Allergy, Hazelnut Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, Hazelnut Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Hazelnut IgE Test, Filbert Allergy Test, Corylus avellana IgE, f17 Hazelnut |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders, especially children with suspected food allergies and adults with birch pollen allergy |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What is an Allergy, Hazelnut Test?
The Allergy, Hazelnut test measures the level of hazelnut-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies are produced by the immune system when it reacts to a substance it considers harmful. A doctor may order this test when a patient reports symptoms after eating hazelnuts or hazelnut-containing foods. It is also known as the Hazelnut IgE test or the Filbert allergy test.
What Does an Allergy, Hazelnut Test Measure?
This test detects and quantifies IgE antibodies specific to hazelnut proteins in your serum. The results help determine whether your immune system is sensitised to hazelnuts.
The key allergen components that may be evaluated include:
| Component | What it Indicates |
|---|---|
| Cor a 1 | Cross-reacts with birch pollen; linked to mild oral allergy syndrome |
| Cor a 8 | Lipid transfer protein; heat-stable and associated with more significant reactions |
| Cor a 9 | Storage protein (11S globulin); associated with primary hazelnut allergy |
| Cor a 14 | Storage protein (2S albumin); associated with primary hazelnut allergy |
Why Is an Allergy, Hazelnut Test Done?
A doctor may recommend the Allergy, Hazelnut test when a patient has unexplained symptoms after hazelnut exposure or when an allergy is suspected. Here are the most common reasons it is requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to order this test:
- Itching or swelling in the mouth or throat after eating hazelnuts
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Nasal congestion or sneezing
- Skin reactions such as hives or redness
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Severe allergic episodes requiring emergency care
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify or support the diagnosis of the following conditions:
- Primary hazelnut allergy, which can cause generalised and sometimes severe reactions
- Oral allergy syndrome (OAS), where mild symptoms are confined to the mouth and throat
- Cross-reactive allergy linked to birch pollen sensitisation
- Hazelnut sensitisation before starting immunotherapy
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for the Allergy, Hazelnut test is straightforward. No special steps are needed before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You may eat and drink as usual on the day of sample collection. There is no need to avoid eating hazelnuts before the test, either, as IgE antibody levels remain stable regardless of recent food intake.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep these points in mind ahead of your appointment:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any known allergies, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or antihistamines you are taking.
- Stay well hydrated before your visit, as this makes blood collection easier.
- Wear a loose-fitting top or a garment with sleeves that can be rolled up easily.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- A trained phlebotomist will ask you to sit comfortably and identify a suitable vein, usually in the crook of your arm.
- The area will be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A thin needle will be gently inserted into the vein. You may feel a brief, mild pinch.
- A small blood sample (approximately 3 ml) will be drawn into a gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed on the site. The entire process takes just a few minutes.
- The sealed sample is labelled and dispatched to the laboratory under refrigerated conditions for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence your test results:
- Markedly elevated total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may occasionally cause false-positive readings.
- The presence of other allergies, particularly birch pollen allergy, can affect interpretation due to cross-reactivity.
- Certain medications may interact with results; always inform your doctor of what you are taking.
- Overall health at the time of testing may also play a role.
Understanding Your Allergy, Hazelnut Test Results
Results from this test are reported in kU/L (kilounits per litre) and classified into sensitivity grades. The table below outlines how results are generally interpreted.
| IgE Level (kU/L) | Classification | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 0.10 | Negative | No sensitisation detected |
| 0.10 to 0.34 | Borderline | Minimal sensitisation |
| 0.35 to 0.69 | Low positive (Class 1) | Mild sensitisation |
| 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate positive (Class 2) | Moderate sensitisation |
| 3.50 to 17.49 | High positive (Class 3) | High sensitisation |
| 17.50 and above | Very high positive (Class 4+) | Very high sensitisation |
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 circumstances can influence how results should be read:
- Birch pollen allergy: A large proportion of people sensitised to birch pollen are also sensitised to hazelnut due to shared proteins. Adults with birch pollen allergy may test positive for hazelnut IgE but experience only mild oral symptoms rather than a true primary allergy.
- Outgrown allergy: A positive IgE result may persist even after a person has outgrown their allergy. The level of IgE detected does not always reflect the severity of a reaction. Your doctor will consider your clinical history alongside the test result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips support allergy management and overall well-being:
- If hazelnut sensitisation is confirmed, read food labels carefully for ingredients such as filbert, praline, or nut spreads that may contain hazelnuts.
- Maintain a food diary to track symptoms and identify potential triggers.
- Discuss your results and any dietary changes with your doctor before making significant adjustments to your eating habits.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Hazelnut Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Hazelnut test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹1,300, with home sample collection offered across multiple 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
Follow these steps to book your Allergy, Hazelnut test online:
- 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
The Allergy, Hazelnut test home collection service is available across cities, allowing you to have your blood sample collected at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by qualified professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely within the stated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Allergy, Hazelnut test measures hazelnut-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are produced when the immune system reacts to hazelnut proteins. The test helps confirm whether you are sensitised to hazelnuts and supports the diagnosis and management of allergies.
No special preparation is needed. You do not need to fast or avoid hazelnuts before the test. Simply bring a clinical history of your symptoms and inform the phlebotomist of any medications you are taking.
Yes, a hazelnut allergy can develop at any age, even if you have eaten hazelnuts without problems in the past. Both children and adults can develop this allergy, and testing is relevant across all age groups.
Antihistamines generally do not interfere with IgE blood tests. However, it is still important to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking before the test, as some substances may affect results.
Primary hazelnut allergy occurs when the immune system directly reacts to hazelnut proteins, often causing generalised symptoms. Secondary hazelnut allergy, also called oral allergy syndrome, arises from cross-reactivity between hazelnut proteins and birch tree pollen and typically causes mild symptoms confined to the mouth and throat.
The frequency depends on your symptoms and medical history. If you have a confirmed hazelnut allergy, your doctor may suggest repeating the test every one to two years or after a significant allergic episode to monitor how your sensitisation levels change over time.
A result below 0.10 kU/L is considered negative, indicating that no hazelnut sensitisation was detected and that a hazelnut allergy is unlikely. If your symptoms persist despite a negative result, your doctor may investigate other possible allergens or non-allergic causes.
Allergy, Hazelnut Test: Booking, Price, and Results
