Paediatric Allergy Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Paediatric Allergy Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Child allergy panel, childhood allergy screen, paediatric IgE panel |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Children suspected of allergic sensitisation |
| Price | Starting at ₹7,000 |
What is a Paediatric Allergy Panel Test?
The paediatric allergy panel is a blood test that measures specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies in a child's blood. IgE antibodies are proteins the immune system produces in response to allergens. The test helps identify which common food or environmental triggers may be causing allergic reactions in children. It is also known as the child allergy panel, or paediatric IgE panel. A doctor may recommend this test when a child has symptoms suggestive of an allergy, such as recurrent skin rashes, itching, wheezing, nasal symptoms, or suspected reactions to foods or environmental triggers.
What Does an Paediatric Allergy Panel Test Measure?
This test screens a child's serum against a panel of common allergens and measures the level of antibody response to each one. The following are the key components examined.
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Total IgE | The overall quantity of IgE antibodies in the blood. |
| Specific IgE (food allergens) | Sensitivity to egg white, cow's milk, peanut, almond, rice, fish, wheat, and soy. |
| Specific IgE (environmental allergens) | Sensitivity to cat dander, dog dander, cockroach, house dust, dust mites, and moulds such as aspergillus fumigatus. |
| Allergen class (0 to 6) | The severity grade of sensitisation to each tested allergen. |
A higher allergen class indicates a stronger antibody response, which may be associated with a greater likelihood of allergic symptoms.
Why is a Paediatric Allergy Panel Test Done?
This test is ordered when a child shows signs of an allergic reaction and the trigger is not clearly known. It helps doctors confirm which allergens are responsible.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms often prompt a doctor to recommend this test:
- Persistent sneezing or runny nose
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Skin rashes, hives, or eczema flare-ups
- Swelling of the face, lips, or skin
- Recurring abdominal pain or diarrhoea after eating.
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness
- Symptoms after contact with pets, dust, or certain foods.
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may use the results to assess the likelihood of the following conditions:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- Asthma triggered by allergens
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Food allergy (to milk, egg, peanut, wheat, and similar triggers).
- Anaphylaxis risk (a severe allergic reaction).
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before this test. The steps below will help you understand what to do before and during the appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. Your child does not need to fast before the paediatric allergy panel test. Eating and drinking normally beforehand is perfectly fine. Unlike skin-prick allergy tests, this blood test is not affected by antihistamines, so your child does not need to stop those medications either.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Preparing a few things in advance will make the appointment smoother:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your child's symptoms, how long they have been occurring, any known triggers, previous test results, and family history of allergies, as this is required for the test.
- Carry a list of all current medications and supplements your child is taking.
- Dress your child in clothing with easy access to the arms.
- If possible, avoid scheduling the test during an active illness or infection, as this can affect IgE levels.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during a standard blood collection for this test:
- Your child will be seated comfortably, and the healthcare professional will clean a small area on the inner arm.
- A thin needle is used to draw a small blood sample (approximately 3 mL) from a vein.
- The process takes only a minute or two and causes minimal discomfort. You can stay with your child to keep them calm.
- The collected sample is placed in a gel tube, labelled, and kept refrigerated for transport.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is tested by FEIA (fluorescence enzyme immunoassay) against each allergen in the panel.
- Your results will be ready within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Active infections or recent illness at the time of testing.
- Very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L), which can cause false-positive readings.
- Ongoing immunotherapy (allergy treatment injections).
- Inadequate clinical history provided at the time of testing.
Understanding Your Paediatric Allergy Panel Test Results
Your child's results will show an IgE level for each allergen tested, classified into grades from 0 to 6. A doctor should always review these results in context of your child's symptoms and history.
| Class | Specific IgE level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative (no sensitisation detected) |
| 1 (Low) | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low-level sensitisation |
| 2 (Moderate) | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate sensitisation |
| 3 (High) | 3.50 to 17.49 | High sensitisation |
| 4 (Very High) | 17.50 to 49.99 | Very high sensitisation |
| 5 to 6 (Very High) | 50.00 and above | Extremely high sensitisation |
A result at Class 2 or above (0.70 kU/L or more) is considered abnormally elevated. A higher class suggests a greater chance of a clinical allergic response, though it does not confirm that a reaction will always occur or predict how severe it will be.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your child's age, health history, symptoms, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can make results harder to interpret. Your doctor should know about these:
- Children with markedly elevated total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may show false-positive specific IgE results due to nonspecific binding during testing.
- In young children with eczema, background IgE activity can make results more difficult to read. Results in this group need especially careful clinical interpretation.
- A positive result confirms sensitisation, not necessarily a clinical allergy. Symptoms must also be present for a true allergy diagnosis.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips can help manage exposure and reduce allergic triggers at home:
- Keep living spaces clean and well-ventilated to limit exposure to dust mites and mould. Wash bedding frequently in hot water.
- Maintain a food diary to note what your child eats and any symptoms that follow. This helps identify patterns before a doctor's review.
- Avoid known trigger environments where possible until a doctor has reviewed the results and advised on next steps.
Lupin Diagnostics Paediatric Allergy Panel Test Price and Home Collection
The paediatric allergy panel test is priced starting at ₹7,000 at Lupin Diagnostics, with home sample collection available across cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 7000 |
| CHENNAI | 7000 |
| HYDERABAD | 7000 |
| KOLKATA | 7000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 7000 |
| PUNE | 7000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking the test online is straightforward:
- 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
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the paediatric allergy panel test across multiple cities, making the process more comfortable for young children. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Digital reports are shared securely once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The paediatric allergy panel is a blood test that detects IgE antibodies against common food and environmental allergens in children. It helps doctors identify which specific allergens may be triggering a child's symptoms, so that appropriate steps can be taken.
No fasting is required. Your child can eat and drink normally before the appointment. This test is also not affected by antihistamines, so there is generally no need to pause those medications beforehand.
Common allergens tested include cow's milk, egg white, peanut, almond, wheat, rice, fish, soy, cat dander, dog dander, cockroach, house dust, dust mites, moulds such as Aspergillus fumigatus, and others. The exact panel may vary slightly by test configuration.
A trained phlebotomist draws a small blood sample from a vein in your child's arm using a thin needle. The process takes only a couple of minutes. Parents are welcome to stay with their child during the collection.
Results for the paediatric allergy panel are typically available within 3 days. Your report will be shared digitally via email or WhatsApp.
A positive result shows that your child's immune system has produced IgE antibodies against a specific allergen, which indicates sensitisation. However, a confirmed allergy also requires that your child actually shows symptoms when exposed to that allergen. Your doctor will assess both the result and your child's clinical history together.
Yes. A blood draw carries no significant risks. Your child may feel brief discomfort at the needle site, and minor bruising occasionally occurs, but both resolve quickly. The test is routinely performed in children of all ages.
Paediatric Allergy Panel Test: Booking, Price, and Results
