Casein IgE Test - More Information

The casein allergy test, also known as a casein IgE test and a casein allergy lab test, measures the casein IgE antibody blood level.

Casein represents a special class of proteins that originate from both human and cow milk. Casein contains elements such as phosphorus and calcium and a handful of amino acids. Because of its nutritional density, casein is often eaten as a supplement, particularly in a hydrolyzed casein form. Cheese is made through a process in which casein curdles with the help of special enzymes. Casein is also used as an additive in glue (e.g. Elmer's) and paints. Casein does not dissolve well in water and, when purified, typically does not dissolve at all.

This casein IgE test uses the ImmunoCAP® lab methodology. Casein IgE antibody blood test results are reported in kU/L and can be compared against the IgE antibody reference range provided by the lab to determine the IgE allergy class to casein. The casein allergy test is sometimes ordered with the milk allergy test.

This casein allergy blood test is less painful and has less side effects than historical allergy testing methods such as the skin prick test (SPT). In the skin prick, or scratch, test, serum containing casein components are injected into the skin. If you are allergic to casein, you will, unfortunately, have a mild allergic reaction and all of the symptoms that go with it. Instead, this allergy blood test can check for the casein allergy without causing an allergic reaction, resulting in a much more comfortable lab testing experience through a simple blood draw.