IgE Allergy Explorer™
Comprehensive Food, Environmental, and Alpha‑Gal Allergy Testing
IgE Allergy Explorer™ is a multiplex food and environmental allergy test that evaluates IgE antibodies to more than 150 food and environmental allergens using both whole allergen extracts and advanced molecular allergen components from a simple blood collection. This comprehensive approach provides clinically relevant information to help practitioners distinguish primary sensitization from cross-reactivity and develop personalized treatment strategies for patients with suspected food and environmental allergies.
By combining whole allergen extracts with molecular allergen components, the test provides greater specificity for evaluating clinically relevant sensitization and assessing the risk of clinically significant allergic reactions.
The panel also includes alpha‑gal antibody testing for the evaluation of alpha‑gal syndrome, expanding its utility for patients with delayed allergic reactions following tick bites.
Documents
Explore our IgE Allergy Explorer educational resources. Learn about the markers on the test and how they impact overall health so you can better interpret results.
Important Facts About Allergies
Over 50 Million Americans
…suffer from allergies with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.9
Over 350% Increase
…in diagnosis and treatment related to allergies and anaphylaxis occurred between 2007 and 2016.10
1.6% to 5.1% of Adults
…have suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction. Food and insect venom are the most common cause of anaphylactic reactions.11
Clinical Information
Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
In allergic individuals, IgE antibodies are misdirected to fight harmless substances like pollen, mite particles, or common foods. These antibodies attach to mast cells and basophils. Upon subsequent exposure, the allergen cross-links with IgE, causing the cells to release inflammatory chemicals like histamine. Elevated IgE antibodies are necessary for allergies (immediate, Type 1 immune responses) to occur.
Understanding IgE Blood Testing Using IgE Allergy 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.
Using IgE Allergy Explorer
IgE Allergy Explorer is a food allergy blood test and environmental allergy 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.”
Alpha-Gal Testing for Delayed Allergic Reactions
IgE Allergy Explorer™ now includes alpha-gal testing to help identify alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a tick bite-induced IgE‑mediated allergy to the carbohydrate galactose‑α‑1,3‑galactose (alpha‑gal), which is found in mammalian meat and other mammalian-derived products.
Unlike most IgE-mediated food allergies, symptoms of AGS typically develop 2–6 hours after exposure, making the relationship between food intake and symptom onset difficult to recognize. This delayed presentation frequently contributes to delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Clinical manifestations may include urticaria, angioedema, gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, or anaphylaxis following consumption of beef, pork, lamb, venison, or other mammalian-derived products.
Measuring alpha‑gal‑specific IgE as part of a comprehensive allergy evaluation can help practitioners investigate unexplained delayed allergic reactions, support the diagnosis of alpha‑gal syndrome, and guide individualized dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
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
- Molecular allergen component testing identifies the specific allergenic proteins responsible for sensitization, helping distinguish primary allergy from cross-reactivity and assess the likelihood of clinically significant reactions.
Advantages of Allergy Testing with IgE Allergy Explorer
Molecular-based food allergy testing measures IgE antibodies to specific allergy components vs. allergen extracts. This technique allows for increased accuracy and precision in allergy diagnosis and prognosis. Practitioners can use IgE Allergy Explorer along with their patient's history, to better customize and manage a patient's allergy care plan.
IgE Allergy Explorer's Component Allergy Testing Allows For:
- Determination of cross-reactive allergens. Cross-reactivity occurs when two different antigens have a similar makeup at the molecular level, and a person's immune system reacts to both allergens. For example, someone may be IgE sensitized to birch pollen but may also react to certain fruits.
- Assessing the severity of the immune response or reaction. Specific components (or proteins) are associated with a higher risk of severe or systemic reactions than others. For example, only certain peanut proteins (components) are associated with anaphylaxis.
- Facilitating better lifestyle management. For example, if a patient has a negative result for certain components in cow's milk, they may be able to consume dairy that has been baked but will need to avoid raw.
Who Can Benefit from IgE Allergy Explorer?
Patients with suspected food allergies or environmental allergies who present with any of the following symptoms may benefit from testing:
- Itchy mouth or oral irritation
- Hives or eczema
- Itching or swelling of skin
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- History of allergic reaction
- Fluctuations in heart rate
Results must be interpreted by ordering provider in conjunction with patient history and symptoms.
Why Choose IgE Allergy Explorer Over Other Food Allergy Tests?
The IgE Allergy Explorer provides practitioners precision-based insight into seven categories of allergies at both the extract and component level. IgE Allergy Explorer includes total IgE as an overall indicator of mast cell-mediated immune response. Elevated levels of the antibody have been tied to allergic response.
The test report provides data into the following categories that are associated with IgE reactions.
- Pollen, including grass, trees, and weeds
- Mites
- Microorganisms and Spores, including yeast and mold
- Plant foods
- Cereals, including wheat, rye, barley, and more
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Nuts and Seeds, including component testing for peanuts, pecans, walnuts, poppy seeds
- Animal Food, including milk, eggs, seafood, and meat
- Alpha-gal
- Animals such as pets and livestock
- Insect Venoms, including component testing for wasps and honeybees
Usually, extract and component food allergy tests are broken down into individual food allergy tests. IgE Allergy Explorer provides comprehensive insight into both extracts and components using a simple at-home collection. It offers practitioners a new and robust tool for effective allergy management.
Test Ordering Options
- IgE Allergy Explorer™
- IgG/IgE Combined Explorer
Similar Profiles Often Ordered with IgG Food Explorer
If you already have an account with us, you may order through our online Practitioner Portal accessible at the top of this page.
Complementary Panels for Complex Cases
- GI-MAP – The GI-MAP was designed to detect microbes that may be disturbing normal microbial balance or contributing to illness as well as indicators of digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function.
Optimize Outcomes With the IgE Allergy Explorer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a food allergy test?
A food allergy test evaluates the body's immune response to specific foods by measuring allergen-specific IgE antibodies. IgE Allergy Explorer™ combines whole allergen extracts and molecular allergen components to provide comprehensive food allergy testing that supports the evaluation of clinically relevant allergic sensitization.
How is a food allergy blood test different from skin prick testing?
Food allergy blood tests and skin prick testing both evaluate IgE‑mediated allergic sensitization but use different methods. Skin prick testing measures the skin's immediate reaction to an allergen, while a food allergy blood test measures allergen-specific IgE antibodies in a blood sample.
Food allergy blood testing may be preferred for patients who cannot discontinue antihistamines, have extensive skin conditions, or are at increased risk for severe allergic reactions during testing. IgE Allergy Explorer also evaluates both whole allergen extracts and molecular allergen components, providing additional information to help distinguish primary sensitization from cross-reactivity and support clinical interpretation.
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.
What is allergy component testing?
Allergy Component testing, also called component-resolved diagnostics (CRD), measures IgE antibodies to individual allergenic proteins rather than whole allergen extracts alone. This approach provides greater specificity for identifying clinically relevant sensitization, distinguishing cross-reactivity from primary allergy, and assessing the potential risk of systemic allergic reactions.
What is the difference between allergen extracts and allergen components?
Whole allergen extracts evaluate sensitization to an entire allergen source, while molecular allergen components identify the specific allergenic proteins responsible for the immune response. Together, these approaches provide a more comprehensive assessment of allergic sensitization.
What is alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)?
Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an IgE‑mediated allergy to the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha‑gal), which is found in mammalian meat and other mammalian-derived products. Unlike most food allergies, alpha‑gal syndrome most commonly develops following certain tick bites and is characterized by delayed allergic reactions after consuming mammalian products.
What causes alpha-gal syndrome?
Alpha-gal syndrome is most often triggered by bites from certain tick species, including the lone star tick in the United States. Tick bites can stimulate the production of IgE antibodies against alpha‑gal, resulting in delayed allergic reactions following exposure to mammalian-derived foods or products.
What are the symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome?
Symptoms typically develop 2–6 hours after exposure and may include:
- Urticaria (hives)
- Angioedema
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Respiratory symptoms
- Anaphylaxis
The delayed onset often makes identifying the trigger more challenging than with traditional IgE‑mediated food allergies.
Who should be considered for alpha-gal testing?
Alpha-gal testing may be appropriate for patients with delayed allergic reactions following the consumption of mammalian meat or other mammalian-derived products, particularly those with a history of tick bites or unexplained episodes of urticaria, gastrointestinal symptoms, angioedema, or anaphylaxis.
Can IgE Allergy Explorer™ identify cross-reactive allergens?
Yes. Molecular allergen component testing helps identify cross-reactive allergens that share similar protein structures. This information can help practitioners distinguish true primary sensitization from cross-reactivity and improve clinical interpretation.
Can IgE Allergy Explorer be Used in Pediatrics? (Or Infants and Children)
Yes, blood testing for IgE antibodies is safe in children and often preferable to a scratch or food challenge test that may evoke a reaction. IgE Allergy Explorer evaluates both extract and components that are particularly useful when managing pediatric patients who are exhibiting allergic reactions. Traditional phlebotomy may be more appropriate for younger children vs. finger drop collection due to ease of access.
What does a negative IgE Allergy Explorer result mean?
Adverse reactions to foods to environmental triggers are variable in their symptoms, duration of onset, and in their pathophysiology. Reactions can be immune mediated or non-immune mediated. Even within immune-reactions, not all will be IgE mediated. If a patient is highly symptomatic and IgE Allergy Explorer is non-reactive, be sure to explore the possibility of other mechanisms of reactions and intolerances (enzymatic, toxic reactions, non-IgE mediated reactions (celiac, etc.).
Furthermore, consider that antigen-specific IgE levels can increase, decrease, and normalize over time. If a person is not exposed to an allergy for an extended period of time, desensitization can occur. This timeline is not completely established and can vary among individuals.
IgE Allergy Explorer includes total IgE, which should always be evaluated against individual antigen responses. A total IgE ≤20 kU/L means IgE mediated allergy is unlikely.
Always consider clinical history, timeline, and timing of reactions. An IgE mediated reaction should occur rapidly after ingestion or exposure.
Precision-Based Insight
The IgE Allergy Explorer provides practitioners precision-based insight into seven categories of allergies at both the extract and component level and includes total IgE as an overall indicator of mast cell-mediated immune response. Elevated antibody levels are correlated with allergic response.
Patient Information
Are you a patient? A healthcare practitioner will need to order the test for you. That can be your own doctor, or contact us so we can help you find a practitioner in your area. Ask your practitioner about IgE Allergy Explorer, and how it can help you achieve better health!
Optimizing Your Health
We know you want to be proactive about your health. IgE Allergy Explorer can help your doctor evaluate how you function to either optimize your current health or identify health issues that need attention.
At Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, we believe in the practice of personalized medicine. Our goal is to help you achieve your health goals through research-based testing and treatment protocols tailored to your unique needs.
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, potentially life-threatening, mast-cell mediated, and often involve IgE antibodies, whereas food sensitivities are delayed reactions and elicit IgG antibodies.
It is best practice to measure IgE (IgE Allergy Explorer™) and IgG (IgG Food Explorer™) antibodies together as they independently create inflammation and play a role in symptoms driven by food. A food can elicit an IgE sensitivity response, an IgG antibody response, or both.
Allergy vs Sensitivity
Quick Comparison Table – IgE Food Allergy vs IgG Food Sensitivity
| Differentiators | IgE Food Allergy | IgG Food Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|
| Antibody Type | IgE antibodies that release histamines mediators | IgG antibodies that cause pro-inflammatory reactions |
| Symptoms | Itching, red skin, anaphylaxis, swelling of the mucous membranes | Constipation, diarrhea, psoriasis, eczema, headaches, and more |
| Onset of the Symptoms | Immediate reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure | Delayed reaction that can occur several hours to 3 days after exposure |
Interested in Testing for IgG Food Sensitivities in Addition to Allergies?
REFERENCES
- Matricardi PM, Kleine-Tebbe J, Hoffmann HJ, Valenta R, Hilger C, Hofmaier S, Aalberse RC, Agache I, Asero R, Ballmer-Weber B, Barber D, Beyer K, Biedermann T, Bilò MB, Blank S, Bohle B, Bosshard PP, Breiteneder H, Brough HA, Caraballo L, Caubet JC, Crameri R, Davies JM, Douladiris N, Ebisawa M, EIgenmann PA, Fernandez-Rivas M, Ferreira F, Gadermaier G, Glatz M, Hamilton RG, Hawranek T, Hellings P, Hoffmann-Sommergruber K, Jakob T, Jappe U, Jutel M, Kamath SD, Knol EF, Korosec P, Kuehn A, Lack G, Lopata AL, M&aumi;kel&aumi; M, Morisset M, Niederberger V, Nowak-Wę:grzyn AH, Papadopoulos NG, Pastorello EA, Pauli G, Platts-Mills T, Posa D, Poulsen LK, Raulf M, Sastre J, Scala E, Schmid JM, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, van Hage M, van Ree R, Vieths S, Weber R, Wickman M, Muraro A, Ollert M. EAACI Molecular Allergology User's Guide. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2016 May;27 Suppl 23:1-250. doi: 10.1111/pai.12563. PMID: 27288833.
- Siles RI. Allergy blood testing: A practical guide for clinicians. Clev Clin J Med. 2011;78(9):585-592.
- National Eczema Association, Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis and Allergies: What Is The Connection?. Accessed October 2021.
- Adapted from Duran-Tauleria E, Vignati G, Guedan MJ, et al. The utility of specific immunoglobulin E measurements in primary care. Allergy. 2004;59 Suppl 78:35-41.
- Eigenmann PA, Atanaskovic-Markovic M O'B Hourihane J, et al. Testing children for allergies: why, how, who and when; an updated statement of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Section of Pediatrics and the EAACI-Clemens von Pirquet Foundation. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2013;24:195-209.
- Canonica GW, Ansotegui I, Pawankar R, et al. A WAO - ARIA - GA2 LEN consensus document on molecular-based allergy diagnostics. World Allergy Organ J. 2013;6:17.
- Roberts G, Ollert M, Aalberse R, et al. A new framework for the interpretation of IgE sensitization tests. Allergy. 2016;71:1540-1551.
- Kattan JD, Sicherer SH. Optimizing the diagnosis of food allergy. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2015;35:61-76.
- Nadolpho. (2021, July 8). Facts and stats - 50 million Americans have allergies: Acaai Patient. ACAAI Public Website. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
- Food allergies: New data on a growing health issue. RealClearHealth. (2017, August 21). Retrieved November 12, 2021.
- Wood RA;Camargo CA;Lieberman P;Sampson HA;Schwartz LB;Zitt M;Collins C;Tringale M;Wilkinson M;Boyle J;Simons FE; (n.d.). Anaphylaxis in America: The prevalence and characteristics of anaphylaxis in the United States. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
* IgE Allergy Explorer™ testing is not intended for disease diagnosis. Information provided by Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory does not constitute medical advice; but is for educational purposes only. Services provided are for laboratory testing only. No charge is incurred for ordering collection kits.