Allergy, Goosefoot Test
About Allergy, Goosefoot Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Chenopodium Album Allergy Test, Lamb's Quarters Allergy Test, Goosefoot IgE Test, w10 Allergen Test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Within 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What is an Allergy, Goosefoot Test?
The Allergy, Goosefoot test is a blood test that detects specific IgE antibodies to goosefoot pollen (Chenopodium album, also called Lamb's Quarters) in your blood. It helps identify whether your immune system is sensitised to this common weed pollen. Doctors prescribe it when a patient shows symptoms that point to a pollen-related allergy. A serum sample is collected from a vein in your arm and analysed in the laboratory.
What Does an Allergy, Goosefoot Test Measure?
This test measures the level of goosefoot-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody your immune system produces when it treats a substance as a threat. The following grading system is used to classify results.
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low or weak positive |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate positive |
| Class 3 | 3.50 to 17.49 | High positive |
| Class 4 | 17.50 to 49.99 | Very high |
| Class 5 | 50.00 to 99.99 | Very high |
| Class 6 | 100.00 or above | Very high |
Why is an Allergy, Goosefoot Test Done?
Goosefoot is a wind-pollinating weed found widely across India, particularly in dry and temperate regions. Its pollen can trigger IgE-mediated allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Below are the common reasons this test is ordered.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may suggest the Goosefoot IgE test if you experience any of the following symptoms, especially during the July to September pollen season.
- Frequent or persistent sneezing
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Skin rashes or hives
- Coughing or wheezing
- Tightness in the throat
- Worsening of existing asthma symptoms
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test can help identify sensitisation linked to several allergic conditions. These include:
- Seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
- Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (combined nasal and eye symptoms)
- Allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, watery eyes)
- Allergic asthma triggered by pollen exposure
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for the Allergy, Goosefoot test procedure. The steps below will help you know what to expect on the day of collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test. If you have been asked to do additional tests on the same day, check with your doctor whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps before your test can help ensure accurate results.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, when they occur, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, especially antihistamines (allergy medicines) or steroids, as these can affect results
- Drink water normally and maintain your regular routine
- Note down your symptoms and when they tend to appear so that you can share this with your doctor
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is straightforward and usually takes only a few minutes.
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic solution.
- A needle is gently inserted into a vein, usually in the crook of your elbow, to draw approximately 3 ml of blood.
- The blood is collected into a gel tube and labelled with your details.
- The sample is stored under refrigeration (2 to 8°C) and dispatched to the laboratory.
- In the lab, the sample is tested using FEIA (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay), which measures the fluorescence produced by IgE antibodies bound to the goosefoot allergen.
- Results are prepared and delivered within 3 days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence how accurate your result is. Be sure to mention any of the following to your doctor.
- Recent or ongoing use of antihistamines or corticosteroids (steroids)
- Very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L), which may cause false-positive readings
- Cross-reactivity with related weed pollens such as mugwort or Russian thistle
- Dehydration or poor sample handling during transport
- Testing during a period with no recent allergen exposure
Understanding Your Allergy, Goosefoot Test Results
Your Allergy, Goosefoot test result will show a value in kU/L alongside a class grade from 0 to 6. Below is a summary of how these values are generally interpreted.
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | What It May Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.35 | No detectable sensitisation to goosefoot pollen |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low-level sensitisation; symptoms possible |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate sensitisation; clinically significant |
| Class 3 and above | 3.50 or higher | High sensitisation; discuss with your doctor |
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 results harder to interpret. Your doctor will consider these when reviewing your report.
Patients with markedly elevated total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may occasionally receive false-positive results due to non-specific binding in the test. In addition, a raised IgE level does not indicate how severe your allergic reaction will be; some individuals with high results experience mild symptoms, while others with lower values may still react noticeably.
Goosefoot allergy can also overlap with sensitivities to other weed pollens, since many affected individuals are sensitised to multiple allergens with overlapping pollen seasons. Your doctor may recommend testing for related allergens to get a clearer picture.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips can help reduce exposure to goosefoot pollen during peak season.
- Check local pollen forecasts and limit time outdoors during high-pollen days, typically July through September
- Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours and consider using a HEPA air purifier at home
- Shower and change clothes after returning indoors to remove pollen from your skin and hair
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Goosefoot Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Goosefoot test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,300, and home sample collection is available across cities. The table below lists cities where the test can be booked.
| 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 the Allergy, Goosefoot test online at Lupin Diagnostics is 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
Allergy, Goosefoot test home collection is available across multiple cities. A trained phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is shared with you once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Allergy, Goosefoot test identifies whether your immune system produces IgE antibodies against goosefoot (Chenopodium album) pollen. It helps confirm if this weed pollen is the cause of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, or breathing difficulties. Your doctor uses the result to guide further evaluation or management.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as usual before the test. However, inform your doctor about any antihistamines or steroids you are taking, as these medicines can affect the test result.
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm by a trained professional. The process takes only a few minutes and is the same as a routine blood draw. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Results for the Allergy, Goosefoot test are typically available within 3 days of sample collection. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp.
A result in Class 2 (0.70 kU/L or above) is considered clinically significant and suggests sensitisation to goosefoot pollen. A positive result means your immune system has produced IgE antibodies to this allergen. However, the level of IgE does not tell your doctor how severe your reaction will be, so results must always be reviewed alongside your symptoms and clinical history.
Yes, cross-reactivity is possible. Goosefoot pollen is related to other Chenopodiaceae and Amaranthaceae family pollens, and many individuals who react to goosefoot are also sensitive to other weed pollens, such as mugwort or Russian thistle. Your doctor may recommend testing for additional allergens to confirm which pollens are responsible for your symptoms.
Yes, this test is suitable for all ages, including children. If a child shows seasonal allergy symptoms such as persistent sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes during the pollen season, a doctor may prescribe this test to identify the cause.
Allergy, Goosefoot Test
