Description

The Milk Allergy IgE Blood Test measures levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to milk proteins. A positive result indicates an IgE-mediated milk allergy, where the immune system mistakenly identifies milk as a harmful substance and triggers an allergic reaction.

Purpose of the Test:

  • Detect IgE-mediated milk allergy
  • Confirm allergic responses to cow's milk
  • Help differentiate between true milk allergy and other conditions like lactose intolerance or non-IgE-mediated milk reactions

Types of Milk Allergies:

IgE-Mediated Milk Allergy (Immediate Reaction):

  • Symptoms typically occur within minutes to 2 hours of milk exposure
  • Common symptoms include:
  • Hives or skin rash
  • Swelling of lips, face, or throat
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting or abdominal cramps
  • Anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction)

Non-IgE-Mediated Milk Allergy (Delayed Reaction):

  • Involves other immune pathways, not detected by this test
  • Symptoms may take several hours to days to appear
  • May include:
  • Eczema
  • Reflux
  • Colic in infants
  • Diarrhea or unusual stools
  • Mucus in stools

This test only detects IgE-mediated reactions. Non-IgE-mediated allergies require different diagnostic methods, such as elimination diets or patch testing.

Fasting:

  • Fasting is not required for this test.