Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel (Veg. and Non Veg.) Test
About Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel (Veg. and Non Veg.) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Comprehensive Food Allergy Panel, Food Allergen Panel (Veg & Non-Veg), Food-Specific IgE Panel, ImmunoCAP Food Panel |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹9,000 |
What is an Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel (Veg. and Non Veg.) Test?
The Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel (Veg. and Non Veg.) test measures specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood. IgE is a protein your immune system produces when it reacts to a food it treats as a threat. This test checks your response to a wide range of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. It is typically prescribed when a doctor suspects food allergies based on your reported symptoms.
What Does an Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel (Veg. and Non Veg.) Test Measure?
This test analyses IgE antibody levels against a broad set of food allergens. The results help identify which specific foods, if any, your immune system is reacting to.
The key components tested include:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Total IgE | Overall level of IgE antibodies in the blood, reflecting a general tendency towards allergic reactions |
| Vegetarian Food Allergens | IgE antibodies against plant-based foods including milk, wheat, rice, soybeans, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts, tomatoes, bananas, oranges, apples, gluten, and various vegetables |
| Non-Vegetarian Food Allergens | IgE antibodies against animal-based foods including egg white, egg yolk, chicken, beef, pork, fish (cod, tuna, and salmon), prawns, and shellfish |
Why is an Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel (Veg. and Non Veg.) Test Done?
A doctor may recommend the Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel test to help identify the specific foods behind allergic reactions. It is useful both for first-time diagnosis and for understanding the extent of food sensitivity. The test also helps narrow down which foods may be responsible.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may request this test:
- Itching or a tingling sensation in the mouth, throat or ears
- A raised, red, itchy skin rash (urticaria or hives)
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or eyes (angioedema)
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea after meals
- Breathing difficulties or wheezing following meals
- Repeated unexplained skin flare-ups, dermatitis or eczema
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying several immune-related conditions, including:
- IgE-mediated food allergy, where symptoms appear within minutes of eating a trigger food
- Food sensitisation, where the immune system shows a reaction but symptoms may be mild or absent
- Anaphylaxis risk assessment, a severe and potentially serious allergic reaction linked to food allergens, in individuals who have had severe allergic episodes
- Eczema and atopic dermatitis linked to specific food allergens
- Oral allergy syndrome, characterised by mild itching or swelling in the mouth after eating certain fruits or vegetables
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for the Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel test procedure is straightforward. No special dietary restrictions are needed beforehand.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You may eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help your test go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results and any known allergies, as this is required for the test.
- Drink plenty of water before the test to make blood collection easier.
- Wear a short-sleeved top so the phlebotomist can access your arm easily.
- Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, even over-the-counter ones.
- You do not need to stop antihistamines before this blood test, as they do not affect IgE blood test results.
- Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before the test.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a small area on your arm with an antiseptic solution.
- An elastic band (tourniquet) is placed around your upper arm to make the vein easier to locate.
- A small needle is gently inserted into a vein, and approximately 3 ml of blood is drawn into a collection tube.
- You may feel a brief sting during the needle insertion. The process takes only a few minutes.
- The needle is removed, and a cotton swab and bandage are applied to the puncture site.
- The labelled blood sample is stored under refrigeration and dispatched to the laboratory for analysis using the FEIA (Fluorescent Enzyme ImmunoAssay) method, also known as ImmunoCAP technology.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence how reliable your results are:
- Very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L), which can sometimes cause false-positive readings
- Parasitic infections, which can raise total IgE levels independently of food allergy
- Cross-reactivity between related allergens, such as peanuts and other legumes
- Poor sample handling or storage outside the required temperature range
- Incomplete or missing clinical history, which makes result interpretation difficult
Understanding Your Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel (Veg. and Non Veg.) Test Results
Your results will show IgE levels for each allergen tested, reported in kUA/L units and graded on a scale from 0 to 6. A doctor will review these alongside your symptoms and medical history to determine their significance.
| Class | Specific IgE (kUA/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative (no sensitisation) |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.70 | Low positive / weak sensitisation |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.50 | Positive/moderate sensitisation |
| Class 3 | 3.50 to 17.50 | Positive/high sensitisation |
| Class 4 | 17.50 to 52.50 | High positive |
| Class 5 | 52.50 to 100 | Very high positive |
| Class 6 | Above 100 | Extremely high/very high sensitisation |
| Total IgE (adults) | 0 to 150 kU/L | Normal |
A result below 0.35 kUA/L is considered normal and suggests no sensitisation to that allergen. A positive result indicates sensitisation but does not automatically confirm a clinical allergy. Sensitisation is more common than active allergy, and results must be read alongside your symptoms.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how your results should be read:
In patients with markedly elevated total IgE levels, false-positive readings for specific allergens may occur due to non-specific binding. Your doctor will factor this in.
Cross-reactivity between related food groups (for example, peanuts and other legumes) can produce positive results that need careful clinical interpretation.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips can help you manage your health after testing:
- Keep a food diary to track any symptoms that occur after eating specific foods, as this helps your doctor make sense of your results.
- If a food allergy is confirmed, read food labels carefully and avoid identified trigger foods.
- Eat a varied, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains to support overall immune health.
- Consult an allergist for a full assessment and to discuss an action plan, especially if your results show moderate to high sensitisation.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel (Veg. and Non Veg.) Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹9,000, and home collection is available across major cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 7500 |
| CHENNAI | 9000 |
| HYDERABAD | 9000 |
| KOLKATA | 8800 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 9000 |
| PUNE | 9000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for the Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
The Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel test home collection service is available across cities, making it easy to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories to ensure accurate and reliable results. Your digital report is delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
A food allergy involves your immune system producing IgE antibodies in response to a specific food. Symptoms can affect multiple parts of the body and may be severe. Food intolerance, on the other hand, typically causes digestive discomfort only and is not an immune response. The Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel test helps identify true IgE-mediated food allergies.
No, unlike a skin prick test, this IgE blood test is not affected by antihistamines. You can continue your regular medications before the test. However, always inform your doctor about every medication you are currently taking.
Yes, this test is safe for all ages, including infants and young children. Food sensitisation in early childhood often involves proteins found in milk, eggs, soy, and wheat. A paediatrician can advise on whether this test is suitable for your child.
The FEIA method used in this test is highly sensitive, meaning it is good at identifying whether sensitisation is present. However, a positive result does not automatically confirm a clinical allergy. Results must always be reviewed alongside your symptoms and medical history by a qualified doctor.
Consult your doctor or an allergist to discuss the results. They will guide you on whether to avoid the identified food and may suggest further testing, such as an oral food challenge, to confirm the allergy. Do not make significant dietary changes without professional guidance.
A negative result means no IgE sensitisation was found for the foods tested. However, it does not completely rule out an allergic reaction, particularly to allergens not included in the panel. Additionally, some food reactions are not IgE-mediated and will not appear in this test. Discuss any ongoing symptoms with your doctor.
Results are typically available within 3 days of sample collection at Lupin Diagnostics. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
Allergy, Comprehensive Food Panel (Veg. and Non Veg.) Test
