Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Allergy Fx 5 Panel Done?
- Early Detection: Identifying allergies early allows parents and caregivers to adjust the infant’s diet and minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
- Reduce Allergic Reactions: By knowing potential triggers, parents can avoid introducing those foods and potentially prevent symptoms like rashes, vomiting, or breathing problems.
- Informed Decisions: The test results can guide informed decisions about introducing new foods and managing the infant’s overall health.
What does Allergy Fx 5 Panel measure?
The Allergy Fx5 Panel is a multitest that measures antibodies to Egg White, Cod Fish, Wheat, Peanut, Soyabean, and Cow Milk along with Total IgE in infants.
What to expect during Allergy Fx 5 Panel?
This test requires a blood sample. 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.
What if Allergy Fx 5 Panel results are Present/ Absent?
Detection of IgE antibodies indicates an increased likelihood of allergy to the 6 allergens viz. Egg white, Milk, Fish, Wheat, Peanut, and Soybean that may be responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. A negative result indicates that the symptoms are not due to the 6 allergens viz. Egg white, Milk, Fish, Wheat, Peanut, and Soybean allergies and other differential diagnoses must be considered.
Who should get the Allergy Fx 5 Panel?
The Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel is primarily recommended for infants who are at higher risk of developing food allergies. Here’s a breakdown of who might benefit from this test:
- Infants with a family history of allergies: If one or both parents or siblings have allergies, the infant has a higher chance of developing allergies as well.
- Infants with eczema or other atopic conditions: Eczema, a chronic skin condition, is often associated with an increased risk of food allergies.
- Infants who experience allergic reactions after introducing new foods: If an infant shows signs of an allergic reaction (rash, vomiting, trouble breathing) after trying a new food, this test can help identify potential triggers.
What is the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel?
The Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel is a multitest that measures IgE antibodies against six common food allergens (Egg White, Cod Fish, Wheat, Peanut, Soybean, and Cow Milk) along with Total IgE in infants to diagnose food allergies.
Is home sample collection available for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel?
Yes, a convenient home collection service is available. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home to safely collect the blood sample, reducing stress for infants and parents. This allows for timely and reliable health management.
What are the normal levels for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel?
Normal levels are not explicitly defined for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test. The presence or absence of IgE antibodies above a certain threshold indicates an allergy, and specific thresholds may vary and are interpreted by healthcare providers.
What is the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel used for?
The Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test is used for the rapid biological diagnosis of food allergies in infants, helping parents and caregivers adjust the infant’s diet to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
How often should I get tested for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel?
The Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test is typically recommended when there is a clinical suspicion of a food allergy. The frequency of testing depends on the individual’s health status and medical history, and it is not a routine or periodic test unless indicated by a healthcare provider.
What time should I get the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel done?
There is no specific time recommended for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test. It should be done when clinically indicated, usually after consulting with a healthcare provider.
Is fasting required for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel?
No, fasting is not required for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test. You can eat and drink as usual before the test, ensuring comfort and convenience for those undergoing testing.
Are there any other precautions to be taken before getting myself tested for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel?
Yes, precautions include avoiding antihistamines for at least a week before the test and informing your doctor about any medications you are taking and any recent travels or changes in location that could expose you to different allergens.
What parameters are included in the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel?
The parameters included in the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test are IgE antibodies against Egg White, Cod Fish, Wheat, Peanut, Soybean, and Cow Milk, along with Total IgE.
When should the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel be done?
The Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test should be done when there is a clinical suspicion of a food allergy, typically in infants who are showing symptoms of an allergic reaction.
How much time does the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel take?
The procedure itself is quick, involving the collection of a blood sample. However, the overall process, including preparation and waiting for results, may take a few hours to a few days.
How soon can I get the reports for Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel?
The reports for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test are usually available within 48 hours based on day/time the sample collection and processing time of the lab.
The Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel is a detailed diagnostic tool that identifies food allergies in infants by measuring IgE antibodies against six common allergens: egg white, cod fish, wheat, peanut, soybean, and cow milk. This test also checks the total IgE level, giving a full overview of the infant’s allergic response. By spotting potential allergens early, it helps parents and caregivers make safe dietary choices for their infants and reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Food allergies can cause symptoms ranging from mild skin rashes to severe anaphylactic reactions. Early detection is crucial for infant health. The Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test provides a reliable and efficient way to diagnose food allergies, enabling timely care and dietary changes.
This test is especially important for infants with a family history of allergies or signs of allergic reactions, as it identifies the specific allergens causing these symptoms.
Infants are found to be most allergic to the following foods and food groups – Cow’s milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree nuts (such as walnuts or almonds), Fish, Shellfish, Soy and Wheat. These are known to possibly cause problems with allergic reactions possibly up to 90% of the time.
The multitest Allergy Fx5 Panel is used for a rapid biological diagnosis of food allergy in infants. The test includes a mixture of the 6 most common allergens viz. Egg White, Cow Milk, Cod Fish, Wheat, Peanut, and Soybean along with Total IgE test. Identifying allergies early allows parents and caregivers to adjust the infant’s diet and minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
Reviewed by : Dr. Alap Christry M.D. AVP-Lab Operations & Scientific Business Head-Clinical Chemistry
Reasons for Undergoing the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel
There are several key reasons why a doctor may recommend the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test for an infant:
- Early Detection: Identifying food allergies early helps adjust the infant’s diet promptly, reducing allergy risks and supporting growth.
- Reducing Allergic Reactions: Knowing specific allergens allows parents to avoid problematic foods, preventing potentially dangerous reactions.
- Informed Decision-Making: Test results offer insights that help parents and caregivers make informed choices about the infant’s nutrition and health management.
List of Parameters Considered During the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel
The Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test measures the levels of IgE antibodies against the following parameters:
- Egg White: High IgE levels suggest an egg protein allergy, causing skin rashes, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.
- Cod Fish: Increased IgE against cod fish proteins indicates a fish allergy, possibly leading to skin reactions, gastrointestinal distress, or anaphylaxis.
- Wheat: High IgE levels to wheat proteins show a wheat allergy, which can cause digestive issues, skin irritation, and severe anaphylaxis.
- Peanut: Elevated IgE against peanut proteins indicates a severe peanut allergy, with symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening.
- Soybean: Increased IgE to soybean proteins suggests a soy allergy, causing skin reactions, digestive issues, and sometimes anaphylaxis.
- Cow Milk: High IgE against cow milk proteins indicates a milk allergy, leading to digestive problems, skin rashes, and respiratory issues.
- Total IgE: This measures overall IgE levels, indicating the infant’s general allergic predisposition.
Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel Preparation
For accurate results and a smooth testing process, there are a few important steps to follow when preparing for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test:
- Medical History: Share any known allergies, family allergy history, or existing conditions with your doctor for a full view of the infant’s health.
- Medications: Tell your doctor about any medicines the infant takes. Some, like antihistamines, can affect the test results and should be stopped a week before testing.
- Feeding Schedule: Keep to the infant’s normal feeding routine; fasting isn’t needed. Inform your doctor of any recent diet changes.
- Blood Sample Collection: The test requires a simple blood draw, using a small needle after the skin is cleaned and a tourniquet applied to the arm.
Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel Results & Interpretation
The Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel test reveals the infant’s allergic reactions to specific foods:
- Positive Result: This indicates IgE antibodies are present, suggesting a possible allergy to those foods. The reaction size doesn’t always reflect symptom severity.
- Negative Result: This suggests the infant’s symptoms aren’t due to the tested allergens, leading to the exploration of other causes.
Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional, considering the infant’s medical history and clinical symptoms, to ensure an accurate diagnosis and suitable management plan.
Home Collection for Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel Near You
HospitalandDoctors Partner Healthcare provides a convenient home collection service for the Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel. A trained phlebotomist visits your home to collect the blood sample, ensuring comfort and safety. This avoids the need for clinic visits, reducing stress for both infants and parents.
Timely and reliable results allow families to manage their infant’s health proactively. HospitalandDoctors Partner Healthcare is committed to offering accessible, quality diagnostics from the comfort of your home.
Allergy Panel – Food: Fx5 (For Infants) Price
₹ 5,195
Disclaimer: This site does not replace professional medical advice for Allergy Fx 5 Food Panel Also known as: Allergy Panel – Food: Fx5 (For Infants). Always consult your healthcare provider for concerns about your health.