Allergy, Mesquite Test
About Allergy, Mesquite Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Mesquite/Prosopis IgE Test, Prosopis juliflora Allergy Test, Tree Pollen Mesquite Test, Pahadi Keekar Allergy Test |
| 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, Mesquite Test?
The Allergy, Mesquite test is a blood test that measures your immune system's response to pollen from the mesquite tree (Prosopis juliflora), commonly called "Pahadi Keekar" or "Vilayati Babool" in India. It detects specific IgE antibodies, which are proteins your body produces when it reacts to a particular allergen. Doctors use this test to find out whether mesquite pollen is the cause of your allergic symptoms. It is also known as the Prosopis juliflora Allergy Test or Mesquite/Prosopis IgE Test.
What Does an Allergy, Mesquite Test Measure?
This test measures the level of specific IgE antibodies directed against mesquite pollen proteins in your blood. Results are reported in kU/L (kilo-units of allergen-specific IgE per litre of blood) and assigned to a class that indicates your degree of sensitisation.
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Mesquite-specific IgE (kU/L) | The amount of IgE antibody your immune system has produced in response to mesquite pollen proteins |
Why is an Allergy, Mesquite Test Done?
Mesquite is an invasive tree species found across many parts of India. Its pollen is released in large quantities, particularly during spring, and is a well-documented cause of allergic illness. This test helps a doctor confirm whether your symptoms are linked to mesquite pollen exposure.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may order this test if you experience any of the following symptoms, especially during pollen season:
- Runny or blocked nose
- Frequent sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Itchy nose, throat, or ears
- Coughing or wheezing
- Tightness in the chest during outdoor activity
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The test can help identify sensitisation linked to several conditions. These include:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) triggered by mesquite pollen
- Allergic conjunctivitis (eye inflammation from pollen)
- Allergic asthma worsened by pollen exposure
- Oral allergy syndrome, where cross-reacting proteins in certain raw foods cause a tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth
- Possible cross-reactivity with common legumes, as mesquite proteins share structural similarities with edible legume proteins
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. However, a few simple steps will help ensure a smooth experience and accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before the Allergy, Mesquite test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. If your doctor has ordered other tests at the same time, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before you go for sample collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any known allergies, as this is required for the test.
- Tell the healthcare professional about all medications you are currently taking.
- If your doctor has also planned a skin-prick test, you may be advised to stop antihistamines three days beforehand. This does not apply to the blood test alone.
- Try to minimise exposure to known allergens in the days before your test.
- Wear a loose-fitting top or a shirt with sleeves that can be rolled up easily.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during the sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist will ask you to sit comfortably and roll up your sleeve.
- The skin over the inner elbow is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A soft elastic band (tourniquet) is tied around your upper arm to make the vein easier to locate.
- A sterile needle is used to draw a small blood sample (approximately 3 ml) into a labelled collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and gentle pressure is applied. A small bandage is placed over the site.
- The sealed sample is refrigerated and sent to the laboratory for analysis using the FEIA (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay) method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence your test results. These include:
- Very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L), which can occasionally cause false-positive readings
- Recent or ongoing allergen exposure, which may temporarily raise IgE levels
- Parasitic infections, which can elevate total IgE in the blood
- Improper sample storage or transport
Understanding Your Allergy, Mesquite Test Results
Your results will show the level of mesquite-specific IgE in your blood, expressed in kU/L and classified into classes from 0 to 6. A doctor will review these alongside your symptoms and medical history before drawing any conclusions.
| Class | kU/L Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Below 0.35 | Negative/undetectable |
| 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low |
| 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate |
| 3 | 3.50 to 17.49 | High |
| 4 | 17.5 to 49.9 | Very high |
| 5 | 50 to 99.9 | Very high |
| 6 | Above 100 | Extremely high |
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
A few situations can make results harder to interpret at face value:
- A positive result (above 0.35 kU/L) means your immune system has produced IgE antibodies against mesquite pollen, but this does not automatically mean you will experience symptoms.
- A higher class generally increases the likelihood of a clinical reaction, though it does not predict how severe that reaction will be.
- Cross-reactivity is also worth noting. Mesquite pollen proteins share similarities with proteins found in certain legumes and other tree pollens. This means a positive result may sometimes reflect a response to related allergens rather than mesquite alone.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips may help reduce pollen-related allergic symptoms:
- Check daily pollen forecasts and limit outdoor time when mesquite pollen counts are high, particularly between February and May.
- Keep windows closed at home and in your car during peak pollen season, and consider using HEPA air filters indoors.
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors to reduce pollen carried inside.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Mesquite Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Mesquite test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,300, and home sample collection is available across multiple cities.
| 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, Mesquite 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 3 days.
Home Collection
The Allergy, Mesquite test home collection service is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at a time that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories. Your digital report is delivered directly to you once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) is an invasive tree found widely across India, where it is known as Pahadi Keekar or Vilayati Babool. Its pollen contains proteins that some people's immune systems identify as a threat, triggering the production of IgE antibodies and causing allergic symptoms. It is considered one of the more common pollen sensitisers in India.
Mesquite pollen is listed among the common environmental allergens causing respiratory allergies in India. Studies have reported skin test positivity to Prosopis juliflora pollen in roughly one-third of allergic patients tested, making it a clinically significant allergen in the Indian context.
If you experience seasonal sneezing, a persistently runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, coughing, or wheezing, particularly during spring months, your doctor may recommend this test to check whether mesquite pollen is the cause.
A skin-prick test involves applying tiny amounts of allergen to the skin and observing a local reaction. This blood test measures specific IgE antibodies in the laboratory. The blood test is generally preferred for people with severe allergies, skin conditions, or those taking antihistamines, as it carries no risk of triggering a reaction during the test itself.
Yes, this is possible. Mesquite pollen proteins share structural similarities with proteins in certain edible legumes. In some people, this cross-reactivity may cause a tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth when eating raw foods from related plant families, a pattern known as oral allergy syndrome. A doctor can advise further if this is relevant to your case.
A positive result indicates sensitisation, meaning your body has produced specific IgE antibodies against mesquite pollen. This does not automatically mean you will have symptoms. A confirmed clinical allergy requires both a positive test and symptoms that occur on exposure to the allergen. Your doctor will assess both together.
Mesquite pollen is present throughout the year but peaks between February and May. Counts tend to be at their lowest during the rainy season, roughly October to November. If your symptoms are worst in spring, mesquite pollen may be a contributing factor worth investigating.
Allergy, Mesquite Test
