Allergy, Pea Test
About Allergy, Pea Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Pea IgE Test, Green Pea Allergy Test, Pea-Specific IgE, Pisum sativum IgE, Food Allergen f12 |
| Sample Type | Serum (blood) |
| Fasting Required | No, no special preparation needed |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; individuals with suspected food allergies or legume sensitivities |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,400 |
What is an Allergy, Pea Test?
The Allergy, Pea test checks for the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to green Pea proteins in your blood. Your immune system produces these IgE antibodies when it treats a substance as harmful. The test is also known as the Pea IgE Test, Pisum sativum IgE, or Food Allergen f12. A small blood sample is collected and analysed in a laboratory to detect any sensitisation to Pea.
What Does an Allergy, Pea Test Measure?
The Allergy, Pea test procedure measures the concentration of Pea-specific IgE antibodies in your serum. Results are reported in kUA/L (kilo units of allergen-specific antibodies per litre). The following table shows how each class of result is interpreted.
| IgE Class | Concentration (kUA/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative or undetectable |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low positive (weak sensitisation) |
| 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 positive |
| Class 5 | 50.00 to 99.99 | Very high positive |
| Class 6 | 100.00 or above | Very high positive |
Why is an Allergy, Pea Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a patient reports reactions after eating Peas or foods containing Pea-based ingredients. It helps identify whether those symptoms have an IgE-mediated allergic cause.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may recommend this test.
- Itchy, inflamed skin (atopic dermatitis)
- Runny nose or repeated sneezing (rhinitis)
- Itching or tingling in the mouth after eating Peas
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea following Pea consumption
- Swelling under the skin (angioedema), particularly around the face or lips
- Wheezing or breathing difficulty (asthma-like symptoms)
- Hives or widespread skin redness
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Allergy, Pea test can help a doctor investigate or confirm several conditions.
- Confirmed allergy (sensitisation) to green Pea proteins
- Food-induced anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) triggered by Pea
- Cross-reactivity with other legumes, such as Lentils and Chickpeas, which share similar allergen proteins
- Identification of allergens responsible for unexplained allergic episodes
- Sensitisation requires confirmation before starting immunotherapy (a treatment that uses controlled allergen exposure)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for the Allergy, Pea test. The steps below will help you know what to do before and during sample collection.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your test. Unlike skin prick tests, this blood-based IgE test is not affected by your recent food intake.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test.
- Inform the phlebotomist about all medications and supplements you are currently taking.
- You may continue taking antihistamines (anti-allergy tablets) as usual, as they do not affect the blood IgE result.
- Stay well hydrated before the test to make the blood draw easier.
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for convenient arm access.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the Allergy, Pea test procedure.
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) will clean the inside of your arm with an antiseptic solution.
- An elastic band (tourniquet) is placed around your upper arm to make the vein easier to find.
- A small needle is inserted into a vein, and a blood sample of approximately 3 ml is collected into a yellow-topped serum separator tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied to the puncture site. The process takes only a few minutes.
- The sample is stored at 2 to 8°C and sent to the laboratory for analysis using FEIA (fluorescence enzyme immunoassay) technology.
- Your report is typically ready within 3 days and delivered digitally.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence how results are interpreted.
- Markedly elevated total serum IgE levels (above 2,500 kUA/L) can occasionally lead to false-positive readings due to nonspecific binding.
- Sensitisation (a positive IgE result) does not always mean a clinical allergy is present; results must be reviewed alongside your symptoms and medical history.
- Non-IgE-mediated reactions to Pea will not be detected by this test and may need separate investigation.
Understanding Your Allergy, Pea Test Results
Your doctor will review your IgE class result alongside your symptoms, diet history, and overall health. A positive result does not automatically confirm a clinical allergy, and a negative result does not always rule out all types of reactions.
| IgE Class | Concentration (kUA/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative or undetectable |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low positive |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate positive |
| Class 3 and above | 3.50 or above | High to very high positive |
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
Two specific situations can affect how results are read.
- Patients with total serum IgE levels above 2,500 kUA/L may get a falsely elevated Pea-specific IgE reading. Your doctor will consider this when reviewing results.
- Cross-reactivity with related legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and peanuts may also influence results, as these foods share similar allergen proteins.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general tips may help once your results are known.
- If a Pea allergy is confirmed, read ingredient labels carefully, as Pea protein is now widely used in plant-based foods, protein powders, and meat alternatives.
- Discuss a management plan with an allergist, including whether an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector is recommended.
- If sensitisation is mild and no clinical reactions have occurred, your doctor will advise on whether dietary changes are needed.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Pea Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Pea test cost starts at ₹1,400 at Lupin Diagnostics, and home collection is available across multiple cities in India.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1400 |
| CHENNAI | 1400 |
| HYDERABAD | 1400 |
| KOLKATA | 1400 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1400 |
| PUNE | 1400 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your Allergy, Pea test online with 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
Lupin Diagnostics offers Allergy, Pea test home collection across cities, so you can have your blood sample collected at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Allergy, Pea test detects IgE antibodies in your blood that are specific to green Pea proteins. A positive result suggests your immune system is sensitised to Pea, which may be causing allergic symptoms. Your doctor will use this alongside your clinical history to confirm or rule out a Pea allergy.
No fasting is required. You can eat, drink, and follow your normal routine before the test. The result is based on antibody levels in your blood, which are not influenced by recent meals.
Yes, you can. Blood-based IgE tests are not affected by antihistamines or other allergy medications. This makes the Allergy, Pea test a useful alternative for patients who cannot stop their medication for a skin prick test.
Not necessarily. Although there is cross-reactivity between Peas, lentils, chickpeas, and peanuts, most people who are allergic to one legume can tolerate others without difficulty. Your doctor or allergist can advise on whether you need testing for other legumes.
Reactions vary widely. Some people experience mild symptoms such as mouth itching or a rash, while others may develop a severe reaction called anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency. If you have previously had a severe reaction, speak to your doctor about carrying an adrenaline auto-injector.
The growing use of Pea protein in plant-based meat alternatives, protein supplements, and packaged foods means more people are being exposed to Pea protein than before. This increased dietary exposure may be contributing to a rise in sensitisation, particularly in individuals with other food allergies.
A negative result makes an IgE-mediated Pea allergy unlikely. However, some people experience reactions that are not driven by IgE antibodies, and these will not appear on this test. If your symptoms continue despite a negative result, discuss further investigation options with your doctor.
Allergy, Pea Test
