Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) Test
About Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Component Resolved Diagnostics, CRD Allergy Panel, Molecular Allergy Test, Component Allergy Testing, Allergen Component Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required; fasting is preferred but not mandatory |
| Report Time | 4 days |
| Recommended For | Men and women of all ages (typically 5 to 90 years) |
| Price | Starting at ₹20,000 |
What Is an Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) Test?
The Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) test is an advanced blood test that identifies which specific proteins within allergens trigger your immune system. Unlike traditional allergy tests that measure reactions to whole allergen extracts, this test analyses individual allergen molecules to pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms. A serum sample is collected from a vein in your arm. Doctors prescribe this test when standard allergy testing has not provided a clear picture of a patient's sensitivities.
What Does an Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) Test Measure?
This test analyses specific immune proteins to build a detailed picture of your allergy profile.
The key parameters it covers are listed below:
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Total IgE | Overall level of IgE antibodies in the blood, indicating general allergic tendency |
| Specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies | Targeted immune proteins produced against individual allergen components |
| Food allergen components | Reactions to up to 158 food-related allergen molecules (e.g., peanut, milk, egg, wheat, seafood) |
| Respiratory allergen components | Reactions to up to 127 inhalant allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, moulds, animal dander) |
| Contact allergen components | Reactions to up to 10 contact allergen molecules |
| Cross-reactive allergen markers | Identifies whether a positive result reflects a true allergy or a cross-reaction between similar proteins |
Why Is an Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a patient has ongoing or unexplained allergic symptoms and a more precise diagnosis is needed. The sections below explain when it is typically recommended.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms often prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Recurrent sneezing and nasal congestion
- Watery or persistently itchy eyes
- Skin rashes or hives (raised, itchy welts on the skin)
- Swelling after eating certain foods
- Unexplained difficulty breathing
- Chronic coughing without an obvious cause
- Persistent skin reactions not explained by other tests
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can assist in identifying a range of IgE-mediated (immune antibody-driven) allergic conditions:
- Food allergies, including peanut, milk, egg, wheat, seafood, and tree nuts
- Respiratory allergies caused by pollen, dust mites, moulds, or animal dander
- Insect venom allergies from bee or wasp stings
- Latex allergy
- Complex allergy profiles where cross-reactivity between different allergens needs to be clarified
- Sensitisation patterns linked to a higher risk of severe reactions
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward. The steps below cover everything you need to know before arriving for your sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. Fasting is preferred but not mandatory, so you may eat and drink normally beforehand. If other tests are ordered at the same time, check with your doctor whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help ensure a smooth experience and accurate results:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking, as some may affect results.
- Note that antihistamines do not affect blood allergy test results, unlike skin prick tests, so you do not need to stop them before this test.
- Stay well hydrated before sample collection, as this makes it easier to draw blood.
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy access to the arm.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during your sample collection appointment:
- A trained phlebotomist (a specialist who collects blood samples) cleans the inner part of your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- A soft band (tourniquet) is applied around the upper arm to make the vein more visible and accessible.
- A fine needle is gently inserted into the vein, and approximately 6 ml of blood is collected into a yellow-topped gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small cotton pad or bandage is placed on the site.
- The labelled sample is stored under refrigerated conditions (2 to 8°C) and dispatched to the laboratory.
- In the lab, the serum is analysed using the ALEX2 multiplex microarray method, which tests for IgE antibodies against nearly 295 individual allergen components simultaneously.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence your test results. Your doctor will take these into account when interpreting them:
- Very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may cause false-positive specific IgE results
- Recent allergen exposure or active infection at the time of testing
- Use of systemic corticosteroids or certain biologics, which may temporarily alter IgE levels
- Age of the patient, particularly very young children
- Air pollution exposure and parasitic (helminth) infections, which can affect IgE responses
- Poor sample handling or delays in refrigeration during transport
Understanding Your Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) Test Results
Your results will show total IgE and specific IgE values for each allergen component tested. A doctor should always review these values alongside your symptoms and medical history. The table below provides general reference ranges.
| Parameter | Range | Class or Category |
|---|---|---|
| Total IgE (adults) | Less than 100 to 150 kU/L | Normal |
| Specific IgE | Less than 0.35 kU/L | Class 0 (Negative) |
| Specific IgE | 0.35 to 0.69 kU/L | Class 1 (Low) |
| Specific IgE | 0.70 to 3.49 kU/L | Class 2 (Moderate) |
| Specific IgE | 3.50 to 17.49 kU/L | Class 3 (High) |
| Specific IgE | 17.50 kU/L and above | Class 4 and above (Very High) |
Disclaimer: 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.
Specific IgE values of 0.70 kU/L or above (Class 2 and higher) are flagged as abnormally elevated. Any detectable IgE (Class 1 or above) suggests an increased likelihood of allergic sensitisation to that component.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain health conditions can change how results are interpreted:
- A very high total IgE level (above 1,000 kU/L), often seen in patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema), can produce weakly positive results to many allergens due to non-specific binding rather than a true allergy.
- A negative specific IgE result does not completely rule out allergy, as very low total IgE can sometimes lead to false-negative outcomes.
- Parasitic infections and some medications can also raise or lower IgE levels, affecting how results are read.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Once your allergens have been identified, the following general steps can help you manage your exposure.
- Avoid known allergen triggers wherever possible and read food labels carefully.
- Keep your indoor environment clean and well-ventilated to reduce dust mite and mould levels.
- Speak with your allergist about whether allergen immunotherapy (a course of treatment to reduce sensitivity) is appropriate for your situation.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at a cost of ₹20,000, with home sample collection offered across multiple cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 20000 |
| Pune | 20000 |
| Bangalore | 20000 |
| Chennai | 20000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) test online is quick and easy. Follow these 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
Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) test home collection is available across cities, making it convenient to have your blood drawn without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, ensuring quality and accuracy. Your digital report is shared directly via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard allergy test measures your immune response to whole allergen extracts such as pollen or peanut as a mixture. The Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) test goes further by identifying which individual proteins within those allergens you are actually reacting to. This level of detail helps doctors distinguish a genuine allergy from a cross-reaction and assess the risk of severe symptoms more accurately.
No. Unlike skin prick allergy tests, antihistamines do not interfere with blood-based allergy tests. You can continue your regular medications before having the CRD allergy panel done. Always inform your doctor about everything you are taking, just so they have a full picture.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) test report is delivered within 4 days of sample collection. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp.
This test detects IgE-mediated allergies only. These are the most common type of allergic reactions, involving immune antibodies. Some food allergies are driven by other parts of the immune system and do not produce IgE antibodies, so they cannot be detected by this test. Your doctor will advise if additional testing is needed.
A positive result confirms that your immune system has developed a sensitivity (called sensitisation) to a specific allergen component. This does not always mean that component is causing your current symptoms. Your doctor will match the results to your clinical history and symptoms to decide on the next steps.
Yes, the Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) test procedure involves a routine blood draw, which is safe for all age groups, including young children. It is particularly useful for diagnosing complex food allergies in children and guiding decisions about which foods are safe to introduce.
The results of this test need to be interpreted alongside your symptoms, previous allergic reactions, and family history of allergies. Without this context, even detailed molecular data can be difficult to interpret correctly. Bringing a full clinical history to your appointment ensures your doctor or the reporting specialist can provide the most accurate and clinically relevant interpretation of your results.
Allergy Panel-CRD (Component Testing) Test
