Understanding IgE Blood Testing Using IgE Food Explorer
What Is an Allergy?
Allergy is a commonly used term to describe a misguided reaction of the immune system. The term allergy itself is a combination of the Greek words for “unknown” and “reaction.” During an IgE-mediated allergic reaction, the immune system is triggered by normally harmless substances, leading to symptoms ranging in severity from mild to severe. Symptoms can be isolated to certain body systems, such as cutaneous or gastrointestinal (GI). In some cases, allergies can involve multiple systems and lead to anaphylaxis, which is potentially life-threatening.
Allergies affect approximately 25% of the population, and their incidence is very much on the rise. Additionally, allergies can be difficult to pinpoint and diagnose, especially since the immune system can change over time. For this reason, allergy testing with the IgE Allergy Explorer™ is a useful tool for effective allergy identification and management.
What is Immunoglobulin E (IgE)?
IgE is a class of human immunoglobulins or antibodies. In healthy individuals, the function of IgE is to fight parasitic infections. IgE antibodies are misdirected in allergic individuals to fight harmless substances like pollen, mite particles, or common foods. Elevated IgE antibodies are necessary for allergies (immediate, Type 1 immune responses) to occur.
Blood Testing for Allergy Using IgE Allergy Explorer
IgE Food Explorer is an allergy blood test (also referred to as a specific IgE test). It measures the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in the blood to different antigens, including foods, pollens, mites, insect venom, and more. The detection of IgE indicates SENSITIZATION to a specific allergen.
It is important to understand that being IgE sensitized and having positive IgE antibodies does not guarantee a clinical response. Many people with a positive test (who are sensitized) may be asymptomatic with exposure to that allergen.
IgE Allergy Explorer needs to be interpreted by the ordering provider in context with patient’s medical history and presenting symptoms. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, “A key message is that a positive allergy test result indicates only the presence of allergen-specific IgE sensitization. It does not necessarily mean clinical allergy (i.e., allergic symptoms with exposure). Therefore, test results should always be viewed in the context of overall clinical picture.”
Understanding Extract and Component Testing in Allergy Testing
Whole allergen (extract) tests that can help rule in or out the specific type of allergy sensitization
Allergen component tests that drill down into the exact allergenic protein driving symptoms