Alletess 184 Food Sensitivity Testing
The Alletess 184 panel is an existing service described by the practice. If you are trying to understand food-related symptoms, discuss what this panel measures and its limitations before changing your diet. [1][2]
Understand the distinction before testing
Food allergy evaluation and an IgG food panel are not interchangeable. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends against using IgG testing to diagnose food allergies or intolerances/sensitivities. Its guidance explains that food IgG can reflect exposure or tolerance. Discuss these limitations with the practice before making a testing decision. [1][2]
Questions to ask about an offered panel
Ask what a positive result means, what it does not establish, and how it would change your care. Ask whether symptom tracking, a dietitian, or an allergist is more appropriate for the question you are trying to answer. An extensive avoid-food list deserves a discussion about nutrition and feasibility. [1][2]
Use food notes without making a diagnosis
Record the food, amount, time, symptoms, and medicines used. A symptom diary can make the consultation more specific, but an association in a diary is not proof of an allergy. Do not reintroduce a food that has caused a serious allergic reaction without specialist instructions. [1][2]
Reflux, allergy, and EoE need different pathways
If swallowing is difficult or food gets stuck, seek medical evaluation rather than relying on a food panel. Eosinophilic esophagitis requires specialist care. The practice can discuss supportive routines without claiming to replace an allergist or gastroenterologist. [1][2]
The offered panel and the collection process
The practice describes the Alletess panel as looking at responses to 184 foods and uses it as part of its food-related assessment. It is a blood-based panel, not a food challenge you perform at home. Before arranging a draw, confirm the order, collection location, costs, and any laboratory preparation instructions. If you have an existing diagnosed allergy, tell the practice before discussing changes to your food routine. Bring prior allergy reports and a list of foods you currently avoid so the conversation starts with your actual needs. [1][2]
A food plan needs a review point
If food changes are recommended, ask for a plan that explains what you will eat as well as what you will avoid. Discuss household meals, budget, work lunches, and nutrition. Ask when the plan will be revisited, what improvement you are looking for, and how foods may be reassessed under professional guidance. Laboratory findings and symptoms should be discussed together; a positive IgG result is not a diagnosis of food allergy. For immediate reactions or concerns about serious allergy, an allergist is the appropriate pathway. For routine meal planning, ask whether nutrition support would help you use the plan comfortably. [1][2]
Continue exploring
Explore the testing options, diagrams and videos · Related patient education · How care is arranged
Questions before your appointment
How do I start?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss your symptoms, what you have tried, and whether our approach is a fit.
Can I discuss care from elsewhere in North Carolina?
Yes. Ask about remote consultations, home collection kits and local draw arrangements for the selected test.
Medical references
Further reading for the topics discussed on this page.