Allergy, Mulberry Test
About Allergy, Mulberry Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Mulberry Specific IgE Test, Morus Alba IgE Test, Mulberry Pollen Allergy Test, t70 Mulberry IgE |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders, especially those with seasonal respiratory symptoms |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What Is an Allergy, Mulberry Test?
The Allergy, Mulberry test is a blood test that detects specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, proteins produced by the immune system in response to mulberry pollen or fruit proteins. It is prescribed when a doctor suspects that a patient's symptoms are triggered by mulberry exposure. The test is also known as the Mulberry Specific IgE Test or Morus Alba IgE Test, and a serum sample drawn from a vein in the arm is used for analysis.
What Does an Allergy, Mulberry Test Measure?
This test measures one key marker in your blood sample. The table below explains what it is and why it matters.
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Specific IgE (Mulberry) | The level of IgE antibodies your immune system has produced in response to mulberry allergens (pollen or fruit proteins) |
A raised level suggests that your immune system has been sensitised to mulberry and may react when you are exposed to it.
Why Is an Allergy, Mulberry Test Done?
Doctors order this test to find out whether mulberry is responsible for a patient's allergy symptoms. It helps confirm a suspected diagnosis and guides next steps.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, particularly when they occur seasonally or after exposure to mulberry, may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Persistent sneezing or a runny, blocked nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Coughing or wheezing
- Throat itching
- Skin rash or hives after contact
- Nasal congestion that worsens outdoors
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Allergy, Mulberry test can help identify the following conditions:
- Allergic rhinitis (pollen-triggered nasal allergy)
- Allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy)
- Pollen-induced asthma
- Contact urticaria (skin reaction from airborne contact)
- Oral allergy syndrome (mouth or throat tingling after eating mulberry or related fruits)
- Anaphylaxis evaluation where mulberry is suspected as a trigger
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test. Here is what you should know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the Allergy, Mulberry test procedure. However, if your doctor has ordered other tests alongside this one that require fasting, follow their specific guidance.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep these points in mind before your 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 your doctor about all medications you are taking, particularly antihistamines, as these may need to be paused before the test
- Inform your doctor about any recent allergen exposures or underlying health conditions
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top so the phlebotomist can access your arm easily
- Stay well hydrated, as this makes veins easier to locate
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what happens during the Allergy, Mulberry test procedure from start to finish:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the inner elbow area with an antiseptic solution.
- An elastic band (tourniquet) is placed around the upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- Needle insertion draws approximately 3 ml of blood into a collection tube.
- The tourniquet is removed, the needle is withdrawn, and light pressure is applied with cotton or gauze.
- The sealed sample is labelled and stored at the correct temperature before being sent to the laboratory.
- At the lab, specific IgE antibodies to mulberry are measured using fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA), a technique that detects antibody levels with high accuracy.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence your test result. Be sure to mention any of the following to your doctor:
- Recent or ongoing antihistamine use
- Very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L), which can occasionally cause a misleading result
- Active parasitic infection
- Smoking
- Ongoing immunotherapy for allergies
Understanding Your Allergy, Mulberry Test Results
Results from the Allergy, Mulberry test are reported as specific IgE levels measured in kUA/L. The table below shows the standard classification used to interpret these levels.
| IgE Level (kUA/L) | Class | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 0.35 | Class 0 | Negative (no significant sensitisation) |
| 0.35 to 0.69 | Class 1 | Low positive (weak sensitisation) |
| 0.70 to 3.49 | Class 2 | Moderate positive |
| 3.50 to 17.49 | Class 3 | High positive |
| 17.50 to 49.99 | Class 4 | Very high positive |
| 50.00 and above | Class 5 and 6 | Very high positive |
Disclaimer: 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.
A positive result confirms sensitisation to mulberry but does not, by itself, indicate how severe a reaction might be. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and overall clinical picture alongside this result.
Results During Special Conditions
Some situations can affect how results should be read:
- Patients with very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may occasionally show a false-positive result due to non-specific binding in the test.
- Patients undergoing allergen immunotherapy may also show altered IgE responses; inform your doctor if this applies to you.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips may help reduce allergen exposure during mulberry pollen season:
- Stay indoors during peak pollen hours (early mornings) and keep windows closed, particularly between February and May when mulberry trees typically pollinate in India.
- Use a HEPA air purifier indoors to reduce airborne pollen levels.
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors during pollen season.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Mulberry Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Mulberry test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,300, and home sample collection is available across cities. The table below gives indicative city-wise prices for reference.
| 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.
Home Collection
Allergy, Mulberry test home collection is available across multiple cities, making it easy 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 via email or WhatsApp.
How to Book
Allergy, Mulberry test online booking at Lupin Diagnostics is simple and takes just a few steps:
- Select the Allergy, Mulberry 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test identifies whether your immune system produces IgE antibodies in response to mulberry pollen or fruit proteins. It helps confirm a mulberry allergy diagnosis and supports decisions about allergy management.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as normal before the test. The only preparation required is to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, particularly antihistamines.
Mulberry trees typically pollinate between April and May in India, though warmer regions may see pollen earlier in the year. Symptoms that worsen during this period are a common reason doctors order this test.
Yes, it is possible. Mulberry shares certain proteins with other members of the same plant family, including fig and jackfruit, and cross-reactivity has been reported. Cross-reactivity with birch pollen may also cause reactions to apples and peaches. Your doctor can advise you further based on your specific result.
The Allergy, Mulberry test measures IgE antibodies in a blood sample, while a skin-prick test introduces small amounts of allergen directly into the skin to check for a local reaction. The blood test is particularly useful for people who cannot undergo skin testing due to medications or skin conditions.
Yes. The test is suitable for all age groups, including infants and young children. Because it involves a simple blood draw rather than multiple skin pricks, it is often the preferred option for younger patients.
A positive result means your immune system has been sensitised to mulberry. Your doctor will interpret this result alongside your symptoms and clinical history. They may refer you to an allergy specialist for further evaluation and guidance on managing your exposure.
Allergy, Mulberry Test
