Egg white Allergy
What is Egg white Allergy Test
One of the most common food allergies is egg allergy in children. It usually starts within a few minutes to hours after consuming an egg. Most egg allergies can occur as early as infancy and it typically outgrows most children before they reach adolescence.
An egg white allergy test detects the levels of IgE antibodies in the blood and helps in the diagnosis of an egg white allergy in an individual.
Symptoms of Egg White Allergy Test
An egg white allergy is recommended if you notice the following symptoms:
Skin reactions such as swelling or rash
Wheezing or breathing difficulty
Runny nose and sneezing
Watery eyes
Stomach pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Anaphylaxis (fatal allergic reaction)
Who should get tested?
This test is recommended for individuals if they have
Symptoms of egg allergy
Atopic dermatitis
Family history of egg allergy
Past allergic reaction to egg
Test preparation:
An egg white allergy can be tested in two ways.
- Blood test – A healthcare provider will take a few milliliters of your blood sample by inserting a small needle into a vein in your arm and test it for IgE antibodies.
- Skin prick test – A healthcare provider will clean the test area with alcohol or iodine. It is usually your forearm or upper back region. A small amount of liquid containing egg white protein (allergen) is now applied to your skin, and the skin is lightly scratched to allow the allergen to come into contact with your body fluids.
Please tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any medicines such as anti-allergy or anti-histamines, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory, etc., before taking the above tests.
Interpretation of test results:
The relative amount of IgE antibody specific to egg white components can help identify the strength and type of allergenic response.
|
Class |
IgE kU/L |
Interpretation |
|
0 |
<0.10 |
Negative |
|
0/1 |
0.10-0.34 |
Borderline/ Equivocal |
|
1 |
0.35-0.69 |
Equivocal |
|
2 |
0.70-3.49 |
Positive |
|
3 |
3.50-17.4 |
Positive |
|
4 |
17.5-49.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
5 |
50.0-99.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
6 |
> or =100 |
Strongly positive |
Deviations from the normal ranges:
- The likelihood of developing an allergic disease is increased by the presence of IgE antibodies in serum (Class 1 or greater).
- Higher total IgE level is typically a sign that you have one or more allergies, including egg white allergy.
FAQs
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for an egg white allergy test?
The test results for an egg white allergy are usually available within 5 – 6 working days after the sample collection. However, it may also take a little longer at times.
Are there any risks associated with an egg white allergy test?
If it is a blood test, then there will be a negligible risk such as feeling a slight sting or bruise at the site of sample collection. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours.
If it is a skin prick test, and you are allergic to a specific allergen, then you may experience an allergic reaction within 15 to 20 minutes of allergen contact during the test. Nonetheless, the test is performed in the presence of a healthcare professional, and the symptoms are effectively monitored as soon as they appear.
What preventive measures can one take to avoid egg white allergy in their child?
If your child is allergic to egg white, you may need to take the following precautions.
- Read food labels correctly to avoid any item that contains egg in it.
- Be cautious while eating food outdoors.
- Let the baby’s caregiver knowabout his/her specific egg allergies.
- If you are breastfeeding, avoid eggs.
What other food products should one avoid if they have an egg white allergy?
Individuals who are allergic to egg white should not only avoid eggs but also foods that contain eggs in them. The following food items have egg added to them: Breaded foods, Cakes, Cream-based foods, Custard, Doughnuts, Waffles, Egg noodles, Ice cream, Pudding, and Products containing globulin, phosvitin, albumin, livetin, and ovomucin, etc.
What are the symptoms of an anaphylaxis (fatal) reaction to egg white?
A severe reaction to egg white may lead to a fatal/life-threatening emergency called anaphylaxis and may need immediate treatment. Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms may include:
- Constriction of airways
- Abdominal pain and severe cramps
- Increased heartbeat, and
- Shock
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