Allergy, Rapeseed Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, Rapeseed Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Rapeseed allergy IgE test, canola allergy test, brassica napus allergy test, F316 rapeseed IgE, and sarson allergy test |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders, particularly those with suspected food or respiratory allergies, occupational exposure to rapeseed, or a known mustard allergy. |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What Is an Allergy, Rapeseed Test?
The allergy, rapeseed test measures specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies in the blood in response to rapeseed (brassica napus) proteins. IgE antibodies are produced by the immune system when it reacts to a substance it identifies as a threat. The test is also known as canola allergy test or sarson allergy test. It is prescribed when a doctor suspects a food or pollen-related allergy to rapeseed, also commonly known as canola. A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in the arm and analysed in the laboratory.
What Does an Allergy, Rapeseed Test Measure?
The allergy, rapeseed test detects and quantifies two closely related components in the blood.
| Component | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Specific IgE antibodies | The immune system's response to rapeseed proteins; elevated levels indicate sensitisation. |
| Rapeseed-specific IgE level (class) | Classified from Class 0 to Class 6 based on the concentration of IgE antibodies detected. |
Why Is an Allergy, Rapeseed Test Done?
A doctor may order this test to investigate unexplained allergic reactions linked to rapeseed exposure through food, cooking oil, or pollen.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms often prompt a doctor to recommend the allergy, rapeseed test:
- Nasal congestion, sneezing, or runny nose
- Watery or itchy eyes
- Skin reactions such as hives, eczema, or itchiness
- Respiratory problems, including wheezing or asthma
- Nausea, vomiting, or digestive discomfort
- Dizziness after eating foods containing rapeseed oil
- Swelling beneath the skin (angioedema)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A doctor may use this test to identify or investigate the following conditions:
- Sensitisation to rapeseed as a food allergen or to rapeseed pollen as an inhaled allergen
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever), rhinoconjunctivitis, and asthma associated with rapeseed pollen
- Atopic dermatitis triggered by rapeseed exposure
- Urticaria (hives) and angioedema linked to rapeseed
- Occupational sensitisation in farmers, grain mill workers, or feed processing plant employees
- Cross-reactivity when a patient has a known mustard or other Brassicaceae family allergy
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, but a few simple steps will help ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the allergy, rapeseed test. You may eat and drink as usual on the day of sample collection. If you are having other tests alongside this one, check with your doctor whether any of those require fasting.
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 family history, as this is required for the test.
- Avoid antihistamines for seven days before the test if possible, as they can suppress IgE levels; always check with your doctor first.
- Continue all essential medications unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Inform the collection staff about any current medications or supplements you are taking.
- Try to avoid known allergen triggers in the days leading up to the test to reduce the risk of skewed results.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the allergy, rapeseed test procedure:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) cleans the skin over a vein in your arm with an antiseptic.
- A small needle is inserted into the vein, and approximately 3 mL of blood is drawn into a gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed on your arm. The process takes only a few minutes.
- The blood sample is labelled and stored under refrigerated conditions (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) for safe transport.
- The sample is dispatched to a NABL-accredited Lupin Diagnostics laboratory for testing using the FEIA (fluorescence enzyme immunoassay) method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence your test result:
- Recent use of antihistamines, which may suppress IgE levels and lead to false-negative results.
- Markedly elevated total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L), which may cause false-positive results due to non-specific binding.
- Recent exposure to rapeseed pollen or food.
- Improper sample handling or storage during transport.
Results always need to be read alongside your clinical history and symptoms.
Understanding Your Allergy, Rapeseed Test Results
Your results are reported as a class (0 to 6) based on the concentration of rapeseed-specific IgE antibodies detected. Higher classes indicate greater sensitisation. Results should always be reviewed with your doctor.
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative or undetectable |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.69 | Low sensitisation |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate sensitisation |
| Class 3 | 3.50 to 17.49 | High sensitisation |
| Class 4 | 17.50 to 49.99 | Very high sensitisation |
| Class 5 | 50.00 to 99.99 | Very high sensitisation |
| Class 6 | 100.00 and above | Very high sensitisation |
Results at Class 2 or above (0.70 kU/L or higher) are considered abnormally elevated. A positive result indicates sensitisation to rapeseed allergens, but this does not automatically mean you have a clinically active allergy. Your doctor will assess the result alongside your symptoms and medical history.
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.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results should be read:
- Patients with very high total IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may see false-positive results due to non-specific binding in the test.
- Children with atopic dermatitis often show positive IgE antibodies to various foods and pollens and may also have associated asthma or allergic rhinitis.
- Patients taking antihistamines may have suppressed IgE levels, increasing the chance of a false-negative result.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
If your results suggest sensitisation, the following general steps may help you manage exposure:
- Check ingredient labels on cooking oils, margarines, and processed foods for rapeseed or canola oil content.
- Consider alternative oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil where appropriate.
- Keep an allergy diary to record symptoms and potential triggers, which can help your doctor guide next steps.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Rapeseed Test Price and Home Collection
The allergy, rapeseed test is priced starting at ₹1,300 at Lupin Diagnostics and is available with home sample collection in select 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
Follow these steps to book the allergy, rapeseed 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
The allergy, rapeseed test home collection service is available across multiple cities. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited Lupin Diagnostics laboratories, and your digital report is shared directly with you once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rapeseed (brassica napus) is a flowering plant cultivated primarily for its oil-rich seeds. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustard, cabbage, and broccoli. The seed contains storage proteins that can trigger an immune response in sensitive individuals, resulting in allergy symptoms.
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm by a trained phlebotomist. The sample is then tested in the laboratory using the FEIA method to detect and measure rapeseed-specific IgE antibodies. The entire blood draw takes only a few minutes.
No fasting or major preparation is required, but antihistamines can reduce IgE levels in the blood and may affect your result. It is advisable to speak with your doctor about any antihistamines or other allergy medicines you are taking before your test date.
There is demonstrated IgE cross-reactivity between rapeseed and mustard allergens due to similarities in their protein structures. However, clinical reactions to rapeseed in mustard-allergic patients appear to be rare. Your doctor can advise you on whether further testing for cross-reactive allergens is appropriate.
A positive result means your blood contains IgE antibodies to rapeseed proteins, which indicates sensitisation. Sensitisation does not always mean you will have symptoms on every exposure. Your doctor will review the result alongside your clinical history to determine whether a clinically relevant allergy is present.
Rapeseed allergy is considered uncommon. Reported cases typically involve mild symptoms such as hives or digestive discomfort, particularly in children with atopic dermatitis. Occupational exposure through inhalation of rapeseed dust has been linked to respiratory symptoms in some workers, including farmers and grain processing employees.
Allergy, Rapeseed Test: Booking, Price, and Results
