IgE Allergy Explorer

Overview:

IgE Allergy Explorer
- Evaluate Over 150 Foods and Inhalants

What is IgE Allergy Explorer™?

IgE Allergy Explorer is a comprehensive blood test measuring IgE antibodies to a plethora of foods and environmental allergens. The IgE Allergy Explorer tests over 150 allergens at the extract and component level, making it the most extensive and affordable functional medicine allergy test available. Plus, the entire panel is a simple at-home collection using just a few drops of blood.

What Is an Allergy?

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system has a misguided reaction what should be a harmless substances leading to symptoms ranging in severity from mild to severe. In some cases, allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, which is potentially life-threatening.

Allergies affect approximately 25% of the population, and their incidence is very much on the rise. Additionally, allergies can be difficult to pinpoint and diagnose, especially since the immune system can change over time. For this reason, allergy testing with the IgE Allergy Explorer is essential for effective allergy identification and management.

Blood Testing for Allergy Using IgE Allergy Explorer

IgE Food Explorer is an allergy blood test (also referred to as a specific IgE test). It measures the concentration of specific IgE antibodies in the blood to different antigens, including foods, pollens, mites, insect venom, and more. The detection of IgE indicates SENSITIZATION to a specific allergen. It is important to understand that being IgE sensitized and having positive IgE antibodies does not guarantee a clinical response. In fact, patients with positive IgE test results for a specific antigen fall into two categories:

1. IgE sensitized and allergic
2. IgE sensitized and non-allergic

Extract-level IgE testing alone may not distinguish between these two patient groups. Component IgE testing with IgE Allergy Explorer can provide additional insight and help practitioners narrow in on a clinical diagnosis in context with patient history and symptoms.

Understanding Extract and Component Testing in Allergy Testing

1. Whole allergen (extract) tests that can help rule in or out the specific type of allergy sensitization
2. Allergen component tests that drill down into the exact allergenic protein driving symptoms

What are the Advantages of Allergy Testing with IgE Allergy Explorer?

Molecular-based allergy testing measures IgE antibodies to specific allergy components vs. allergen extracts. This technique allows for increased accuracy and precision in allergy diagnosis and prognosis. Practitioners can use IgE Allergy Explorer along with their patient's history, to better customize and manage a patient's allergy care plan.

IgE Food Explorer's Component Allergy Testing Allows For:

1. Determination of cross-reactive allergens. Cross-reactivity occurs when two different antigens have a similar makeup at the molecular level, and a person's immune system reacts to both allergens. For example, someone may be IgE sensitized to birch pollen but may also react to certain fruits.
2.  Assessing the severity of the immune response or reaction. Specific components (or proteins) are associated with a higher risk of severe or systemic reactions than others. For example, only certain peanut proteins (components) are associated with anaphylaxis.
3.  Facilitating better lifestyle management. For example, if a patient is negative result for certain components in cow's milk, they may be able to consume dairy that has been baked but will need to avoid raw.

It is important to note that IgE Allergy Explorer needs to be interpreted by the ordering provider in context with patient's medical history and presenting symptoms. A positive allergy test result indicates the presence of allergen-specific IgE sensitization that may present with or without symptoms.

 Precision-Based Insight

The IgE Allergy Explorer provides practitioners precision-based insight into seven categories of allergies at both the extract and component level.

IgE Allergy Explorer includes total IgE as an overall indicator of mast cell-mediated immune response. Elevated antibody levels are correlated with allergic response.

IgE Allergy Explorer Provides Data Into the Following Categories that Are Associated With IgE Reactions

• Pollen, including grass, trees, and weeds
• Mites
• Microorganisms and Spores, including yeast and mold
• Plant foods
• Cereals, including wheat, rye, barley, and more
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Nuts and Seeds, including component testing for peanuts, pecans, walnuts, poppy seeds
• Animal Food, including milk, eggs, seafood, and meat
• Insect Venoms, including component testing for wasps and honeybees

Usually, extract and component food allergy tests are broken down into different food allergy tests. IgE Food Explorer provides the most extensive insight into both extracts and components using a simple at-home collection. It offers practitioners a new and robust tool for effective allergy management.

Who Can Benefit from IgE Allergy Explorer?

The IgE Allergy Explorer can benefit patients with any of the following symptoms could benefit from allergy testing:

• Itchy mouth or oral irritation
• Hives or eczema
• Itching or swelling of skin
• Nasal and sinus congestion
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• History of allergic reaction
• Fluctuations in heart rate

Can IgE Allergy Explorer be Used in Pediatrics? (Or Infants and Children)

Yes, blood testing for IgE antibodies is safe in children and often preferable to a scratch or food challenge test that may evoke a reaction. IgE Allergy Explorer evaluates both extract and components that are particularly useful when managing pediatric patients who are exhibiting allergic reactions.

Methodology: IgE Allergy Explorer is a microarray assay that evaluates extracts and molecular allergens to provide a clearer picture of patient sensitization status. The microarray technology allows every allergen (extract or molecular allergen) to be individually quantified in a single sample.

 The IgE Food Explorer integrates a powerful inhibitor of IgE antibodies directed against cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) to provide specific IgE results. This technology reduces the interpretative burden for practitioners with patients who have CCD-positive patients and increases the specificity of our test results.

**Not suitable for children under the age of 2 years old**