Food Allergy Panel: Basic (15 Foods)
Measures IgE antibodies to 15 common food allergens including milk, eggs, nuts, seafood, and wheat to help identify food allergies.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This panel measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies directed against 15 common food allergens. IgE is a class of antibody the immune system normally deploys against parasites and infections, but in allergic individuals, IgE mistakenly targets harmless food proteins as if they were threats. When IgE antibodies bound to immune cells encounter a food antigen, they trigger the release of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals, producing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The panel tests for IgE responses to almond, cashew nut, codfish, cow's milk, egg white, hazelnut, peanut, salmon, scallop, sesame seed, shrimp, soybean, tuna, walnut, and wheat. These foods account for the majority of serious food-related allergic reactions. A positive result indicates that the body has produced IgE antibodies against a specific food, which is called sensitization. Sensitization increases the likelihood of an allergic reaction upon exposure, but it does not guarantee that a clinical allergy will manifest, which is why results must be interpreted alongside symptoms, dietary history, and clinical evaluation.
What's included
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals experiencing recurring unexplained symptoms such as hives, skin rashes, swelling, or digestive issues that may be related to food consumption
- Those with a family history of food allergies or other allergic conditions who want to identify potential food sensitivities
- Patients with symptoms that develop within minutes to hours after eating certain foods, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or respiratory symptoms
- Individuals with eczema, asthma, or other allergic conditions who suspect food triggers may be contributing to their symptoms
- Those who have experienced unexplained allergic reactions and want to identify specific food allergens that may be responsible
- Parents of children with suspected food allergies who need comprehensive testing to guide dietary management and safety planning
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation is required. Individuals can continue taking their regular medications, including antihistamines, as these typically do not interfere with IgE antibody testing. No fasting is required, and normal dietary habits can be maintained before the test.
Sample Type
A blood sample is collected through standard venipuncture, typically from a vein in the arm. The collection process is quick and straightforward, requiring only a small amount of blood.
Collection
The test is performed by having a small amount of blood drawn by a technician at one of the available lab locations. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory where it is analyzed for IgE antibodies specific to each of the 15 food allergens included in the panel.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days after the laboratory receives the sample. Results will be available through the online portal and can be shared with healthcare providers for interpretation and follow-up care planning.
Understanding your results
Results for each allergen are reported in kU/L (kilounits per liter), representing the concentration of food-specific IgE antibodies in the blood. Each allergen has its own reference scale, and levels are typically classified on a scale from Class 0 (undetectable, no sensitization) through Class 6 (very high sensitization). Higher antibody concentrations generally correlate with a greater probability of clinical allergy, but the relationship between IgE level and symptom severity is not linear; some individuals with moderate IgE levels experience severe reactions, while others with high levels may tolerate the food without symptoms. A positive result does not constitute a diagnosis on its own. Healthcare providers interpret results alongside clinical history, symptom patterns, and sometimes oral food challenges to determine whether a true allergy exists.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All Ages | < 0.35 kU/L | Normal range - indicates no detectable sensitization to the specific food allergen |
| All Ages | 0.35 - 0.69 kU/L (Class 1) | Low level sensitization - clinical significance may vary |
| All Ages | ≥ 0.70 kU/L (Class 2 and above) | Abnormally high levels indicating significant sensitization that may be associated with allergic symptoms |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Levels of IgE antibodies to a specific allergen should be fewer than 0.35 kU/L. Low or undetectable levels of specific IgE antibodies to the tested food allergens typically suggest that sensitization to those particular foods is unlikely. This may indicate that the foods tested are probably not causing IgE-mediated allergic reactions. However, the significance of allergen specific IgE levels between 0.10 and 0.35 kU/L remains undefined. A negative test may not rule out clinical allergy or even anaphylaxis. Some individuals may still experience food-related symptoms due to non-IgE mediated mechanisms or other types of food sensitivities that are not detected by this test.
What does a “High” result mean?
Concentrations of 0.70 kU/L or more (class 2 and above) will flag as abnormally high. Elevated IgE levels to specific food allergens typically indicate sensitization to those foods, which may be associated with allergic reactions when consumed. The presence of elevated IgE levels indicates sensitization, which may be associated with allergic symptoms when the food is consumed. However, individual allergen specific IgE antibody levels may not always correlate with severity of clinical symptoms. Some individuals may have elevated IgE levels but experience mild symptoms, while others with lower levels may have more severe reactions. IgE antibody levels to allergens less than 0.10 kU/L do not exclude the possibility of an anaphylactic reaction to the allergen involved, since in vitro assays are indicators of previous sensitization rather than predictors of future response.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. Food allergy testing results are completely confidential and handled with the utmost privacy protection. Test results are <u>not reported to your doctor</u> unless you specifically choose to share them, giving you complete control over your medical information. Your food allergy panel results are <u>not part of your medical records</u> and will not appear in any electronic health record systems unless you decide to provide them to your healthcare provider. Additionally, these test results are <u>not reported to insurance companies</u> and will <u>not appear on insurance statements</u> or explanation of benefits documents, ensuring your privacy is fully protected. All test results are securely stored and only accessible through your private online portal with encrypted login credentials. The laboratory follows strict HIPAA compliance protocols to safeguard your personal health information. No employers, insurance providers, or government agencies will have access to your food allergy testing results. This confidential testing allows individuals to identify potential food allergies without concerns about insurance discrimination or impacts on their medical coverage, giving you the freedom to make informed dietary decisions based on your results.
Frequently asked questions
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Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 86003
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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