Understanding IgE Reactions
 
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies trigger histamine release and mast cell activation, which is the typical, classic allergy. Most people recognize hives and rashes, redness and swelling, or allergic rhinitis as allergic reactions. Human responses to both food and inhalant protein antigens vary widely in intensity, even to the point of dangerous anaphylaxis. IgE is usually present in very small amounts, but the risk of severe reactions is assumed to increase along with increasing amounts of IgE. Genetics appear to influence the tendency to have allergies. Exposure to microbes, various foods, and environmental allergens may all provoke an IgE response as well.
 
Serum IgE tests measure levels of IgE antibodies in the blood. When IgE antibodies bind to specific receptors on mast cells and other white blood cells, an allergic reaction occurs. High levels of IgE antibodies indicate that the patient is likely to experience physiological effects from ingesting foods or inhaling environmental allergens to which they are sensitive.
 
The Importance of IgE Testing
 
Eliminating IgE-positive foods and reducing exposure to inhalant allergens may help alleviate many symptoms and disorders triggered by food and environmental sources. Our lab offers both basic and advanced serum panels for specific IgE antibodies to a wide range of allergens.
 
The two IgE Allergy Advanced panels test for 93 foods and 69 inhalants, increasing the probability of identifying numerous allergy triggers.
 
The IgE Inhalant Allergy advanced panel includes markers for Candida and amoxicillin. Many people are sensitive to penicillins (amoxicillin) and exposure to fungi (such as Candida) can lead to persistent, sometimes vague symptoms.
 
Test results show which foods and/or inhalants are associated with elevated IgE antibodies that may cause reactions. These results help guide in customizing recommendations for our clients.
 
Although IgE allergies are most often associated with immediate and easily discernible reactions, not all IgE responses are so identifiable. Antibody testing is an important adjunct to client symptom reporting in identifying triggers.
 
Recommended for Clients With
■ AD(H)D ■ Acne, Eczema, Rashes ■ Anxiety ■ Autism Spectrum Disorders ■ Candidiasis ■ Chronic Fatigue ■ Chronic Infections ■ Depression ■ Fibromyalgia ■ Irritable Bowel Syndrome ■ Leaky Gut Syndrome ■ Migraines ■ Movement Disorders ■ Multiple Sclerosis ■ OCD ■ Rheumatoid Arthritis ■ Seizures ■ Tic Disorders / Tourette’s Syndrome
 
Complete List of Allergens in IgE Inhalant Allergy Advanced (69 inhalants):
 
Acacia, Aceytl Salicylic Acid, Alder, Alternaria Tenuis, Ampicillin, Ash (White), Aspergillus Fumigatus, Bahia Grass (Tall), Bermuda Grass, Bipolaris Spicifera, Bluegrass (Kentucky), Box Elder, Brome Grass, Candida Albicans, Cat, Chicken Feathers, Cladosporium Herbarum, Cockelbur, Cockroach, Corn, Cottonwood (Eastern), Cypress (Bald), Dockweed (Yellow), Dog, Elm (White), Epicoccum Purpurascens, Fusarium Moniliforme, Goldenrod, Helminthosporium Halodes, Hickory, White, Horse Dander, Johnson Grass, Lamb’s Quarters, Latex, Maple (Red), Marsh Elder (Rough), Meadow Fescue, Mite (D. Farinae, D. Pteronysinus), Mountain Cedar, Mouse, Mucor Racemosus, Mulberry (Red and White), Nettle, Oak (Live, Red, White), Oats (Cultivated), Pecan, Penicillium Notatum, Perennial Rye, Phoma Betae, Pigweed (Rough), Plantain (English), Privet, Rabbit, Ragweed (Giant, Short), Rye (Cultivated), Sheep Sorrell, Stemphylium Botryosum, Sweet Gum, Sycamore, Timothy Grass, Tree of Heaven, Walnut (Black), Wheat (Cultivated), Willow (Black)
 
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
IGE INHALANT ALLERGY ADVANCED:
Serum: 5 mL of serum in a gold-topped SST or royal blue-topped no additive tube is the absolute minimum. 8 mL is preferred.