A food allergy panel is a blood test that measures your immune system’s response to specific foods by detecting IgE antibodies—a type of immune protein that increases when your body views something as a harmful allergen. This test can help identify which foods may be triggering allergic reactions such as hives, stomach cramps, swelling, breathing issues, or more serious reactions like anaphylaxis.
It’s important to note that a positive test doesn’t always mean you’re truly allergic. Sometimes people may have elevated IgE levels without clinical symptoms. That’s why results should always be interpreted alongside your medical history and any physical reactions you’ve experienced. In some cases, additional testing like a skin prick test or an oral food challenge may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.