Allergy, Strawberry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, Strawberry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Strawberry IgE Test, Strawberry Specific IgE, Strawberry Allergen Test, f44 Strawberry IgE |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; children and adults with suspected allergic reactions after consuming strawberries |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,400 |
What is an Allergy, Strawberry Test?
The Allergy, Strawberry test is a blood test that measures the level of Strawberry-specific IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies in your blood. Your doctor may recommend it if you experience allergic symptoms after eating strawberries. The test uses a serum sample drawn from a vein in your arm. It is also known as the Strawberry IgE Test, the Strawberry Allergen Test, or the f44 Strawberry IgE test.
What Does an Allergy, Strawberry Test Measure?
The Allergy, Strawberry test procedure detects and measures the level of IgE antibodies your immune system has produced in response to Strawberry proteins. When your body mistakes strawberries for a harmful substance, it creates these antibodies. Their presence triggers the release of histamine, which causes allergy symptoms.
The result is reported as a class from 0 to 6:
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.35 | Negative; no sensitisation detected |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.70 | Low positive; possible sensitisation |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.50 | Moderate positive; likely clinically relevant |
| Class 3 | 3.50 to 17.50 | High positive; probable allergy |
| Class 4 to 6 | Greater than 17.50 | Very high to extremely high positive |
Why is an Allergy, Strawberry Test Done?
A doctor may request this test for several reasons, from confirming a suspected allergy to guiding further treatment decisions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms after eating strawberries are the most common reasons a doctor orders this test:
- Hives or skin rashes
- Itching of the mouth, lips, or throat
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Stomach cramps or diarrhoea
- Sneezing or a runny nose
- Breathing difficulty
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps a doctor identify and confirm several allergy-related conditions:
- A diagnosis of Strawberry allergy
- Cross-reactivity from birch pollen allergy, known as pollen-food allergy syndrome, which may cause mild oral symptoms such as itching and swelling
- Food allergy-related eczema or asthma flares
- Sensitisation to other fruits in the Rosaceae family, such as apples, peaches, raspberries, and cherries
- Confirmation of sensitisation before starting immunotherapy (allergy treatment)
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The Allergy, Strawberry test requires very little preparation. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No. Fasting is not required for this test. You may eat and drink normally on the day of your sample collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before you arrive for 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
- Avoid antihistamines, steroids, and medicines such as cetirizine or fexofenadine for at least 48 hours before the test; speak to your doctor before stopping any medication
- Note down the foods you ate recently, especially if your symptoms appeared after a specific meal
- Inform the phlebotomist (the person drawing your blood) if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder
- Wear clothing with sleeves that roll up easily for convenient blood draw access
Step-by-Step Procedure
The sample collection is a simple and quick process. Here is what to expect:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans and disinfects the skin on your arm.
- A small needle is inserted into a vein, usually in the crook of your elbow.
- A small amount of blood (3 ml) is drawn into a gel tube. You may feel a brief, mild sting.
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied to stop any bleeding.
- The labelled sample is stored under refrigeration and sent to the laboratory.
- In the lab, the sample is tested using FEIA (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay), a method known for its high accuracy in detecting specific IgE antibodies.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain conditions may influence your test result. These include:
- Use of antihistamines or corticosteroids at the time of testing
- High total IgE levels (above 1,000 kUA/L), which may cause a false positive result
- A parasitic infection or smoking, which can raise overall IgE levels
- Recent exposure to strawberries or related allergens, which may temporarily elevate IgE
- Non-IgE mediated reactions; strawberries can trigger non-allergic responses due to their high acidity or histamine content
Understanding Your Allergy, Strawberry Test Results
Your doctor will review your results alongside your symptoms and medical history. A positive IgE result alone does not confirm an allergy; it indicates sensitisation and must be interpreted in context.
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | What it May Indicate |
|---|---|---|
| Class 0 | Less than 0.35 | No sensitisation detected |
| Class 1 | 0.35 to 0.70 | Possible sensitisation; clinical significance unclear |
| Class 2 | 0.70 to 3.50 | Likely clinically relevant sensitisation |
| Class 3 | 3.50 to 17.50 | Probable Strawberry allergy |
| Class 4 to 6 | Greater than 17.50 | Very high to extremely high sensitisation |
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
A few specific situations may affect how your results are read:
- Strawberries contain high amounts of acid and can trigger reactions that are not true IgE-mediated allergies. This means a positive result may reflect a non-allergic or pseudoallergic response rather than a genuine immune sensitisation.
- Atopic conditions such as eczema or asthma can raise baseline IgE levels, which may affect result interpretation. Your doctor will consider your full clinical picture before concluding.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips can help you manage your health while awaiting or following your results:
- Keep a food diary to track what you eat and when symptoms appear; this information is helpful for your doctor
- Read ingredient labels carefully, as Strawberry extract is sometimes used in flavoured products and processed foods
- Speak with an allergist for a complete allergy assessment if you experience recurring or severe reactions
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Strawberry Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Strawberry test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,400, and home sample collection is available across major cities.
| 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
Use the steps below to book your Allergy, Strawberry 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 3 days.
Home Collection
Allergy, Strawberry test home collection is available across cities through Lupin Diagnostics. 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 report is delivered digitally for easy access.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Allergy, Strawberry test measures Strawberry-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. It helps confirm whether your immune system is sensitised to Strawberry proteins. Doctors use it to diagnose a Strawberry allergy and to plan further evaluation or treatment.
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink as usual before your sample is collected. However, you should avoid antihistamines and steroids for at least 48 hours before the test; check with your doctor before stopping any medication.
A positive result means IgE antibodies to strawberries were detected in your blood. This indicates sensitisation, which means your immune system has reacted to Strawberry proteins. Higher class results suggest a greater probability of a clinical allergic reaction, though class alone does not predict how severe any reaction may be.
Yes, both false positive and false negative results are possible. False positives may occur if your total IgE levels are very high due to parasitic infection, smoking, or atopic conditions. A negative result does not completely rule out an allergy if you have a convincing history of reactions; your doctor may recommend a skin prick test or oral food challenge in such cases.
Yes. The test is suitable for all age groups, including young children. It is particularly useful for children under two years of age who show allergic symptoms after eating strawberries. Many children outgrow a Strawberry allergy with age.
Possibly. Strawberries belong to the Rosaceae family, and the proteins responsible for Strawberry allergy closely resemble those found in other fruits such as apples, peaches, raspberries, blackberries, and cherries. Cross-reactivity is also common in people with a birch pollen allergy. Your doctor can advise you based on your specific results.
Some Strawberry proteins are heat-sensitive, which means that cooking or processing may reduce their allergy potential. However, this varies from person to person. Do not make changes to your diet based on this alone; always discuss your individual situation with your doctor or allergist.
Allergy, Strawberry Test: Booking, Price, and Results
