Question 1

What is Food Allergies?

Accepted Answer

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain food proteins as harmful substances and launches an immune attack against them. This reaction is caused by elevated levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies that bind to specific food allergens like peanuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, or wheat. The IgE blood test is the most important test for diagnosing food allergies and identifying which specific foods trigger allergic reactions.

Question 2

What causes food allergies?

Accepted Answer

Food allergies are caused by an overactive immune response to specific proteins found in certain foods. When you eat a trigger food, your immune system mistakenly identifies the food protein as a dangerous invader and produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to fight it. These antibodies attach to immune cells and trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms ranging from mild hives and itching to severe anaphylaxis. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, wheat, and soy, though any food protein can potentially trigger an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals.

Question 3

What is the best test for food allergies?

Accepted Answer

The IgE blood test is the most important test for food allergies because it measures the specific immunoglobulin E antibodies your immune system produces in response to individual food allergens. This test can identify exactly which foods are triggering your allergic reactions by detecting elevated IgE levels for specific proteins from peanuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, and other common allergens. Unlike skin prick tests, the IgE blood test is safer for people with severe allergies or skin conditions, provides quantifiable results that can track changes over time, and can test for multiple food allergens simultaneously. The test results help you and your healthcare provider develop a targeted avoidance strategy and determine which foods require strict elimination from your diet.

Question 4

When should I get tested for food allergies?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms like hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea within minutes to two hours after eating certain foods. Testing is also important if you have a history of unexplained anaphylaxis, recurring eczema that worsens with specific foods, or if your child shows signs of failing to thrive despite adequate nutrition. If you have asthma or other allergic conditions like hay fever, you are at higher risk for food allergies and should consider testing if you notice symptoms after eating. Early identification of food allergens is essential for preventing potentially life-threatening reactions and implementing proper dietary management.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of food allergies?

Accepted Answer

Food allergy symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours after eating the trigger food and can affect multiple body systems. Common symptoms include skin reactions like hives, itching, eczema, or swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. You might experience digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Respiratory symptoms can include nasal congestion, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or a tight feeling in the throat. In severe cases, food allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and requires immediate emergency treatment with epinephrine.

Question 6

Who is at risk for food allergies?

Accepted Answer

Several factors increase your risk of developing food allergies. Children are more likely to have food allergies than adults, though many outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, and soy by school age, while allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are usually lifelong. If you have a family history of food allergies, asthma, eczema, or hay fever, you are at higher risk for developing food allergies yourself. People with existing allergic conditions like atopic dermatitis or asthma have an increased likelihood of food allergies. Additionally, young children with previous allergic reactions to foods are at greater risk for developing additional food allergies over time.

Question 7

What happens if food allergies are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated or undiagnosed food allergies can lead to repeated allergic reactions that may become progressively more severe with each exposure to the trigger food. Without proper identification and management, you risk experiencing anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction that can cause respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, and death within minutes if not treated immediately with epinephrine. Chronic exposure to unidentified food allergens can worsen conditions like eczema, asthma, and gastrointestinal problems, leading to poor quality of life, nutritional deficiencies, and failure to thrive in children. People with undiagnosed food allergies may also develop anxiety around eating and social situations involving food, impacting their mental health and daily functioning.

Question 8

Can food allergies be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, food allergies can be effectively diagnosed with blood tests that measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to various food proteins. The IgE blood test provides quantifiable results showing your antibody levels for individual foods, helping identify which specific allergens trigger your reactions. Blood testing is particularly useful when skin prick testing is not possible due to severe skin conditions, when you cannot stop taking antihistamines, or when there is concern about triggering a severe reaction during skin testing. However, blood test results should always be interpreted alongside your clinical symptoms and medical history, as some people may have positive IgE results without experiencing symptoms, while others may react despite lower antibody levels.

Question 9

How are food allergies treated?

Accepted Answer

The primary treatment for food allergies is strict avoidance of the foods that trigger your allergic reactions. This requires carefully reading all food labels, asking detailed questions about ingredients when eating at restaurants, and being aware of cross-contamination risks during food preparation. If you have a history of severe reactions, your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector that you must carry at all times and use immediately if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis. Antihistamines can help manage mild allergic symptoms like hives or itching. Some newer treatments like oral immunotherapy are being studied to help desensitize people to certain food allergens, but these should only be attempted under close medical supervision in specialized settings.

Question 10

How can I prevent food allergies?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot completely prevent food allergies from developing, recent research suggests that introducing potential allergens to infants early may actually reduce the risk. Current guidelines recommend introducing peanut-containing foods to babies between 4-6 months of age, especially for infants at high risk due to severe eczema or egg allergy. Breastfeeding for at least four to six months may provide some protective benefits. If you already have food allergies, prevention focuses on avoiding your trigger foods by reading labels carefully, communicating clearly with restaurants and food preparers about your allergies, preventing cross-contamination in your kitchen, and always carrying emergency medications. Teaching family members, friends, and caregivers about your food allergies and how to respond to reactions is also essential for preventing serious complications.

Question 11

What can I do at home for food allergies?

Accepted Answer

At home, create a safe environment by thoroughly reading all food labels and eliminating your trigger foods from your kitchen to prevent accidental exposure. Keep separate cooking utensils, cutting boards, and storage containers for allergen-free foods to avoid cross-contamination. Always have your prescribed epinephrine auto-injector easily accessible and ensure family members know how to use it in case of emergency. Wear medical alert jewelry that identifies your specific food allergies so first responders can provide appropriate care if you have a severe reaction. Prepare allergen-free meals at home where you have complete control over ingredients, and when trying new packaged foods, contact the manufacturer directly if allergen information is unclear. Teaching children with food allergies how to recognize symptoms and seek help immediately is crucial for their safety.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Food Allergy Blood Test

What is Food Allergies?

What causes food allergies?

What is the best test for food allergies?

When should I get tested for food allergies?

References

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