Allergy Panel - Adult Screening - 2

An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system that causes undesirable reactions to certain substances like food, dust, pollen, drugs or even animal dander. These reactions normally do not occur in others. The substance causing the reaction is an allergen. Immunoglobin E is an antibody that the body produces in case of an allergic reaction. Total IgE test is a blood test used to measure the complete IgE levels in the blood, but it does not indicate what is the specific allergen causing the reaction. Allergy- adult panel 2 is a comprehensive screening that tests the body's reaction to 63 different allergens using MAST Blot technique. Based on the results the source of allergy/allergies is determined and the course of treatment is decided accordingly. Along with this the allergen specific IgE levels are also checked. 

Who should do this test?

People with the following symptoms should do this test:

• Itchy and watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Hives or itchy red patches on the skin
• Dry skin
• Eczema
• Skin rash

What other tests are ordered along with this test?

This test contains two types of allergy tests:

• Total IgE: This test helps determine the total amount of IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies in your body.
• Specific IgE: This test helps measure the amount of IgE your body makes in response to a particular allergen.

Written by: Dr.Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs