Allergy, Spinach Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, Spinach Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Spinach IgE Test, Spinach Specific IgE, f214 Spinach Allergy Test, Palak 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 allergic symptoms after eating Spinach |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,400 |
What is an Allergy, Spinach Test?
The Allergy, Spinach test is a blood test that measures Spinach-specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies in your blood. IgE is an antibody your immune system produces when it reacts to a substance it considers a threat. A doctor may order this test if you experience allergic symptoms after eating Spinach or dishes containing it. It is also called the Spinach Specific IgE test or Palak Allergy Test.
What Does an Allergy, Spinach Test Measure?
The Allergy, Spinach test measures one key parameter in your blood sample. The result is reported as a class level ranging from 0 (negative) to 6 (very strong positive).
| Parameter | Range (kUA/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach-specific IgE | Less than 0.35 | Negative (Class 0) |
| Spinach-specific IgE | 0.35 to 0.70 | Weak positive (Class 1) |
| Spinach-specific IgE | 0.70 to 3.50 | Moderate positive (Class 2) |
| Spinach-specific IgE | 3.50 to 17.50 | High positive (Class 3) |
| Spinach-specific IgE | 17.50 to 52.50 | Very high positive (Class 4) |
| Spinach-specific IgE | 52.50 to 100 | Strong positive (Class 5) |
| Spinach-specific IgE | Greater than 100 | Very strong positive (Class 6) |
The test is performed using FEIA (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay), a specialised laboratory method for detecting antibody concentrations.
Why is an Allergy, Spinach Test Done?
A doctor may recommend the Allergy, Spinach test for several reasons, from confirming a suspected food allergy to ruling out other causes of symptoms.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, particularly if they occur after eating Spinach, may prompt your doctor to order this test:
- Hives (raised, itchy red patches on the skin)
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
- Itching or tingling inside the mouth, throat, or ears
- Digestive discomfort such as nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting
- Runny nose, sneezing, or other respiratory symptoms
- Skin rashes or general itching
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Allergy, Spinach test procedure can assist in identifying or confirming the following:
- Spinach allergy (IgE-mediated immune reaction to Spinach proteins)
- The specific allergen responsible for an unexplained allergic episode or anaphylactic reaction
- Sensitisation to Spinach before starting immunotherapy (a treatment to reduce allergic reactions over time)
- Differentiation between a true Spinach allergy and histamine intolerance, which can produce similar symptoms
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for the Allergy, Spinach test is straightforward. Most people do not need to make any changes to their routine beforehand.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the test, including foods that contain Spinach. Because the test measures antibody levels in the blood rather than active food reactions, dietary restrictions are not necessary.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few simple steps to help your appointment go smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous allergy test results, and any relevant family history, as this is required for the test
- Continue taking your regular medications unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop
- Let the healthcare professional know if you have recently had a severe allergic reaction
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-sleeved top for easy access to your arm
- Stay well hydrated, as this makes the blood draw easier
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what you can expect during sample collection for the Allergy, Spinach test:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on the inside of your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- A small needle is gently inserted into a vein in your arm to draw blood.
- A small amount of blood (around 3 ml) is collected into a yellow-top SST gel tube.
- The needle is removed, and a cotton pad or small bandage is placed over the site.
- The sample is labelled and stored refrigerated (between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius) for transport.
- The sample is sent to a NABL-accredited laboratory for analysis using the FEIA method.
The entire process takes only a few minutes, and most people find it very manageable.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence the reliability of your results. These include:
- Very high total IgE levels in the blood (above 2,500 kU/L), which can sometimes cause a false-positive result
- Recent severe allergic reactions, which may temporarily alter antibody levels
- Smoking, which can raise overall IgE levels
- Parasitic infections, which may also increase IgE levels and affect the result
- Sensitivity to related substances such as latex or certain moulds, which may cross-react with Spinach proteins
Understanding Your Allergy, Spinach Test Results
Your results show the concentration of Spinach-specific IgE antibodies in your blood, expressed in kUA/L. The table below outlines the reference ranges and what each level generally indicates.
| Class | Result (kUA/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative (no sensitisation detected) |
| 1 | 0.35 to 0.70 | Low positive (weak sensitisation) |
| 2 | 0.70 to 3.50 | Moderate positive |
| 3 | 3.50 to 17.50 | High positive |
| 4 | 17.50 to 52.50 | Very high positive |
| 5 | 52.50 to 100 | Strong positive |
| 6 | Greater than 100 | Very strong positive |
A result below 0.35 kUA/L is considered negative and suggests no allergic sensitisation to Spinach. Results at Class 2 and above are flagged as abnormal. A positive result indicates sensitisation, but it does not predict how severe a reaction will be. Some individuals with elevated IgE levels may have no clinical symptoms at all.
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 may affect how results are interpreted:
- Individuals with latex allergy may show cross-reactivity to Spinach, producing a positive result even if Spinach itself is not a primary trigger.
- Because Spinach is naturally high in histamine, people with histamine intolerance may experience similar symptoms to an allergy. Your doctor can help distinguish between the two based on your test results and clinical picture.
- Exercise shortly after eating Spinach has been associated with a more pronounced allergic reaction in some sensitised individuals. Mention this to your doctor if it applies to you.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips can help you manage your health if you have or suspect a Spinach allergy:
- If a Spinach allergy is confirmed, avoid Spinach and dishes containing it, and read food labels carefully
- Consider alternative leafy greens, such as kale or lettuce, as substitutes in your diet
- Consult your doctor before making major dietary changes, particularly if you are managing other health conditions
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Spinach Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Spinach test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,400, and home sample collection is available across cities. The approximate city-wise pricing is shown below.
| 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
For Allergy, Spinach test online booking through Lupin Diagnostics in a few easy steps:
- 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, Spinach test home collection service is available across major cities in India. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is delivered directly to you once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Allergy, Spinach test is a blood test that detects Spinach-specific IgE antibodies in your serum. It helps confirm whether your immune system is reacting to Spinach proteins. The test uses a method called FEIA to measure antibody concentrations accurately.
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink as normal, including Spinach-containing foods. No special dietary changes are needed in the days leading up to the test.
Results for the Allergy, Spinach test are typically available within 3 days from the time your sample reaches the laboratory. You will receive your report digitally via email or WhatsApp.
You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted, but the discomfort is minimal, and the procedure takes only a few minutes. Most people find it very easy to tolerate.
No. A positive result indicates sensitisation to Spinach, but it does not predict how severe a reaction will be if you eat Spinach. A doctor must assess your symptoms, clinical history, and results together to advise you on managing the allergy.
You must bring a detailed clinical history, including your current symptoms, any previous allergy test results, details of past allergic reactions, and relevant family history. This information is required for the test and helps the laboratory and your doctor interpret the result correctly.
Possibly. Cross-reactivity has been observed between Spinach and latex, and between Spinach and certain moulds. If your Allergy, Spinach test comes back positive, your doctor may recommend testing for related allergens to give you a complete picture of your sensitivities.
Allergy, Spinach Test: Booking, Price, and Results
