Single dad spending some time with his son, snacking while they prepare some lunch together.

UNDERSTAND HOW BODies REACT

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Food allergies have become more common among U.S. children in the past 20 years, affecting about 6.5% of the pediatric population.1

Test for all 9 food groups that cause 90% of allergic reactions

Labcorp's optimized specific IgE (slgE) food allergy profile with reflex component testing makes allergy testing easier with one convenient to order profile that tests sensitivity to the "Big Nine" clinically significant food allergens and assesses the potential for systemic reactions.

 

Eggs

Fish

Crustacean
Shellfish

Milk

Peanuts

Sesame

Soybean

Tree nuts

Wheat

Get more insight with component reflex testing

If food allergy is suspected, primary care providers can order an allergy profile with reflex to components.

Component reflex testing provides you a broader understanding of your patient’s allergic sensitization and precise diagnosis to support a comprehensive management plan. Automatic reflex testing is only run when the whole allergen tests positive to milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, sesame and/or wheat components without the need for an additional blood draw.

With Labcorp's ImmunoCAP™ allergen component reflex testing, you can:

  • Gain a broader understanding of a patient's allergic sensitization and precise diagnosis to support a comprehensive management plan
  • Assess the risk for systemic reactions versus a milder or more localized response
  • Provide your patient a more cost-effective, convenient food allergy assessment.
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Blood-based specific IgE allergy testing helps inform a definitive diagnosis

Diagnostic accuracy rarely exceeds 50% if a primary care provider relies only on a patient’s allergy history without testing.3

Differentiating between food allergy versus food sensitivity.

A food sensitivity, often called a food intolerance, may have similar symptoms as a food allergy, but there are a few key differences.

  • A food sensitivity is typically a reaction in the digestive system or gastrointestinal tract that can cause stomach upset and discomfort
  • Having a food sensitivity (not a food allergy) means you can likely eat small amounts of the food without triggering symptoms
  • A food sensitivity is not reliably detected by at-home food sensitivity tests
  • Food sensitivity tests cannot indicate a disease, are not proven and cannot make a diagnosis4

A food allergy can be more serious and may involve an allergic reaction in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system or the respiratory tract. Common symptoms are:5

 

  • Stomach cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Itchy mouth or lips
  • Hives or rash
  • Wheezing
  • Repetitive cough
  • Tight, hoarse throat; trouble swallowing
  • Swelling of the tongue and/or face, affecting the ability to talk or breathe

Anaphylaxis is one of the most serious indications of a food allergy and can be life-threatening. It usually occurs within minutes of exposure to a food allergen. Sometimes, however, it can happen a half-hour or longer after exposure. Signs and symptoms include:6
 

  • A weak and rapid pulse
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Wheezing
  • Repetitive cough
  • Tight, hoarse throat; trouble swallowing
  • Swelling of the tongue and/or face, affecting the ability to talk or breathe

What your patient can expect with a food allergy test

Available at your primary care provider’s office, a specialist’s office, through Labcorp OnDemand or at a Labcorp patient service center, you can get a blood-based specific IgE allergy test that:

  • Only requires a single blood draw
  • Is appropriate for children 3 months of age and older
  • Is not affected by prescription or over-the-counter medications

Along with a medical exam and discussion with your doctor, the results for our food allergy blood test can help your healthcare provider or specialist make a diagnosis and determine if you need additional testing or if you should avoid a food altogether.

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Labcorp can help meet your allergy needs

Contact a Labcorp representative to learn more about how we can help meet your allergy testing needs.

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References

  1. Gupta RS, Warren CM, Smith BM, et al. The Public Health Impact of Parent-Reported Childhood Food Allergies in the United States. 
    Pediatrics. 2018;142(6):e20181235. doi:10.1542/peds.2018-1235
  2. Waserman S, Bégin P, Watson W. IgE-mediated food allergy. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. 2018;14(Suppl 2):55. doi:10.1186/s13223-018-0284-3
  3. Yawn BP, Wagner WW, Luskin AL, et al. The Allergy and Asthma Task Force Recommendations. Thermofisher.com. September 2018. Accessed Sept 15, 2022. https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/dam/hcp/global/english/documents/allergy/The-Allergy-and-Asthma-Task-Force-Recommendations.pdf
  4. European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI). Position Statement: Bock SA. AAAAI support of the EAACI Position Paper on IgG4. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;125(6):1410. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2010.03.013. Accessed September 15, 2022. https://www.aaaai.org/Aaaai/media/Media-Library-PDFs/Tools%20for%20for%20the%20Public/Conditions%20Library/Library%20-%20Allergies/eacci-igg4-2010.pdf
  5. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Food Allergy. ACAAI.org. Updated June 28, 2023. Accessed September 15, 2022. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/