Allergy - Milk & Milk Product Panel Test

Milk allergy test is done in suspected allergies due to milk and milk products including milk proteins for determining the exact allergen causing the allergic reaction. Since it is a food related allergy, it commonly causes gastro-intestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, but may even lead to other skin related symptoms like: Itching, running nose, sneezing, coughing, and hives. 
Certain severe cases may also lead to anaphylactic shock. Based on these results further specific testing is recommended. 

The Allergy - Milk & Milk Product Panel test is done for the following cases:

• To measure the IgE-mediated response and total levels of IgE specific to 5 milk and milk products including milk proteins.
• To ascertain which milk and milk product proteins are triggering these unwelcome allergic reactions. Once it has been identified, further specific testing can be conducted to devise effective ways to manage them.
• To identify milk and milk product allergies that are causing symptoms of gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea and skin reactions like hives.
• To accurately identify the exact allergen causing such reactions. 
• To evaluate the risk of anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction that constricts the airways and can prevent breathing brought on by a milk allergy.

People with the following symptoms should do the test:

• Hives.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Abdominal pain.
• Diarrhoea.
• Rash.
• Itching.
• Swelling in the throat.

Milk allergy test measures the IgE mediated response to 5 components of milk and milk products including milk proteins. Total IgE levels are also measured. Further tests to a specific allergen will help in further diagnosis.

Milk allergy test requires a blood sample post exposure to the milk or milk product panel. 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 process is relatively simple and almost painless. The patient is asked to clench the fist by placing a tourniquet (elastic) band tightly around the upper arm to fill the veins with blood. Following this, the skin will be disinfected before introducing a needle to collect the blood sample, typically collected in a vacutainer.

Positive result to a particular allergen indicates that the person is allergic to milk, milk products or specific protein found in the milk. Increased allergen-specific 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.
Negative result may require other tests for differential diagnosis. 

The Allergy – Milk and Milk Product Panel Test should be done by anyone experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction to any type of milk or milk product. This includes those who experience an allergic reaction after ingesting dairy products or even those with a family history of allergies to milk and milk products. 

This test should also be done if the patient experiences a sudden onset of new or worsening symptoms that could indicate an allergic reaction. Upon experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact a doctor to discuss getting tested. 

No special preparations are required for this Test. However, it is important to have a full medical history taken before testing to ensure accurate results. Additionally, it is important to inform the doctor of any medications being taken, as some may interfere with the test results.

The Allergy – Milk and Milk Product Panel Test cannot identify all potential allergens. Therefore, it is important to note that there may be other food allergens present that are not detected by this test. In such cases, the doctor may recommend further tests for those undetected allergens.

Milk allergies can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. These may include hives, rash, swelling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and wheezing. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, which requires immediate medical attention.

References

https://www.metropolisindia.com/parameter/allergy-milk-milk-product-panel

• Milk Allergy IgE Blood Test.
• Milk Allergy Test.
• IgE Panel Test.
• Allergen Profile for Milk.