IgE Allergy Test – Diagnostic Solutions – Latin America

What is immunoglobulin E (IgE)?

IgE is a class of human immunoglobulins or antibodies. Normally, the function of IgE is to fight parasitic infections.

IgE antibodies are misdirected in allergic people to combat harmless substances such as pollen, mite particles or common foods. Elevated IgE antibodies are necessary for allergies to occur (type 1 immediate immune responses).

What is an allergy?

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system has the wrong reaction to what should be a harmless substance, causing symptoms that range in severity from mild to severe. In some cases, allergies can cause anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening.

Allergies affect approximately 25% of the population and their incidence is greatly increasing. Additionally, allergies can be difficult to identify and diagnose, especially because the immune system can change over time. For this reason, allergy testing with IgE Allergy Explorer is essential for effective identification and treatment of allergies.

Blood test to detect allergies using IgE Allergy Test

IgE Food Explorer is a blood test for allergies (also known as specific IgE test) . It measures the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in the blood against different antigens, including foods, pollens, mites, insect venom and more. Detection of IgE indicates SENSITIZATION to a specific allergen. It is important to understand that being sensitized to IgE and having positive IgE antibodies no guarantees a clinical response. In fact, patients with positive IgE test results for a specific antigen are divided into two categories:

1. IgE sensitized and allergic.
2. Sensitized by IgE and not allergic.

Extract-level IgE testing alone may not distinguish between these two groups of patients. Testing for IgE components with IgE Allergy Explorer can provide additional information and help professionals narrow a clinical diagnosis in the context of the patient's history and symptoms.

Understanding Extract and Component Testing in Allergy Testing

1. Complete allergen testing (excerpts) that can help rule out or rule out the specific type of allergic sensitization
2. Allergen component testing that delves into the exact symptoms caused by allergenic proteins.

What are the advantages of allergy testing with IgE Allergy Explorer?

Molecular-based allergy tests measure IgE antibodies against specific allergy components against allergen extracts. This technique allows greater accuracy and precision in the diagnosis and prognosis of allergies. Clinicians can use IgE Allergy Explorer along with their patients' history to better personalize and manage a patient's allergy care plan.

Allergy testing for IgE Food Explorer components allows:

1. Determination of cross-reactive allergens. Cross-reactivity occurs when two different antigens have a similar composition at the molecular level and a person's immune system reacts to both allergens. For example, a person may be IgE sensitized to birch pollen but may also react to certain fruits. 
2. Evaluate the severity of the immune response or reaction. Specific components (or proteins) are associated with a higher risk of serious or systemic reactions than others. For example, only certain proteins (components) in peanuts are associated with anaphylaxis.
3. Facilitate better lifestyle management. For example, if a patient tests negative for certain components of cow's milk, they may be able to consume baked dairy products, but should avoid raw dairy products.

It is important to note that the ordering provider must interpret IgE Allergy Explorer in the context of the patient's medical history and presenting symptoms. A positive allergy test result indicates the presence of allergen-specific IgE sensitization that may occur with or without symptoms.

Why choose the IgE Allergy Test instead of other food allergy tests?

Accuracy-based information

The IgE Allergy Explorer provides professionals with precision-based information on seven allergy categories at both the extract and component levels.

IgE Allergy Explorer includes total IgE as a general indicator of the mast cell-mediated immune response. Elevated antibody levels correlate with an allergic response.

IgE Allergy Explorer provides data on the following categories associated with IgE reactions

• Pollen, including grass, trees, and weeds.
• Mites
• Microorganisms and spores, including yeasts and molds.
• plant foods
• Grains, including wheat, rye, barley and more.
• Fruits and vegetables

• Nuts and seeds, including component testing for peanuts, pecans, walnuts, and poppy seeds.
• Animal foods, including milk, eggs, seafood, and meat.
• Insect poisons, including testing of components for wasps and bees

Usually, food allergy tests for extracts and components are divided into different food allergy tests. IgE Food Explorer provides the most comprehensive information on extracts and components through easy at-home collection. It offers professionals a robust new tool for effective allergy management.

Who can benefit from IgE Allergy Explorer?

The IgE Allergy Explorer may benefit patients with any of the following symptoms who could benefit from allergy testing:

1. Itchy mouth or mouth irritation.
2. Hives or eczema
3. Itching or swelling of the skin.
4. Nasal and sinus congestion
5. Wheezing or difficulty breathing
6. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
7. History of allergic reaction.
8. Fluctuations in heart rate

Can IgE Allergy Explorer be used in pediatrics? (Or babies and children)

Yes, blood tests for IgE antibodies are safe in children and are often preferable to a scrape or food challenge test that can cause a reaction. IgE Allergy Explorer evaluates both the extract and the components that are particularly useful in the treatment of pediatric patients presenting with allergic reactions.

Understanding Food Allergies vs. Food Sensitivities

There are important differences between food sensitivities and food allergies. Different arms of the immune system facilitate both conditions. Food allergies are immediate, life-threatening, mast cell-mediated, and often involve IgE antibodies, while food sensitivities are delayed reactions and cause IgG antibodies.

It is good practice to measure IgE (IgE Allergy Test) and IgG (IgG Food Sensitivity Test) antibodies together, as they create inflammation independently and play a role in food-induced symptoms. A food may elicit an IgE sensitivity response, an IgG antibody response, or both.

Quick Comparison Table: IgE Food Allergy vs. IgG Food Allergy

Methodology

The IgE Allergy Test is a microarray assay that evaluates extracts and molecular allergens to provide a clearer picture of the patient's sensitization status. Microarray technology allows each allergen to be individually quantified (extract or molecular allergen) in a single sample.

The IgG Food Sensitivity Test integrates a potent inhibitor of IgE antibodies directed against cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) to provide specific IgE results. This technology reduces the interpretive burden for professionals with CCD-positive patients and increases the specificity of our test results.