What does this test include?
The panel is a combined IgE screening to a mixture of soy, peanut, milk, egg white, wheat and fish. It gives an overall result for the mixture, not a separate value for each food.
Why might it be ordered?
- As an initial tentative check for immediate symptoms after a meal when the specific food is not clear.
- To assess whether targeted specific IgE tests to individual foods are needed.
What sample is needed?
A healthcare professional collects a venous blood sample. Depending on the method, the laboratory uses serum or plasma.
How should you prepare?
Fasting is usually not required. Describe your symptoms, the possible exposures and how soon each reaction began. Tell the laboratory about all medicines, hormone treatments, vitamins and supplements you take. Do not stop or change treatment unless your clinician tells you to. Follow any instructions about fasting and the time of collection.
How are the results reported?
A positive overall result means that there may be IgE to at least one component, but does not indicate which one. A negative result does not rule out an allergy to a food outside the mixture. Detectable specific IgE indicates sensitization, not necessarily clinical allergy. The results should match actual post-exposure symptoms.
Sources and editorial status
This patient-facing text is an editorial draft. It should be approved by a laboratory physician before official publication.