Understanding Lab Tests for Milk Allergy
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Milk allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins found in cow's milk, most commonly casein and whey. This condition can cause symptoms ranging from mild digestive discomfort to severe allergic reactions including hives, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Recommended Test
Food Specific IgG Allergy (Adult) Panel
This comprehensive panel measures IgG antibodies to specific food proteins, including casein (f78), a major protein found in milk. Elevated levels of casein-specific IgG antibodies indicate an immune response to milk proteins, which can manifest as allergic reactions such as hives, vomiting, digestive issues, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis. This test helps confirm milk allergy and guides dietary management decisions.
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Diagnosing Milk Allergy Through Blood Testing
While milk allergy diagnosis often involves clinical evaluation and elimination diets, blood tests that measure specific antibodies can provide valuable confirmation of an immune response to milk proteins. These tests detect antibodies that the immune system produces when it mistakenly identifies milk proteins as harmful substances.
Understanding Your Results
Elevated IgG antibodies to milk proteins suggest that your immune system recognizes these proteins as foreign substances and mounts an immune response against them. This information, combined with your symptom history, helps healthcare providers confirm a milk allergy diagnosis and develop an appropriate management plan, which typically involves strict avoidance of milk and milk-containing products.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. If you suspect a severe milk allergy, seek immediate medical attention for proper evaluation and emergency action plan development.
