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Allergen panel: modern laboratory diagnostics for accurate allergy detection
Relevance: why allergy diagnosis needs new solutions
Allergy is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. According to WHO estimates, allergic reactions affect more than 30% of the world's population. Often, symptoms - from nasal congestion to anaphylaxis - appear suddenly, and the source remains unknown. In such cases allergen panel allows not only to establish the cause, but also to predict the degree of risk.
Unlike spot tests, a panel covers dozens or hundreds of potential allergens in a single blood sample. It is a method that combines accuracy, safety, and speed.
What is included in the allergen panel?
An allergen panel is a set of reagents for determining specific IgE antibodies to specific substances. Panels are divided into types:
Inhalation: plant pollen, mites, animal hair, fungal spores
Food: dairy products, eggs, nuts, fish, fruits
Mixed: combination of respiratory and food allergens
Children's: optimized for early age
Molecular (CRD): detects a reaction to specific proteins (e.g. Ara h 2 in peanuts)
Modern platforms like ALEX², ImmunoCAP ISAC, allow testing for over 280 allergens simultaneously.
How is the test performed?
Preparation: Blood is donated in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach.
Blood sampling: from a vein (1 tube).
Laboratory study: Specific IgE levels are determined.
Result: a digital profile of allergen sensitivity is formed.
The method is based on enzyme immunoassay or multiplex immunofluorescence.
Example of an allergen panel result
| Allergen | IgE level (IU/ml) | Sensitization class | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weed (ragweed) | 0.4 | Class 1 | Very low sensitivity |
| House dust mites | 2.6 | Class 2 | Mild reaction possible |
| Latex | 8.5 | Class 3 | Moderate sensitization |
| Egg white (ovomucoid) | 15.2 | Class 4 | High probability of clinical response |
| Cow's milk | 38.4 | Class 5 | Severe sensitization |
| Peanuts (Ara h 2) | 62.1 | Class 6 | Potentially dangerous reaction |
IgE classification:
Class 0: < 0.35 IU/ml — no sensitivity
Class 1–2: low/slight sensitization
Grade 3–4: clinically significant allergy
Grade 5–6: high risk of severe reactions
Who is recommended to take the test?
People with chronic runny nose, conjunctivitis, cough
Patients with dermatitis, urticaria
For persons with unknown food reactions
For children before introducing complementary foods or vaccinations
For control effectiveness of ASIT (allergen-specific immunotherapy)
At genetic predisposition to allergies
Benefits of an allergen panel
Simultaneous testing of a large number of allergens
Detection capability cross-allergy
Using molecular diagnostics — accurate and prognostically significant
A safe alternative to skin tests
Suitable for people with atopic dermatitis, pregnant women, children
References to sources
World Health Organization – Allergy diagnosis and immunotherapy
Mayo Clinic – Allergy blood tests
European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology – Molecular allergology guide
An allergen panel is a tool that helps you go beyond guesswork and pinpoint the culprits of your allergies. It allows you to not only confirm a diagnosis, but also choose a treatment path that actually works.
