About the test
This test measures IgE reactivity to 295 different allergens relating to 167 specific allergies. The level of IgE response to an allergen accompanied with physical symptoms (runny nose, itchy skin, etc.) can indicate a potential allergy. The result of this test can be used by a doctor, potentially in conjunction with other tests, to make an allergy diagnosis.
What is the allergy test process?
This allergy test is one of Homed-IQ’s many blood tests. Taking the test requires a small blood sample that can easily be collected at home via a finger prick. The test kit will be delivered to your home and contains all materials needed to complete the sample. After collecting the sample, send the materials to one of our certified partner laboratories by using the prepaid return envelope. Once the test results are available, they will be reviewed by a doctor and shared with you.
How does an allergy test work?
To collect the sample, you must prick your finger using the enclosed disposable lancets and deposit a small quantity of blood into the provided blood collection tube. After collecting your blood sample and returning it to our laboratory, it will be analyzed for the amount of IgE antibodies produced against different allergens. An IgE antibody response to an allergen may indicate an allergy.
Does this test control for cross-reactions?
Cross-reactions in allergies occur when the proteins in one allergen are similar to proteins in another allergen. This can mean that the IgE antibodies that are produced against one allergen may also bind to other allergens, creating an allergic response. For example, someone with a tree pollen allergy may also experience a reaction to apples, as these allergens are very similar.
Homed-IQ’s allergy tests take many known cross-reactions into account by examining the specific components that make up an allergen, allowing for differentiations to be made between similar allergens. While this reduces the likelihood of your test results being affected by cross-reactivity, certain test results may require additional analysis due to potential cross-reactions. Therefore, we always recommend that you discuss all test results with an allergy specialist.
What does the result mean?
The results of this test show whether certain allergens cause an IgE immune reaction, indicating a potential allergy to that item. The results of this test can be discussed with a doctor to make a definitive allergy diagnosis.
What will the test result look like?
The test result comes in a downloadable laboratory report. The report is divided into three parts
- The first part of the report includes an overview of all the allergies tested and your individual reactivity level to them. The allergies are grouped by categories, such as pollen, insects, nuts and seeds, and animals.
- The second part of the report lists all the relevant allergens related to each allergy that your body was reactive to, and your specific reactivity levels for each allergen. For example, for those that demonstrated IgE reactivity to “grass pollen”, the allergy is further broken down into six allergens, showing your individual reactivity to each. This allows you to pinpoint the specific allergens that may be causing your symptoms.
- The third section of the report provides advice regarding the allergens you are reactive to and ways in which to avoid them or reduce your risk of severe allergic reaction. Avoiding allergens is only advised once the allergy is diagnosed by a medical professional. Follow-up testing with an allergist to test if physical symptoms occur is needed to diagnose an allergy.
Does this test show intolerances?
This test can only measure antibody reactions caused by allergies. Food intolerances can sometimes cause similar symptoms to food allergies, which is why they are often confused. The biggest difference between a food allergy and intolerance, such as the difference between a gluten allergy and gluten intolerance, is that allergies are mediated by the immune system. Food intolerances do not cause any IgE reaction and may be caused by a lack of certain digestive enzymes (such as lactose intolerance), irritable bowel syndrome, or sensitivity to food additives (Li, 2022). Symptoms from food intolerances are often milder than allergies, and in some cases the individual can consume small amounts of the trigger food without a reaction.
