IgE Food Allergy (Immediate Response)

A food allergy is when the immune system produces specific IgE antibodies. These antibodies typically lead to an immediate allergic reaction that may even be life threatening. Within seconds or minutes of eating a trigger food, the symptoms appear instantly and may include severe swelling, breathing difficulty, rash, itching skin or even anaphylactic shock. Many allergies are mild and only manifest themselves intermittently, when the body experiences exposure to multiple allergens at the same time. Use your food allergy test results as a guide to reduce exposure to dietary allergens to help eliminate or reduce your symptoms.

IgG Food Sensitivity (Delayed Response)

A food sensitivity, sometimes called intolerance, is when the immune system produces specific IgG antibodies. These antibodies can lead to an inflammatory process and take up to three days after the consumption of a trigger food to manifest discernable physical symptoms.

This is not a Food Sensitivity (IgG) Test. A Food Sensitivity IgG test is useful to help pinpoint potential food intolerances. If you are interested in 4U Health’s Food Sensitivity (IgG) Test, please click here.

IgE Food Intolerance Test

When it comes to food intolerance and allergy testing, it’s important to understand the differences between IgE and IgG antibody tests. Ige Antibody tests are referred to as allergy tests, while IgG antibody tests are synonymous with food sensitivity tests.

IgE Antibody Tests:

These tests are commonly used by medical practitioners to identify food allergies. They measure the presence of IgE antibodies in the blood, which are associated with immediate allergic reactions. Symptoms of food allergies typically occur within minutes to a few hours after consuming the offending food. If you are experiencing such symptoms, an IgE antibody test is the best choice for diagnosing food allergies.

While the term “intolerance” is sometimes used interchangeably with “allergy,” IgE antibody tests are specifically designed to detect allergies. These tests are recommended when symptoms are rapid and occur shortly after eating.

IgG Antibody Tests:

An IgG antibody test, on the other hand, is often used to assess food sensitivities or intolerances. They measure IgG antibodies, which can indicate delayed reactions to foods. Symptoms of food intolerances may appear hours to even days after consuming the problematic food. IgG antibody tests are generally ordered by nutritionists or medical providers when a food intolerance is suspected, based on a pattern of delayed or chronic symptoms.

In summary, if you are experiencing immediate symptoms after eating, an IgE antibody test is likely the best option for diagnosing food allergies. For delayed reactions or suspected chronic intolerances, an IgG antibody test may be more appropriate. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right test for your needs and get the most accurate results.

Food allergies affect millions of Americans and their families. Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to certain proteins in food that would usually be harmless. Food allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. See below for the 9 most common food allergies in the USA.¹

• Egg
• Crustacean shellfish
• Fish
• Milk
• Peanut
• Sesame
• Soy
• Tree nut
• Wheat

Food induced allergies have a rapid onset of symptoms. They typically appear with seconds to a few hours after having consumed the trigger food(s). If you or your child is or has experienced symptoms that you believe may be related to food allergies, food allergy blood testing the body’s IgE antibody response to certain foods may help determine the cause of physical symptoms.

• Digestive

• Abdominal cramps
• Bloating, or gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Vomiting

• Head

• Face, tongue, or lip swelling
• Headaches
• Sinus congestion
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth

• Body

• Anaphylaxis
• Coughing or wheezing
• Dizziness and/or lightheadedness
• Flushed skin
• General feeling of discomfort
• Inflammation or joint pain
• Rash, skin problems, or eczema
• Tingling or itchy sensation of the skin
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

Food allergens often share overlapping symptoms with respiratory allergens. Consider respiratory allergy testing together with food allergy testing to increase the likelihood of finding your trigger allergen(s) that may be causing symptoms. For one of the most inclusive allergy tests available online that checks for 295 allergens, see our Complete Food and Respiratory Allergy Test.

• Test to confirm or rule out a food allergy if you have symptoms:
• This test may benefit people with physical symptoms possibly attributed to their diet and who are open to trying to eliminate certain foods to help feel their best. If you don’t know where to start, 4U Health’s Food Allergy (158 Target) test is our most expansive option to identify problem foods in your diet. For a better picture of your allergy triggers consider our Complete Food & Respiratory Allergy Test (295 Target) – one of the most comprehensive allergy tests available online.

Gluten Allergy Test

Gluten is a key protein found in wheat and is produced by multiple gene families. 4U Health’s Expanded 158 Food Allergy Test screens for two proteins in wheat that are associated with gluten allergies: Tri a 14 and Tri a 19.

Tri a 14: A non-specific lipid transfer protein (nsLTP) found in wheat grains. Sensitization to Tri a 14 may lead to conditions such as wheat allergies, exercise-induced anaphylaxis, and baker’s asthma.

Tri a 19: A partially water-soluble protein, part of the wheat seed storage protein group, which dissolves in alcohol and can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.

How To Test for Gluten Allergy?

If you suspect you have a gluten allergy, there are two common ways to test for it:

1. At a Physician Clinic

You can visit a physician clinic for one of the following tests:

• Venipuncture IgE Blood Test: A doctor will draw blood from a vein to measure specific IgE antibodies that react to gluten proteins. This test can confirm whether you have a gluten allergy.
• Skin Allergy Test: In this test, small amounts of gluten proteins are placed on your skin through a series of tiny pricks. If you are allergic, you will develop a small red bump at the site.

Keep in mind, insurance coverage for in-clinic testing may vary.

2. At-Home Gluten Allergy Testing

You can also test for a gluten allergy from the comfort of your home using the 4U Health 158-Expanded Food Allergy Test. This test uses a simple finger prick to collect a small blood sample, which is then sent to the lab. The test screens for specific IgE antibodies linked to gluten allergies, including Tri a 14 and Tri a 19.

It’s a convenient and non-invasive way to test for gluten allergy without needing to visit a clinic.

Kids Food Allergy Test

If you’re considering a food allergy test for your child, here’s what you need to know:

At-Home Allergy Test for Kids: 4uhealth.com offers two at home food allergy test for kids aged 2 and older. These tests involve a simple finger prick to collect a small sample of blood. It’s designed to be easy and convenient, allowing you to test for food allergies on your children from the comfort of your home.

Please note, it’s sometimes problematic to collect a finger prick sample on a child. If you encounter difficulties collecting the sample, please reach out to us at help@4uhealth.com. We can send you a free recollection kit using an SST blood test tube, which requires a visit to your physician, a local lab patient service center, or a hospital for the blood draw. Note that the venipuncture may be covered by insurance or may incur a cash draw fee for which you will be responsible.

This at-home test is a convenient way to assess potential food allergies in your child aged two and older, but if you need further assistance or prefer an in-clinic venipuncture kit, we are here to help guide you through the process.

Food Allergy Profile Blood Test

A food allergy panel test is a type of blood test designed to detect allergic reactions to a range of foods. It measures specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies produced by your immune system in response to various food proteins. The goal is to identify which foods may trigger allergic reactions, helping you understand your food allergens and manage your diet effectively.

At 4U Health, we offer a comprehensive food allergy test that provides detailed insights through two different options:

• Expanded Food Allergen Panel: This food panel allergy test evaluates your body’s response to 158 different foods, including common allergens like nuts, dairy, shellfish, and grains, as well as spices and other less common allergens.
• Basic Food Allergy Test Panel: This more targeted option screens for 44 of the most common food allergens, providing a focused overview of your potential food sensitivities.

Both panels serve as a food allergy profile blood test, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of your potential food allergies. The tests are performed using a simple finger prick sample, making it easy to collect your sample from home.

Choosing a food allergy blood panel offers a reliable way to identify which foods may cause allergic reactions. This type of allergen panel test provides crucial information that can help you make informed decisions about your diet and overall health. The food allergy profile generated from these tests helps you understand your specific allergens, empowering you to manage your symptoms and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Most Accurate Food Allergy Test

For the best food allergy test, the consensus is to check for IgE food antibodies. Most physicians recommend an IgE food allergy test for the most accurate detection of problematic food allergies. This test measures the presence of specific antibodies (IgE) produced by your immune system in response to 158 food proteins. IgE tests are widely endorsed by medical professionals for their reliability in identifying immediate-type allergic reactions.

The IgE test can be performed either through a simple at-home test or by visiting a physician. At-home tests typically use a finger prick sample, offering convenience and privacy, while a physician-administered test involves a venous blood draw and provides professional oversight.

For the best results, choose the testing option that best fits your needs and consult with a healthcare provider to accurately interpret the results and discuss any necessary follow-up actions.

Best At-Home Allergy Test

The best at-home allergy test for identifying food allergens is one that is comprehensive and easy to use. At 4U Health, we offer two popular options for at-home food allergy testing:

• Expanded Food Allergy Test (158 Foods) for $299: This test screens for 158 foods, spices, and other common dietary allergens to provide a thorough assessment of potential food allergies.
• Basic Food Allergy Test (44 Foods) for $219: A more economical option that tests for 44 of the most common food allergens.

Both of these at-home tests require just a simple finger prick blood sample, allowing you to easily collect and send your sample from the comfort of your home. The tests detect Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which are the most reliable markers for identifying food allergies that cause immediate reactions.

At-home testing offers the flexibility to take the test on your own schedule without needing to visit a clinic or lab. The convenience, combined with the comprehensive range of our test panels, makes 4U Health’s food allergy tests the best at-home choice for anyone seeking to understand their food allergies. Plus, our tests use the same IgE testing method trusted by doctors and hospitals.

Choose the test that fits your needs and get clear, actionable results to help you manage your diet and health with confidence.

Allergy testing food allergies helps physicians and patients alike identify specific foods that may cause an allergic reaction. Tests like this finger prick at-home IgE blood test kit can detect your body’s response to 158 common food allergens, providing a convenient way to get results from the comfort of your home.

If you’re searching for a “food allergy test near me,” you can easily order a test online from 4uhealth.com. Choose from three easy-to-use at-home testing options that utilize simple finger prick samples to detect IgE antibodies, accurately identifying food allergies. Enjoy the convenience of getting reliable results from the comfort of your home. Order online and have your kit shipped directly to your door for a quick and efficient testing experience.

When asking, “Where can I get a food allergy test?” you have two main options:

Online: You can conveniently order an allergy food test kit from 4uhealth.com. Choose from three food allergy testing options that utilize a simple finger prick sample to identify IgE antibodies, a reliable method endorsed by medical professionals for pinpointing food allergies. Experience the ease of receiving accurate results from the comfort of your home. Order now for a straightforward and efficient testing process.

Physician Clinic: Alternatively, you can opt for a food allergy test through your physician. This involves a venous blood draw, which is more invasive than at-home tests. The collected blood is tested for IgE antibodies, the same markers used in 4U Health’s at-home tests. This option provides expert medical supervision, but many insurance plans may limit coverage to a set number of allergen markers tested each year (typically around 20).

Mail in Allergy Test

The 4U Health mail in allergy test is a convenient, at-home option that allows you to check your response to a broad set of food allergens using a simple finger prick. 4U Health offers a 44 IgE Food Allergy Panel along with a Comprehensive Food Allergy Test that checks against 158 dietary allergens. Here’s how both tests work:

Order Your Allergy Test Online: 4uhealth.com provides a range of food allergy testing options, offering detailed insights into your body’s IgE antibody response to various foods. Ordering online is simple, and the test kit is delivered right to your door with everything you need for easy sample collection.

Collect Your Finger Prick Sample at Home: Collecting your allergy blood test sample is quick and straightforward. Each kit comes with clear instructions for using the finger prick device to collect a small blood sample from the comfort of your home. After collecting your sample, simply return it to the lab using the pre-paid shipping label included in your kit.

Pre-Paid Shipping: The allergy test kit includes free pre-paid shipping both to your home and back to the lab. For a modest fee at checkout, you may upgrade to priority air mail (2 to 3-day delivery) or FedEx Standard Overnight to expedite shipping both to you and back to the lab.

Rapid Results: Once your sample arrives at the lab, you can typically expect secure, digital results within 2 to 5 business days. The results provide a detailed report of your IgE antibody reactivity to a wide range of foods, helping you identify potential allergies.

This mail-in test is designed to be quick, convenient, and reliable—offering the flexibility of at-home testing with the same type of professional lab report you’d receive in a clinic.

Food Allergy Test Results

Your food allergy test results will show your IgE antibody reactivity to a list of 158 common foods. A stronger reaction to a particular food increases the likelihood and severity of a food allergy.

Please note that elevated levels for some foods may not always cause symptoms. Therefore, an IgE level is not a standalone definitive diagnosis. Only your doctor can definitively diagnose a food allergy by considering your test results, symptoms, and complete medical history.

However, you know your body best and how well you feel. You can use your results to attempt a targeted elimination diet to confirm if identified foods are the source of your symptoms.

View an Expanded Food Allergy Test, 158 Target (IgE) sample report.

Allergy Test Results Scale

Food allergy test results are often presented using an allergy test results scale, which indicates the degree of IgE antibody response to specific foods. The test ranks each food on a Class scale from 0-4; Class 0 (normal reactivity) thru Class 4 (very high reactivity).

Allergy Scale 0-4 Meaning

• Scale 0: Very low or no detectable allergen-specific IgE antibodies; very low or no risk of allergy.
• Scale 1: Low level of allergen-specific IgE; mild or minimal likelihood of clinical allergy.
• Scale 2: Moderate level of IgE; moderate likelihood of allergy with possible mild symptoms.
• Scale 3: High level of IgE; higher likelihood of allergy with potential for moderate symptoms.
• Scale 4 (Class 4 Allergy): Very high level of IgE; strong likelihood of allergy with potential for severe symptoms.

This scale allergy provides a way to interpret your food allergy test results and understand the potential severity of reactions to specific foods. The higher the scale level, the more significant the body’s immune response, which can range from mild discomfort to more serious allergic reactions.

Understanding your allergy test results scale helps you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about dietary adjustments and other strategies to manage your allergies effectively.

4U Health’s At-Home Food Allergy Test checks for 158 IgE antibodies to detect allergies to a variety of foods, including spices, grains, legumes, nuts, dairy, eggs, meat, poultry, yeast, and vegetables.

Spice Allergy Test

4uhealth.com offers a 158-food allergy test that will report your IgE reactivity to the following spices:

• Anise
• Caraway
• Mustard
• Mustard (Sin a 1)
• Oregano
• Paprika (Cap a)
• Parsley

All 4U Health at home food allergy test kits are designed for individuals to identify food allergies that may be causing unwanted symptoms. We do not recommend the use of the results of the Food Allergy Test to achieve weight loss.

If you suffer from chronic diarrhea or have had a severe allergic reaction with or without anaphylaxis, please contact your doctor immediately.

• This test is not intended for the following individuals:

• History of eating disorders: For people with a history of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating, or any other related eating disorder, it is not recommended to utilize the test as part of a food elimination diet without the supervision of an attending physician.
   
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Expectant and nursing women have specific nutritional needs. For this reason, they should not utilize this test as part of an elimination diet without the supervision of a healthcare provider or nutritionist.
   
• Specimens collected in New York State: This test is not available for patient self-collection in NY.
   
• Children under 2-years-old: The test taker must be 2+ years old.

Test now or later. Your self-collection food allergy test at-home kit will arrive with an expiration date of at least 5 months from your order date. That’s great news if you are buying multiple kits for yourself or want to gift to a friend or family member for later use. All test samples must be collected and mailed by the expiration date on your kit. Our current lot of test kits expire on March 31, 2025.

All 4U Health food allergy blood tests are eligible for gifting. In fact, they make great presents. The recipient who receives your gift will simply open the kit, register it, and follow the collection instructions. Within a few days of sending to the lab, your friend or family member will receive their secure food allergy blood test electronic HIPAA compliant results all thanks to your generosity.

4U Health’s blood test for food allergies meets national standards and is as accurate as services provided in a doctor’s office or hospital. We only work with the highest quality CLIA certified laboratories and health experts. All testing complies with state and federal regulations. And our clinicians provide medical oversight throughout the entire process.

Rest assured; HIPAA security standards protect your data every step of the way while determining your food intolerances. Keeping your confidential data secure is our number one priority. We only share your information when required to deliver our products and services or where we are legally obligated to do so. Your results are securely protected and available for review in your online portal; always secure but easily accessible only to you.

How Much Does a Food Allergy Test Cost?

Pay upfront and receive no surprise medical bills. 4U Health is not enrolled in Medicare or any private insurance networks. This food allergy blood testing kit is not eligible for Medicare or any other federal or state-funded insurance program reimbursement. As such, we are not limited in the number of allergens we can offer you to test, whereas most carriers limit the number of allergens to approximately 20 per year.

4U Health offers two reasonably priced at-home food allergy test panels:

• Expanded Food Allergy Test (158 Foods) for $299
• Basic Food Allergy Test (44 Foods) for $219

Why Get an Allergy Test Without Insurance?

Getting an allergy test without insurance can have several benefits. Here are five reasons why you might choose this option:

• Unlimited Allergen Testing: When using insurance, many plans limit the number of allergens you can test for, often to around 20 per year. By paying directly, you can test for a broader range of allergens—like the 44 or 158 foods available through 4U Health—to get a comprehensive understanding of your food allergens.
• Privacy: Paying out of pocket allows you to keep your medical information private and out of insurance records. This can be especially important if you prefer to maintain confidentiality regarding your health concerns.
• Convenience: At-home allergy tests eliminate the need to schedule an appointment or visit a clinic. You can take the test on your schedule, from the comfort of your own home, without having to wait in line or take time off work.
• Proactive Health Management: Allergy testing without insurance allows you to take control of your health. By understanding your allergies, you can make informed lifestyle changes, such as adjusting your diet to feel your best and reduce symptoms.
• Transparent Costs: When you pay for an allergy test directly, you know exactly how much it will cost upfront, with no surprise medical bills or co-pays. This is often more predictable than navigating complex insurance coverage policies and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Overall, choosing to get an allergy test without insurance can offer more flexibility, control, and peace of mind.

How Much Does It Cost to Get an Allergy Test?

The cost of an allergy blood test can vary depending on the number of allergens tested and the type of test chosen. At 4U Health, our food allergy test cost is transparent, with no hidden fees or surprise medical bills. Our at-home food allergy blood test cost options are:

• Expanded Food Allergy Test (158 Foods) for $299
• Basic Food Allergy Test (44 Foods) for $219

Both of these food allergies blood test options use a simple finger prick sample to detect IgE antibodies, which are indicators of food allergies. If you’re wondering about the cost for allergy testing, it’s important to note that choosing at-home testing provides convenience and avoids the unpredictable costs associated with clinic visits. So, how much does it cost to get an allergy test? At 4U Health, you know the cost upfront: $219 or $299, depending on the test panel you choose. This means you can accurately identify food allergies with a blood test for food allergies from the comfort of your home.

So you still have unanswered questions about this allergy food test kit. No worries, we’d love to hear from you. Reach us by e-mail, phone or chat and we will do our best to provide answers so you can determine if this is the best test for you or your child.

• 866-610-1200
• help@4uhealth.com
• Chat Support 
   
• PO Box 100083
  Pittsburgh, PA 15233