IgE Allergy Explorer
– Evaluate Over 150 Foods and Inhalants
What is IgE Allergy Explorer™?
IgE Allergy Explorer is a comprehensive blood test measuring IgE antibodies to a plethora of foods and environmental allergens. The IgE Allergy Explorer tests over 150 allergens at the extract and component level, making it the most extensive and affordable functional medicine allergy test available. Plus, the entire panel is a simple at-home collection using just a few drops of blood.
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
Between 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
85 Million Americans
are impacted by food allergies and intolerances, including 32 million who have a potentially life-threatening condition.
377% Increase
in treatment of diagnosed anaphylactic reactions to food between 2007 and 2016.
Every 3 Minutes
a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room.
Understanding IgE Blood Testing Using IgE Food Explorer
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 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 an Allergy?
Allergic reactions occur when the immune system has a misguided reaction what should be a harmless substances leading to symptoms ranging in severity from mild to severe. In some cases, allergies can 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 essential for effective allergy identification and management.
Blood Testing for Allergy Using IgE Allergy Explorer
IgE Food Explorer is an allergy blood 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. In fact, patients with positive IgE test results for a specific antigen fall into two categories:
- IgE sensitized and allergic
- IgE sensitized and non-allergic
Extract-level IgE testing alone may not distinguish between these two patient groups. Component IgE testing with IgE Allergy Explorer can provide additional insight and help practitioners narrow in on a clinical diagnosis in context with patient history and symptoms.
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
- Allergen component tests that drill down into the exact allergenic protein driving symptoms
What are the Advantages of Allergy Testing with IgE Allergy Explorer?
Molecular-based 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 Food 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 is 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.
It is important to note that IgE Allergy Explorer needs to be interpreted by the ordering provider in context with patient's medical history and presenting symptoms. A positive allergy test result indicates the presence of allergen-specific IgE sensitization that may present with or without symptoms.
Why Choose IgE Allergy Explorer Over Other Food Allergy Tests?
Precision-Based Insight
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 antibody levels are correlated with allergic response.
IgE Allergy Explorer 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
- Insect Venoms, including component testing for wasps and honeybees
Usually, extract and component food allergy tests are broken down into different food allergy tests. IgE Food Explorer provides the most extensive insight into both extracts and components using a simple at-home collection. It offers practitioners a new and robust tool for effective allergy management.
Who Can Benefit from IgE Allergy Explorer?
The IgE Allergy Explorer can benefit patients with any of the following symptoms could benefit from allergy testing:
Practitioners Can Use the IgE Allergy Explorer to Optimize Patient Health in Conditions Such As:
- 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.
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.
Patients
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.
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.
Ask your practitioner about IgE Allergy Explorer, and how it can help you achieve better health!
Patient FAQ's (Sample Questions for Proof of Concept)
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.
Quick Comparison Table – IgE Food Allergy vs. IgG Food Allergy
| 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 |
Methodology
- IgE Allergy Explorer is a microarray assay that evaluates extracts and molecular allergens to provide a clearer picture of patient sensitization status. The microarray technology allows every allergen (extract or molecular allergen) to be individually quantified in a single sample.
The IgE Food Explorer integrates a powerful inhibitor of IgE antibodies directed against cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) to provide specific IgE results. This technology reduces the interpretative burden for practitioners with patients who have CCD-positive patients and increases the specificity of our test results.
Specimen Requirements
- Finger Stick – Blood
Test Ordering Options
- IgE Allergy Explorer
- IgG/IgE Combined Explorer
If you already have an account with us, you may order through our online Results Portal accessible at the top of this page.
Similar Profiles Often Ordered with IgG Food Explorer
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.
