Allergy, Peanut Test
About peanut allergy test
When you have a peanut allergy, your body reacts negatively to peanuts. It occurs when your body incorrectly identifies peanuts as a harmful substance. A peanut allergy is one of the most common types of food allergies and can result in anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction symptom that causes difficulty breathing t due to the narrowing of the airways.
A peanut allergy test IgE will reveal whether the patient has an allergy to peanuts. The blood IgE antibody production triggered by peanut allergens is measured using this test.
Thus, undergoing a peanut allergy test will confirm a peanut allergy diagnosis and assist in avoiding a bad allergic reaction.
Symptoms of peanut allergy
Symptoms of peanut allergy usually occur within 2 hours of eating peanuts or peanut-containing foods and may last for several weeks. The symptoms range from mild to severe and commonly include
Difficulty in breathing
Diarrhea
Red patches and rashes
Nausea and vomiting
Swelling in the tongue or lips
Weak pulse
Pale or blue skin
Dizziness
Confusion
Foods to avoid if you have a peanut allergy
Peanuts or peanut products are commonly found in the following foods
Ground or mixed nuts
Cakes and cookies
Ice cream and frozen desserts
Energy bars
Cereals and granola
Grain breads
Salad dressings
Peanut oil
Chocolate candies
Preparation for the test
No special preparation is required.
How is peanut allergy diagnosed?
Antibody type IgE test: This allergy blood test measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood. Our body produces IgE antibodies in response to a specific food, like peanuts, when we might be allergic to it.
Elimination diet: You will be advised to remove peanuts from your diet for a period of one or two weeks and then add the peanuts back into your diet. If no allergy symptoms are observed during this time and symptoms return when you consume peanuts again, it may indicate a peanut allergy. This method cannot be used safely if you've had a severe reaction to peanuts.
Skin test: Your skin is pricked with a needle, and a small amount of food containing peanuts, like peanut butter, is placed on the skin. If you are allergic to peanuts, you will experience an allergic reaction such as a raised bump on the skin surface where the food was placed.
Food diary: Your doctor may advise you to keep a food diary detailing your eating habits, medical conditions, and prescription drugs. You will keep track of any allergic reactions you experience and this information can assist your doctor in making a precise diagnosis.
Interpretation of results
The relative amount of IgE antibody to specific peanut components can help identify the strength and type of allergenic response.
|
Class |
IgE kU/L |
Interpretation |
|
0 |
<0.10 |
Negative |
|
0/1 |
0.10-0.34 |
Borderline/ Equivocal |
|
1 |
0.35-0.69 |
Equivocal |
|
2 |
0.70-3.49 |
Positive |
|
3 |
3.50-17.4 |
Positive |
|
4 |
17.5-49.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
5 |
50.0-99.9 |
Strongly positive |
|
6 |
> or =100 |
Strongly positive |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
· The likelihood of developing an allergy is increased by the presence of IgE antibodies in serum (Class 1 or greater).
· Higher total IgE level is typically a sign that you have one or more allergies, such as peanut allergy.
· Increased IgE levels are occasionally linked to parasitic infections.
FAQs
How is the sample collected during antibody type IgE testing for peanut allergy?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Usually, this process does not take more than 5 minutes.
What are the risks associated with an antibody type IgE blood test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight soreness or tenderness around the site where the blood is drawn. Rarely, the site can become infected.
4. What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the antibody type IgE blood test?
Test results of an IgE based blood test are usually available after 6 working days, although it could take longer at times.
When should I go for a peanut allergy test?
It is recommended to take a peanut allergy test when you notice any specific symptoms/ reactions after eating peanuts or peanuts-containing foods.
What happens if the test result is abnormal?
If your test results show that you have a peanut allergy, your doctor or allergist will work with you to develop a plan to avoid foods that are unsafe. The doctor will also write you a prescription for an emergency medicine called epinephrine, which you should always carry with you in case of a serious allergic reaction.
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics