Food Allergy Testing Test
Food allergy testing helps find out if your symptoms after eating certain foods are caused by an allergic reaction. It can also help tell the difference between a true food allergy and a food intolerance.
What this test measures
Food allergy testing measures how your immune system reacts to specific foods. It looks for signs of an allergic response, such as IgE antibodies, through skin tests, blood tests, or oral food challenges.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is a food allergy?
A food allergy happens when your immune system overreacts to a certain food as if it were harmful.
What are common symptoms of a food allergy?
Most symptoms are mild and include skin rashes and belly pain. But sometimes, symptoms can quickly become life-threatening (anaphylaxis).
What foods most often cause allergies?
The most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
How is a food allergy diagnosed?
An allergist will use your symptoms, medical history, and test results (skin test, blood test, or oral food challenge) to make a diagnosis.
What is the treatment for a food allergy?
The main treatment is to avoid the trigger food. Your allergist may also prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector for severe reactions.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Food Allergy Testing — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.