Allergy - Adult panel - 2

This is a comprehensive allergy panel done when localizing symptoms and cause of allergy is not clear. Common symptoms are: Itching, running nose, sneezing, coughing, diarrhoea, hives
Certain severe cases may also lead to anaphylactic shock. 
The test is used to screen for possible allergies due to 63 different food, plants, and animal sources. Based on these results further specific testing is recommended. 

The allergy adult panel 2 test is done if you have signs and symptoms of an allergy. This test helps detect which substance you may be allergic to.

Allergy test measures the IgE mediated response to 63 food, plant, and animal allergens. Total IgE levels are also measured. Further tests to a specific allergen will help in further diagnosis.

Allergy test requires a blood sample post exposure to the allergens. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

The allergy adult panel 2 test takes just a few minutes. The lab technician will tie an elastic band to your upper arm. They will ask you to make a fist. This helps the blood to build up in the vein. They will clean the spot with a disinfectant. They will then insert a needle into your vein to extract blood. They will collect the blood into a tube attached to the needle. Finally, they will stick a bandage on your arm.

Positive result to an allergen indicates that the person is allergic to it. Increased IgE levels further confirms that. Very often the test may be positive for more than one allergen as well. The further treatment course is decided based on the results. Based on the symptom, age, environmental allergens, and region wise allergens further testing may be required for specific diagnosis. 
Negative result may require other tests for differential diagnosis. 

As different labs use different techniques, your results may vary to a certain degree.

• High Total IgE means you have an allergy. However, it doesn't specify what you may be allergic to.
• High Specific IgE means you have an allergy to the specific allergen that has been tested.

Sometimes, a specific IgE test may show a false positive, which means you are allergic to an allergen even when you are not.

Alternatively, the test may also show a false negative, which means you are not allergic to an allergen even when you are.

In case of an allergy, your doctor may prescribe a treatment plan depending on the severity of your symptoms or advise you to consult an allergy specialist.

This is a simple blood test. It does not require any special preparations. You need to inform your doctor if you are taking any antihistamines. They might ask you to stop the medications before the test.

Immunoglobulin E is an antibody. Your immune system produces this protein to protect you from an invader that causes allergic symptoms. Immunoglobulin E is associated with allergies, asthma, parasitic infections, immune system disorders and cancer.

The commonly prescribed allergy medications are:

• Antihistamines: These drugs block the histamines or chemicals released by your immune system in an allergic reaction. Oral antihistamines are available over-the-counter. These provide relief from runny nose, watery eyes, swelling and other symptoms. However, these drugs can make you drowsy. Hence, consulting your doctor before consuming these drugs is crucial.
• Nasal sprays: Antihistamine nasal sprays are prescribed for runny noses, sneezing, and nasal congestion. These, too, might make you feel tired or sleepy.
• Eye drops: Antihistamine eye drops provide relief from itchy and swollen eyes. The side effects of these drops may include headaches or dry eyes.

Consulting your doctor before taking these medications is essential. This is because they can have side effects. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant or lactating. They may change your medications to minimize the side effects.

IgE Allergy test

Quantitative IgE

Immunoglobulin E

Total IgE

Specific IgE