Allergy, Egg Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, Egg Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Egg Allergy IgE Test, Egg-Specific IgE Test, Egg Allergen Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; commonly infants and children with suspected egg allergy |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What is an Allergy, Egg Test?
The allergy, egg test is a blood test that measures the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to egg proteins in the blood. IgE antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system when it reacts to a substance it considers harmful. Doctors typically recommend this test when a patient shows symptoms of an allergic reaction after eating eggs or egg-containing foods. It is also known as the egg allergy IgE test, egg-specific IgE test, or egg allergen test.
What Does an Allergy, Egg Test Measure?
This test measures a single parameter. The table below explains what it detects:
| Parameter | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Egg-Specific IgE Antibodies | Detects immune proteins (IgE) that the body produces in response to egg proteins; elevated levels suggest sensitisation to eggs. |
The test uses fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) technology to detect these antibodies.
Why is an Allergy, Egg Test Done?
A doctor may recommend the allergy, egg test for several reasons. These include confirming a suspected egg allergy, ruling it out, or monitoring a known allergy over time.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, when associated with egg intake, are common reasons for ordering this test:
- Skin rash, hives, or itching after eating eggs
- Swelling of the lips, face, or around the eyes
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing
- Nasal or eye symptoms such as a runny nose or watery eyes
- Feeling faint or dizzy after eating eggs
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify or support the diagnosis of several conditions. These include:
- Egg allergy (IgE-mediated), one of the most common food allergies in children
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) triggered or worsened by egg consumption
- Urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling under the skin)
- Allergic asthma linked to egg proteins
- Anaphylaxis risk assessment in individuals with a history of severe reactions to egg
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The allergy, egg test procedure is straightforward and requires minimal preparation. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before your blood draw. If your doctor has ordered additional tests at the same time, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few simple steps to help your visit go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any suspected triggers, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, particularly antihistamines, corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory medicines, as these may affect your results
- Wear clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up
- Drink enough water before your appointment to make blood collection easier
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection process involves a simple blood draw. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist will clean a small area on your inner arm with an antiseptic.
- A fine needle is gently inserted into a vein, and 3 ml of blood is drawn into a sterile yellow-capped tube.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied with cotton to stop any minor bleeding.
- The collected sample is stored at refrigeration temperature (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) and sent to the laboratory.
- In the lab, your sample is analysed using fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) technology to detect egg-specific IgE antibodies.
- Your report is typically ready within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of your test results:
- Antihistamine medications taken before the test may affect IgE detection
- Very high total serum IgE levels can sometimes cause false-positive results due to non-specific binding
- Existing conditions such as atopic dermatitis may increase the likelihood of a positive result even without active egg allergy
- A positive IgE result does not always mean a clinical allergy is present; results must be read alongside symptoms and medical history
Understanding Your Allergy, Egg Test Results
Your doctor will review your allergy, egg test result alongside your symptoms and health history. The result is reported as a class (0 to 6) based on the level of egg-specific IgE detected in the blood. The table below explains what each class means:
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | <0.10 | Negative |
| 0/1 | 0.10-0.34 | Borderline/equivocal |
| 1 | 0.35-0.69 | Equivocal |
| 2 | 0.70-3.49 | Positive |
| 3 | 3.50-17.4 | Positive |
| 4 | 17.5-49.9 | Strongly positive |
| 5 | 50.0-99.9 | Strongly positive |
| 6 | > or =100 | Strongly positive |
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 conditions can affect how results are interpreted:
Patients with atopic dermatitis may show false-positive IgE results or may experience delayed worsening of eczema one to two days after egg exposure, even at lower IgE levels.
In individuals who have outgrown their egg allergy, a positive IgE result may still appear in the blood even though the allergy is no longer clinically active. A positive result alone does not confirm an ongoing allergy.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general tips may help manage egg sensitivity, particularly in children:
- If baked egg products such as biscuits or cakes are well tolerated, keep them in the diet, as regular exposure to baked egg may help children outgrow their allergy more quickly.
- Always carry antihistamine medication as advised by your doctor in case of accidental egg exposure.
- Review your allergy status periodically with your doctor, as egg allergy often resolves during childhood.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Egg Test Price and Home Collection
The allergy, egg test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,300, and home collection is available across cities. The table below provides city-wise pricing for reference:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1300 |
| CHENNAI | 1300 |
| HYDERABAD | 1300 |
| KOLKATA | 1300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1300 |
| PUNE | 1300 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
You can complete your allergy, egg test online booking in a few simple steps:
- 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, egg test home collection service is available across major cities, allowing you to get your blood sample collected from the comfort of your home. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Digital reports are accessible via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The allergy, egg test is a blood test that measures egg-specific IgE antibody levels in the blood. It helps determine whether your immune system reacts to proteins found in eggs. Doctors use it to investigate suspected egg allergy in patients showing symptoms after egg consumption.
Anyone who experiences allergic symptoms such as hives, vomiting, or breathing difficulty after eating eggs or foods containing eggs should speak to a doctor about this test. It is especially common for infants and young children when egg is first introduced into their diet.
The allergy, egg test procedure involves a standard blood draw from a vein in your arm. The sensation is a brief, mild sting when the needle is inserted. Most people find it very manageable. The entire process takes only a few minutes.
No. The IgE level shows the degree of sensitisation to egg proteins, not the severity of a potential reaction. A person with a high IgE level may have mild symptoms, while someone with a lower level may have a stronger reaction. Always discuss what your result means clinically with your doctor.
Yes, many children do outgrow egg allergies. About one third of children with egg allergy grow out of it by the age of three and two thirds by the age of six, particularly if they are able to tolerate baked egg products. Periodic retesting, as advised by a doctor, can help track this.
Most clinically significant egg allergens are found in the egg white. However, egg yolk also contains allergens that can trigger IgE-mediated reactions in some individuals. Separate tests for egg white and egg yolk are available to identify the specific source of the reaction.
Yes, the test is a routine blood draw and is safe for children of all ages. It is often preferred over skin prick or oral food challenge methods because it does not involve any direct exposure to egg proteins, making it a lower-risk option for confirming egg allergy in young patients.
Allergy, Egg Test: Booking, Price, and Results
