Allergy, Celery Test
About Allergy, Celery Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Celery Allergy IgE Test, Celery Specific IgE, Celery f85 IgE, Apium graveolens Allergy Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages, males and females, particularly those with pollen allergies or suspected food allergy symptoms |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What is an Allergy, Celery Test?
The Allergy, Celery Test measures the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to celery proteins in your blood. It is used to confirm or rule out a celery allergy when a person experiences allergic symptoms after eating celery. Also known as the Celery Specific IgE test or Celery f85 IgE test, it requires a small blood sample drawn from a vein.
What Does an Allergy, Celery Test Measure?
This test analyses your blood serum for two key markers. The table below explains what each one tells us.
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Celery-specific IgE antibodies | The amount of IgE produced by the immune system in direct response to celery proteins |
| IgE antibody level (kU/L) | The concentration of these antibodies, used to classify the degree of sensitisation from Class 0 (none) to Class 6 (very strong) |
A higher antibody level suggests a greater degree of sensitisation, meaning the immune system has identified celery proteins as a threat. Sensitisation does not always mean clinical symptoms will occur; a doctor will review the result alongside your medical history.
Why is an Allergy, Celery Test Done?
A doctor may order this test when a patient reports reactions after eating celery or foods containing it. It helps identify the cause and guides further management.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, particularly after celery consumption, may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Itching, tingling, or swelling in the mouth, lips, or throat
- Skin reactions such as hives or eczema flare-ups
- Digestive problems including nausea, abdominal cramps, or diarrhoea
- Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath
- Swelling of the face or other body parts
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) requiring urgent medical attention
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify several allergy-related conditions, including:
- Oral allergy syndrome (OAS), also called pollen-food allergy syndrome, where eating celery causes immediate itching or swelling in the mouth and throat
- Birch-mugwort-celery syndrome, a cross-reactive condition where the immune system confuses celery proteins with birch or mugwort pollen
- Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis linked to celery
- Allergic contact dermatitis or acute urticaria (hives) triggered by celery contact or ingestion
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. The Allergy, Celery test procedure is straightforward and similar to any routine blood draw.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. Fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. If additional tests have been ordered at the same time, check with your doctor whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure the process goes smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical background, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor or phlebotomist about all medications you are currently taking
- Antihistamines generally do not need to be stopped before an IgE blood test (unlike skin-prick tests), but always confirm with your doctor first
- Stay well-hydrated, as this makes the blood draw easier
- Avoid scheduling the test during an active illness or infection if possible, as these can affect IgE levels
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens during sample collection:
- A phlebotomist will clean the skin at the inner elbow with an antiseptic solution.
- A small needle is inserted into a vein. You may feel a brief, mild pricking sensation.
- Approximately 3 ml of blood is drawn into a serum separator tube (yellow-top SST gel tube).
- The needle is removed, gentle pressure is applied to the site, and a bandage is placed.
- The serum sample is stored at 2 to 8°C and dispatched to the laboratory.
- The sample is analysed using the FEIA (fluorescent enzyme immunoassay) method, and results are available within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence your test result:
- Recent infections or illness, which can temporarily raise overall IgE levels
- Very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L), which can cause false-positive readings due to nonspecific binding
- Haemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells in the sample), which may affect the result
- Pollen season timing, particularly if you have birch or mugwort pollen sensitivity
Understanding Your Allergy, Celery Test Results
Results are reported as a class from 0 to 6, based on the IgE concentration in kU/L. Your doctor will review these alongside your symptoms and medical history to make a full assessment.
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative; no sensitisation detected |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.70 | Low positive; weak sensitisation |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.50 | Moderate positive; sensitisation present |
| Class 3 | 3.50 to 17.50 | Positive; significant sensitisation |
| Class 4 | 17.50 to 52.50 | Strong positive |
| Class 5 | 52.50 to 100 | Strong positive |
| Class 6 | Greater than 100 | Very strong positive |
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
Pollen sensitisation can affect results:
Patients with birch or mugwort pollen allergy often show elevated celery-specific IgE due to cross-reactivity. This means a positive result may reflect pollen sensitivity rather than a direct celery allergy. Symptoms in such patients may also be more pronounced during the relevant pollen season.
A negative result does not always rule out a clinical allergy. In rare cases, individuals may still experience allergic reactions despite a low or undetectable IgE level, which is why clinical history remains essential.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips can help manage celery-related allergy risk:
- Avoid celery in all forms, both raw and cooked, and check packaged foods for celery as an ingredient, since it is a labelled major food allergen
- Read food labels carefully when buying soups, broths, condiments, or salad dressings, as celery is a common hidden ingredient
- Speak with an allergist for personalised dietary guidance and to discuss an emergency action plan if needed
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Celery Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Celery test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,300, and home sample collection is available across cities. The table below provides city-wise indicative pricing.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1300 |
| CHENNAI | 1300 |
| HYDERABAD | 1300 |
| KOLKATA | 1300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1300 |
| PUNE | 1300 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Allergy, Celery test online is quick and straightforward:
- 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, Celery test home collection across multiple cities, making it convenient to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to you once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Allergy, Celery Test is a blood test that measures IgE antibodies specific to celery proteins. When the immune system reacts to celery as a threat, it produces these antibodies. The test detects their presence and quantity, helping a doctor confirm or rule out a celery allergy.
Anyone who experiences symptoms such as mouth tingling, hives, swelling, or digestive discomfort after eating celery should consider this test. It is also relevant for people with a known birch or mugwort pollen allergy, as cross-reactions with celery are common.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as usual before the blood draw. The test only requires a small blood sample, and food intake does not affect the result.
In most cases, antihistamines do not need to be stopped before an IgE blood test, as the test measures antibodies in the blood rather than a skin response. However, always inform your doctor about any medications you are taking before the test.
Yes. Sensitisation to celery is closely associated with birch and mugwort pollen allergies. The immune system can mistake celery proteins for pollen proteins due to their structural similarity. This is known as pollen-food allergy syndrome or oral allergy syndrome.
Not necessarily. Unlike many food allergens that break down with heat, celery proteins can resist cooking. This means reactions may still occur after eating cooked celery, including in soups or broths. Anyone with a confirmed celery allergy should avoid all forms of celery unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
Both methods are used to detect celery sensitisation and have shown reliable sensitivity and predictive value in clinical studies. The blood test measures IgE antibodies directly from a serum sample, while the skin-prick test observes a skin reaction. A key practical difference is that the Allergy, Celery test procedure does not require stopping antihistamines beforehand, unlike skin-prick testing.
Allergy, Celery Test
