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HelpTest ID: FOOD1 Food-Nut Panel # 2, Serum
Reporting Name
Food-Nut Panel # 2Useful For
Establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to cashew, pecan, pistachio, and walnut
Defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms
Identifying allergens:
-Responsible for allergic response and/or anaphylactic episode
-To confirm sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy
-To investigate the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists, or in patients in whom the medical management does not depend upon identification of allergen specificity.
Testing Algorithm
Includes testing for cashew, pecan, pistachio, and walnut allergen.
Specimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
This test uses a pooled allergen reagent; therefore, the multi-allergen Immunocap (panel cap) is reported with a single qualitative class result and concentration. This is the appropriate first-tier test for allergic disease.
For a listing of allergens available for testing, see Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL for every 5 allergens requested
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
|
Class |
IgE kU/L |
Interpretation |
|
0 |
<0.10 |
Negative |
|
0/1 |
0.10-0.34 |
Borderline/equivocal |
|
1 |
0.35-0.69 |
Equivocal |
|
2 |
0.70-3.49 |
Positive |
|
3 |
3.50-17.4 |
Positive |
|
4 |
17.5-49.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
5 |
50.0-99.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
6 |
≥100 |
Strongly positive |
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
86003
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| FOOD1 | Food-Nut Panel # 2 | 46707-6 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| FOOD1 | Food-Nut Panel # 2 | 46707-6 |
Clinical Information
Clinical manifestations of immediate hypersensitivity (allergic) diseases are caused by the release of proinflammatory mediators (histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins) from IgE-sensitized effector cells (mast cells and basophils) when cell-bound IgE antibodies interact with an allergen.
In vitro serum testing for IgE antibodies provides an indication of the immune response to allergens that may be associated with allergic disease.
The allergens chosen for testing often depend upon the age of the patient, history of allergen exposure, season of the year, and clinical manifestations. In individuals predisposed to develop allergic disease, the sequence of sensitization and clinical manifestations proceed as follows: eczema and respiratory disease (rhinitis and bronchospasm) in infants and children less than 5 years due to food sensitivity (milk, egg, soy, and wheat proteins) followed by respiratory disease (rhinitis and asthma) in older children and adults due to sensitivity to inhalant allergens (dust mite, mold, and pollen inhalants).
Interpretation
Detection of IgE antibodies in serum (class 1 or greater) indicates an increased likelihood of allergic disease as opposed to other etiologies and defines the allergens that may be responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms.
The level of IgE antibodies in serum varies directly with the concentration of IgE antibodies expressed as a class score or kU/L.
Clinical Reference
Homburger HA, Hamilton RG: Allergic diseases. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. Elsevier; 2017:1057-1070
Report Available
Same day/1 to 3 daysMethod Name
Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen.
mml-allergy