Allergy, Aubergine, Eggplant (Brinjal) Test
About Allergy, Aubergine, Eggplant (Brinjal) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Eggplant Allergy Test, Brinjal Allergy Test, Solanum melongena IgE Test, Aubergine-Specific IgE, f262 Aubergine Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What Is an Allergy, Aubergine (Eggplant/Brinjal), Test?
The aubergine (eggplant/brinjal) allergy test is a blood test that checks whether your immune system produces antibodies against aubergine (also called 'eggplant' or 'brinjal'). A doctor may order this test when a patient reports symptoms after eating aubergine. The test analyses a serum sample drawn from a vein in the arm.
What Does an Allergy, Aubergine, Eggplant (Brinjal) Test Measure?
This test measures one key marker in your blood. The table below explains what is analysed.
| Parameter | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Aubergine-specific IgE antibodies | Whether your immune system has produced IgE (immunoglobulin E, a type of antibody linked to allergic reactions) in response to aubergine proteins |
| Specific IgE concentration (kUA/L) | The level of IgE directed specifically at brinjal allergens, reported in kilounits per litre |
Why Is an Allergy Test for Aubergine (Eggplant/Brinjal) Done?
This test is ordered when a patient or doctor suspects that aubergine may be causing allergic symptoms. It can also help rule out brinjal as a cause when symptoms have another origin.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, especially when they appear after eating aubergine, are common reasons for ordering the allergy test for aubergine (eggplant):
- Skin rashes or hives (urticaria) appearing within 1 to 2 hours of eating aubergine
- Itching in the mouth or throat after consumption
- Runny nose (rhinorrhoea) triggered by aubergine exposure
- Facial swelling (oedema) around the eyes or lips
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea after eating brinjal
- Asthma or breathing discomfort linked to aubergine ingestion
- Skin reactions from contact with raw aubergine (contact dermatitis)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The allergy aubergine (eggplant/brinjal) test may help identify the following conditions:
- Aubergine food allergy, where the immune system reacts to proteins in brinjal
- Latex allergy or sensitisation, as aubergine shares cross-reactive proteins with latex
- Sensitisation to Parietaria pollen (wall pellitory), which has overlapping allergen components with aubergine
- Cross-reactivity with other nightshade family vegetables such as tomato, potato, and bell pepper
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. However, a few simple steps help ensure accurate results and a smooth collection experience.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the allergy aubergine (eggplant) test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your test. Continue your usual diet unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your sample is collected:
- Stop antihistamine medicines (such as cetirizine or fexofenadine) at least 48 hours before the test, as they can affect results
- Inform your doctor about any corticosteroids, steroids, or immunotherapy treatments you are currently receiving
- Drink adequate water before the test to make vein access easier for the phlebotomist
- Wear clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up easily
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any known allergies, as this is required for the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist cleans a small area on your inner arm with an antiseptic.
- A fine needle is used to draw a small blood sample (approximately 3 ml) from a vein in the arm into a gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and a cotton pad is applied briefly to the site. The procedure takes under two minutes.
- The serum is separated from the blood sample and stored under refrigeration for transport.
- The sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is tested using Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA), a method that detects and measures aubergine-specific IgE antibodies.
- Your report is prepared and delivered within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence your test results:
- Taking antihistamines, steroids, or cortisone preparations before the test
- Ongoing immunotherapy or allergy desensitisation treatment
- Elevated total IgE levels caused by unrelated conditions (such as parasitic infections or eczema)
- Timing of the test relative to your last aubergine exposure
Understanding Your Allergy: Aubergine (Eggplant/Brinjal) Results
Your results are reported as a class (0 to 6) based on the concentration of aubergine-specific IgE in your blood. The table below shows the reference ranges used in interpretation.
| Class | IgE Level (kUA/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative |
| Class 0/1 | 0.10 to 0.34 | Borderline/equivocal |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.70 | Weak positive (low sensitisation) |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.50 | Positive (moderate sensitisation) |
| Class 3 | 3.50 to 17.50 | Positive (high sensitisation) |
| Class 4 | 17.50 to 52.50 | Strong positive (very high sensitisation) |
| Class 5 | 52.50 to 100.00 | Strong positive |
| Class 6 | Greater than 100.00 | Strong positive (extremely high sensitisation) |
A negative result means no IgE-mediated sensitisation to aubergine was found. It does not rule out food intolerance or reactions caused by non-allergic mechanisms such as histamine in aubergine. A positive result indicates sensitisation but does not, on its own, confirm a clinical allergy. Please note that the IgE level does not predict how severe a reaction will be.
"These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice."
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can make your results more complex to interpret:
- Aubergine contains significant quantities of histamine naturally, which can cause symptoms in non-allergic individuals. A negative IgE result does not always rule out a reaction.
- Individuals with latex allergy may test positive for aubergine-specific IgE due to shared cross-reactive proteins, even without a direct aubergine allergy.
- People with other atopic conditions such as respiratory allergies or asthma are more likely to show sensitisation to aubergine.
- A positive specific IgE result does not always mean that aubergine is the active cause of your symptoms. Clinical correlation by a doctor is essential.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general tips may be helpful for those managing a confirmed aubergine allergy:
- If your allergy is confirmed, avoiding aubergine and dishes containing it (such as baingan bharta, moussaka, ratatouille, and baba ganoush) is the most reliable approach.
- Read ingredient labels on packaged foods, as aubergine may appear in ready-made sauces or mixed vegetable dishes.
- Be aware that cooking aubergine may not fully remove all allergenic proteins, as several aubergine allergens are heat-stable.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Aubergine, Eggplant (Brinjal) Price and Home Collection
The aubergine (eggplant/brinjal) allergy test is priced starting at ₹1,300 at Lupin Diagnostics, with home collection available across major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1300 |
| CHENNAI | 1300 |
| HYDERABAD | 1300 |
| KOLKATA | 1300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1300 |
| PUNE | 1300 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers an allergy aubergine (eggplant) test home collection across cities in India, making it convenient to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Digital reports are delivered to your email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a blood test that measures IgE antibodies specific to aubergine. It helps determine whether your immune system is sensitised to brinjal proteins and whether aubergine may be responsible for allergic symptoms you have been experiencing.
No, you do not need to avoid aubergine before the test. However, do stop antihistamine medicines at least 48 hours beforehand, as they can interfere with results. Continue your normal diet unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Studies estimate that IgE-mediated eggplant allergy affects roughly 0.8% of the population, with a higher rate of sensitisation reported in females. Many reactions go undiagnosed because symptoms are often attributed to other causes.
Yes, it is possible to react only to aubergine and not to tomatoes or potatoes. That said, since these vegetables belong to the same nightshade (Solanaceae) family, some degree of cross-reactivity can occur in certain individuals.
Not necessarily. Several allergens found in aubergine are heat-stable, meaning they remain active even after cooking. If you have a confirmed allergy to aubergine (eggplant/brinjal) diagnosis, do not rely on cooking alone to prevent a reaction.
Yes. Aubergine contains proteins that cross-react with latex allergens. People with a known latex allergy have been reported to experience allergic reactions after eating aubergine, including generalised itching and breathing difficulty.
A positive result indicates sensitisation to aubergine. Consult an allergist who can evaluate your symptoms alongside the test result, carry out any additional testing required, and advise on dietary avoidance and any further management steps appropriate for your situation.
Allergy, Aubergine, Eggplant (Brinjal) Test
