Allergy, Cashew Nut: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, Cashew Nut: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cashew Nut IgE Test, Cashew Specific IgE, Allergen Individual Food Cashew Nut, Anacardium occidentale IgE |
| 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, Cashew Nut Test?
The allergy, cashew nut test measures the level of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that react to cashew nut proteins. When your immune system treats cashew proteins as a threat, it produces IgE antibodies that can trigger allergic symptoms. A doctor may order this test if you have experienced a reaction after eating cashews or foods containing them. It is also known as the Cashew Nut IgE Test or the Cashew-Specific IgE Test.
What Does a Allergy, Cashew Nut Test Measure?
This test detects IgE antibodies directed at specific proteins found in cashew nuts. The key protein components assessed are as follows.
| Component (allergen) | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Ana o 3 (2S albumin) | A major allergen found in cashew nuts that is stable even after cooking or digestion; linked to sensitisation in roughly 80% of cashew-allergic individuals |
| Ana o 1 (vicilin-like globulin) | A major seed storage protein, associated with allergic reactions, but it is heat resistant. |
| Ana o 2 (legumin-like protein) | Another storage protein that can trigger immune responses in individuals, causing allergies and anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction). |
Why is an Allergy, Cashew Nut Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a cashew nut allergy based on a patient's symptoms or medical history. The sections below outline when it is commonly recommended.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, particularly when they occur shortly after eating cashews, may prompt a doctor to request this test.
- Skin rash, hives, or widespread itching
- Swelling of the lips, face, or area around the eyes
- Itchy or tingling sensation in the throat or mouth
- Nausea or vomiting after eating cashews
- Runny nose or sneezing
- Stomach discomfort or cramps
- Dizziness or feeling faint
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can identify the following conditions which are associated with cashew nut sensitivity:
- Cashew nut allergy (mild to severe)
- Anaphylaxis risk (a severe, rapid allergic reaction — sensitisation with Ana o 3 is associated with this type of reaction)
- Cross-reactive allergy to pistachio nuts, as these two nuts share very similar proteins
- Sensitisation to other tree nuts where cross-reactivity is suspected
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the cashew specific IgE test. The steps below will help you feel confident before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your test. Unlike some routine blood tests, this is a blood-based IgE test that is not affected by food intake.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before you go for your sample collection.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any known food reactions, as these are required for the test.
- Drink plenty of water beforehand to make the blood draw easier.
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for quick access to your arm.
- Inform the laboratory staff about any medications you are currently taking.
- Unlike skin prick tests, this blood test is generally not affected by antihistamines; however, let your doctor decide whether to continue or pause them before testing.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during sample collection for the allergy, cashew nut test procedure.
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin at your inner elbow or back of your hand with an antiseptic solution.
- A fine needle is inserted into a vein to draw a small blood sample (approximately 3 ml) into a yellow gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding.
- A small bandage is placed over the area — the entire process takes about five minutes.
- Your sample is labelled and stored at the correct temperature before being dispatched to the laboratory.
The sample is analysed using FEIA (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay) methodology to detect cashew-specific IgE antibodies.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence the test result. These include the following.
- Very high total serum IgE levels, which may cause false-positive readings
- Sample handling or storage conditions
- A previously resolved allergy may still show a positive IgE result.
- Individual variation in immune response — a high IgE level does not necessarily predict how severe a reaction will be
Understanding Your Allergy, Cashew Nut Test Results
Your allergen Individual food cashew nut test results will show the level of cashew-specific IgE antibodies in your blood, classified by grade. Always review your results with a qualified doctor who can interpret them in the context of your symptoms and history.
| Class | Specific IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0/1 | 0.10 to 0.34 | Very low level |
| 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low level (weak positive) |
| 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate level (positive) |
| 3 | 3.50 to 17.4 | High level |
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 at or above 0.70 kU/L (Class 2 and above) are considered elevated. A positive result indicates sensitivity to cashew nut proteins, but it does not on its own confirm a clinical allergy. Equally, a negative result does not completely rule out an allergic reaction upon exposure. Consultation with your doctor is recommended.
Results During Special Conditions
The following factors may affect how your results are interpreted.
Patients with very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may show false-positive results due to non-specific binding in the test system. A positive specific IgE result does not always mean the allergen is the active cause of symptoms — your doctor will confirm this clinically. If you have outgrown a cashew allergy, a residual positive IgE result may still appear in your report.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The tips below are general wellness measures for those managing a known or suspected cashew nut allergy.
- Read food labels carefully — cashews are commonly used in Asian cuisines, nut butters, pestos, and certain baked goods.
- If you have a confirmed allergy, discuss an emergency action plan with your doctor, including whether you need an epinephrine auto-injector.
- Let family members, school staff, or caretakers know about the allergy so they can help avoid accidental exposure.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Cashew Nut Test Price and Home Collection
The allergy, cashew nut test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,300, and home collection is available across multiple cities. Book the allergy, cashew nut test online for a convenient experience without visiting a centre.
| 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
Follow these steps to complete your allergy, cashew nut test online booking.
- 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 allergy, cashew nut test home collection across cities, allowing you to get your blood sample collected at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is shared via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The allergy, cashew nut test, also known as Anacardium occidentale IgE test, is a blood test that measures specific IgE antibodies to cashew nut proteins. It helps determine whether your immune system reacts to cashews. The result is used alongside your clinical history to diagnose a cashew nut allergy.
No fasting is needed before this test. You can eat and drink as usual on the day of your appointment. This blood-based IgE test is not influenced by what you eat beforehand.
Cooking does not destroy the main allergenic protein in cashews, Ana o 3. This protein remains stable even after heat and digestion. Anyone with a confirmed cashew allergy should avoid cashews in all forms, whether raw, roasted, or cooked.
Yes, it is possible to have a cashew allergy on its own. However, cashew and pistachio allergies often occur together because their proteins are very similar. Your doctor may recommend testing for related allergens to get a clearer picture.
A cashew nut allergy is generally considered a lifelong condition. Research suggests only around 9 to 14 per cent of children with tree nut allergies eventually outgrow them. Regular follow-up with a doctor or allergist is recommended to monitor the allergy over time.
This test is a reliable way to detect sensitisation to cashew proteins. However, a positive result alone does not confirm an active allergy, and a negative result does not fully exclude one. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other tests before reaching a diagnosis.
If the result is positive, you should consult a qualified doctor or allergist. They can advise on strict dietary avoidance, cross-reactive foods to watch for, and whether an emergency action plan is needed. Do not change your diet or medication based on results alone without professional guidance.
Allergy, Cashew Nut: Booking, Price, and Results
