Allergy, Kiwi Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, Kiwi Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Kiwi Fruit IgE Test, Kiwi-Specific IgE, Kiwifruit Allergy Test, f84 |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; individuals with suspected Kiwi allergy or related cross-reactive allergies (latex, birch pollen) |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What is an Allergy, Kiwi Test?
The Allergy, Kiwi test is a blood test that checks whether your immune system produces specific antibodies in response to Kiwi fruit proteins. It is also called the Kiwi fruit IgE test or Kiwifruit allergy test. Doctors order it when a patient reports symptoms after eating Kiwi. A small serum sample, drawn from a vein in your arm, is used for analysis.
What Does an Allergy, Kiwi Test Measure?
The test measures the level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that are directed specifically at Kiwi fruit proteins. When someone is allergic to Kiwi, their immune system mistakenly treats Kiwi proteins as harmful and produces these IgE antibodies.
The key proteins involved include:
- Actinidin (Act d 1): A major Kiwi protein and a common trigger of allergic reactions
- Thaumatin-like protein (Act d 2): A glycosylated protein found in Kiwi that can sensitise the immune system
- 40 kDa glycoprotein (Act d 3): Another Kiwi protein linked to sensitisation; IgE to each of these allergens has been detected in over 60% of Kiwi-sensitised patients
Why is an Allergy, Kiwi Test Done?
The Allergy, Kiwi test helps confirm whether Kiwi fruit is the cause of allergic symptoms. Your doctor may order it if you have had a reaction after eating Kiwi or if you have known allergies that can cross-react with Kiwi proteins.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Tingling or itching around the mouth and lips after eating Kiwi
- Hives or skin rash
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Nasal congestion or difficulty breathing
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify several allergy-related conditions, including:
- IgE-mediated Kiwi fruit allergy, ranging from mild oral allergy syndrome to severe reactions
- Pollen-food allergy syndrome (also called oral allergy syndrome), where raw Kiwi causes itching in the mouth or throat
- Latex-fruit syndrome, a cross-reactive condition where people with latex allergy also react to Kiwi and similar fruits such as banana, avocado, and chestnut
- Cross-reactivity with other foods such as apples, peaches, cherries, hazelnuts, peanuts, and carrots
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The Allergy, Kiwi test procedure is straightforward and requires minimal preparation. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your sample collection. Your regular diet, including eating Kiwi, will not affect your IgE antibody levels.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep these points in mind before heading for the Allergy, Kiwi test:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform the lab about any current medications, particularly antihistamines, anti-allergy drugs, or immunotherapy treatments, as these may affect results
- Note down recent allergic symptoms and when they occurred, to share with the healthcare professional
- Continue your regular diet and daily routine unless your doctor advises otherwise
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample is collected through a simple blood draw. Here is what happens during the Allergy, Kiwi test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the inside of your arm near the elbow with an antiseptic wipe.
- A tourniquet is applied briefly above the area to make your veins more visible.
- A fine needle is used to draw a small blood sample (approximately 3 ml) from the vein.
- The blood is collected into a serum separator tube (yellow-capped).
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied with a cotton ball; a small bandage is placed over the site.
- The sample is stored under refrigeration and sent to the laboratory for analysis using the FEIA (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay) method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence your test result:
- Current use of immunotherapy or anti-allergy medications
- Very high total IgE levels in the blood (above 2,500 kU/L), which can cause false-positive results
- Cross-reactivity with latex, birch pollen, or other foods may complicate interpretation
- Non-IgE-mediated food reactions will not be detected by this test
- The overall diagnostic sensitivity of this test is around 65%, making clinical history essential for accurate interpretation
Understanding Your Allergy, Kiwi Test Results
Your results show the level of Kiwi-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. The table below explains how different result levels are generally interpreted. A doctor should always review these in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
| Result Level | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | Less than 0.35 | No sensitisation detected |
| Low Positive | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low-level sensitisation |
| Moderate Positive | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate sensitisation |
| High Positive | 3.50 to 17.49 | High sensitisation |
| Very High Positive | 17.50 and above | 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 situations can affect how your results should be read:
- Patients with total serum IgE levels above 2,500 kU/L may receive a false-positive result due to non-specific antibody binding.
- Those currently receiving allergen immunotherapy may show altered IgE levels, which can affect interpretation.
- Cross-reactivity with birch pollen or latex proteins may produce a positive result even when Kiwi alone is not the primary trigger.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness tips for those managing a confirmed Kiwi allergy:
- Avoid Kiwi fruit and foods that commonly contain Kiwi, such as fruit salads, smoothies, and sorbets.
- Read food and ingredient labels carefully, as Kiwi is sometimes used as a flavouring in packaged products.
- If you have a known latex allergy, speak with your doctor about getting tested for related fruit allergies, including Kiwi.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Kiwi Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Kiwi test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹1,300, with home sample collection offered across cities. The table below lists indicative prices by location.
| 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
Follow these steps to book your Allergy, Kiwi 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
Allergy, Kiwi test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at a time convenient for you to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and digital reports are made accessible once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Allergy, Kiwi test detects IgE antibodies in your blood that are specific to Kiwi fruit proteins. It helps confirm whether your immune system is sensitised to Kiwi. Doctors use the result alongside your clinical history to assess the likelihood of a Kiwi allergy.
No fasting is needed. You can eat, drink, and carry on your normal routine before the test. Recent consumption of Kiwi fruit will not affect your IgE antibody levels.
The report is typically ready within 3 days of sample collection. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp.
Yes, a Kiwi allergy can develop at any age, even if you have eaten Kiwi without problems in the past. Food allergies are more common in children, but adults can also develop them over time.
Yes, this is worth discussing with your doctor. Between 30% and 70% of people with a latex allergy also have reactions to certain fruits, including Kiwi. This is called latex-fruit syndrome. Getting tested can help you manage your dietary choices more safely.
Not necessarily. The Allergy, Kiwi test detects only IgE-mediated allergic responses. Some reactions to Kiwi may occur through non-IgE pathways and will not show up on this test. If your symptoms strongly suggest a Kiwi allergy, your doctor may recommend further evaluation.
Yes, clinical history is required when submitting this test. Bring details of your symptoms, how long you have had them, any previous allergy test results, and your family history of allergies. This information helps the doctor interpret your results accurately.
Allergy, Kiwi Test: Booking, Price, and Results
