Allergy Panel-Food Vegetarian Panel

Vegetarian food sensitivity test is done in suspected allergies due to certain specific food ingredients commonly used for vegetarian cooking for determining the exact source causing it (allergen). 

The allergy-food (vegetarian) test is carried out if a person shows symptoms and signs of allergy. These could be hives, itching, and dermatitis.

Vegetarian food sensitivity test measures the IgE mediated response to 11 commonly used food ingredients for vegetarian cooking- Cow Milk, Lemon, Pineapple, Peanut, Potato, Wheat, Rice, Soyabean, Lentils, Tomato, Olive. Total IgE levels are also measured. Further tests to a specific allergen will help in further diagnosis.

Vegetarian food sensitivity test requires a blood sample post exposure to the allergens. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

Once we are exposed to a particular allergen, a blood sample is required to complete the Total IgE Immunoglobulin test. A lab technician will fasten a tourniquet around the upper part of the patient's arm. He will ask the patient to form a fist. This helps the veins to get filled up with blood. The area about to be pricked with the needle is first cleaned and disinfected using an alcohol swab. A vacutainer is then used to collect the extracted blood sample. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing.

Positive result to an allergen indicates that the person is allergic to it. Increased allergen-specific IgE levels further confirms that. Very often the test may be positive for more than one allergen as well. The further treatment course is decided based on the results. Based on the symptom, age, environmental allergens, and region wise allergens further testing may be required for specific diagnosis. Negative result may require other tests for differential diagnosis.

Certain products such as foods, medications, pollen, dust, and animal dander can trigger allergic reactions in us. This means that our immune system is hypersensitive to particular products. This causes an unfavourable reaction when we get in contact with them. A substance that triggers such reactions is known as an allergen.

The Allergy Food (Vegetarian) test is used to detect if we are allergic to one or more of the 150 vegetarian foods commonly consumed. This is done using Protein Microarray technology. If we suspect that we may be allergic to certain foods, it is a good idea to discuss the possibility of taking the test with your healthcare professional.

Common foods that are part of the allergy–food (vegetarian) panel include:

• Soy
• Milk and milk products
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Tree nuts such as walnuts, pecans, cashews, and almonds
• Peanuts etc.

The result of a food allergy test is provided in the form of decimal numbers. These may be interpreted as follows:

o   Values below 0.35 means that we are not likely sensitive to the particular allergen.

o   Values between 0.35-0.69 means that it is doubtful if we are sensitive to the particular allergen.

o   Values between 0.70-3.49 means it is possible that we are sensitive to the particular allergen.

o   Values between 3.50-17.49 means there is a great possibility that we are sensitive to the particular allergen.

o   Values between 17.50-49.99 means that we are very likely sensitive to the particular allergen.

o   Values over 100.00 means that we are extremely likely to be sensitive to the particular allergen.

The reactions that are not triggered due to the activation of our immune system as not considered to be allergic reactions. These include genetic conditions like lactose intolerance, food poisoning, gluten sensitivity, and more.

Anaphylaxis is a condition characterized by a severe allergic reaction. This may be life-threatening in some cases. We may go into an anaphylactic shock within minutes of being exposed to certain allergens.

The common symptoms of anaphylactic shock include skin reactions like itching, pale or flushed skin, and itching. It may also lead to a swollen tongue, airway restriction, low blood pressure,  swollen throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting, weak and rapid pulse, fainting, or dizziness

• Total IgE Immunoglobulin Blood Testing
• Allergy Food Panel
• Allergy Vegetarian Panel