also react to other bird eggs.
- Chicken meat: Some people with an egg allergy may also react to chicken meat, since certain proteins are shared, though this is less common.
- Feathers and bird droppings: Bird-egg syndrome has been reported, in which sensitization to proteins from birds or feathers is associated with egg yolk allergy.
