Allergy, Walnut Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Allergy, Walnut Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Walnut-specific IgE test, Walnut IgE antibody test, f256 Walnut IgE, Tree nut allergy test (Walnut) |
| Sample Type | Serum (venous blood) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; males and females |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,400 |
What is an Allergy, Walnut Test?
The Allergy, Walnut test is a blood test that measures the level of Walnut-specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies in your blood. IgE antibodies are produced by the immune system when it reacts to a substance it treats as harmful. A doctor may order this test when a patient reports symptoms after eating Walnuts or Walnut-containing foods. It is also known as the Walnut IgE antibody test or the f256 Walnut IgE test.
What Does an Allergy, Walnut Test Measure?
This test detects and measures IgE antibodies that your immune system has produced in response to specific proteins found in Walnuts. The key parameter measured is listed below.
| Parameter | What it Indicates |
|---|---|
| Walnut-specific IgE antibodies | The level of immune sensitivity to Walnut proteins |
In some cases, component allergen testing may also be carried out for proteins such as Jug r 1 (a storage protein) and Jug r 3 (a lipid transfer protein), which are found specifically in Walnuts and help identify the precise type of sensitivity present.
Why is an Allergy, Walnut Test Done?
A doctor may recommend the Allergy, Walnut test when a patient reports reactions after eating Walnuts or foods made with Walnuts. Here is a closer look at why this test is prescribed.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms, particularly when linked to Walnut consumption, may prompt a doctor to order this test.
- Itchy or tingling sensation in the mouth or throat
- Hives (urticaria) or skin rash
- Swelling of the lips, face, or tongue
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Sneezing or a runny nose
- Difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Walnut-specific IgE test can help a doctor identify or rule out several allergy-related conditions.
- Walnut allergy, including cases linked to atopic dermatitis (eczema) or severe allergic reactions
- Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (also called Oral Allergy Syndrome), which causes itching or swelling in the mouth area after eating Walnuts
- Cross-reactivity with other tree nuts, fruits, soybeans, or legumes
- Pecan co-allergy, as Walnuts and pecans share closely related proteins and a significant number of Walnut-allergic individuals also react to pecans
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for the Allergy, Walnut test is straightforward. No special preparation is needed, but a few simple steps will help the process go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check whether those tests have separate fasting requirements.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following tips will help ensure your test goes smoothly and your results are as accurate as possible.
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and any known allergies, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as some may affect results.
- Drink enough water before your appointment to make the blood draw easier.
- Wear a loose-fitting top or a top with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for access to your arm.
- Keep a note of any symptoms you have experienced after eating Walnuts or Walnut-containing foods to share with your doctor.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the Allergy, Walnut test procedure.
- A trained phlebotomist will ask you to confirm your details and clinical history before collection begins.
- You will be seated comfortably, and the area around your inner elbow will be cleaned with an antiseptic.
- A small needle will be inserted into the vein to draw approximately 3 ml of blood into a yellow-top SST gel tube.
- You may feel a brief pricking sensation. The process takes only a minute or two.
- Once the sample is collected, the needle is removed, and a small bandage or cotton swab is applied.
- The sealed sample is stored at 2 to 8°C and sent to the laboratory, where it is analysed using the FEIA (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay) method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence how accurately the test reflects your true allergy status.
- Markedly elevated total serum IgE (above 2,500 kU/L) can cause false-positive results due to non-specific binding.
- Previous immunotherapy treatment may reduce IgE levels, affecting the test's reliability.
- Cross-reacting carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) in the blood can lead to a positive result that is not directly linked to Walnut allergy.
- A positive result indicates sensitisation to Walnut proteins but does not, on its own, confirm a clinical Walnut allergy.
Understanding Your Allergy, Walnut Test Results
Your results show how much Walnut-specific IgE is present in your blood. The table below provides general reference ranges. Always review your results with your doctor for proper interpretation.
| IgE Level (kUA/L) | Classification |
|---|---|
| Less than 0.10 | Absent (negative) |
| 0.10 to 0.34 | Equivocal or very low |
| 0.35 to 0.69 | Low |
| 0.70 to 3.49 | Moderate |
| 3.50 to 17.49 | High |
| 17.50 to 100.00 | Very high |
| Greater than 100.00 | Very high |
Levels at or above 0.70 kUA/L are generally considered elevated and may suggest sensitisation to Walnut proteins.
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 conditions can affect how results are interpreted.
Patients with very high total serum IgE levels (above 2,500 kU/L) may show false-positive Walnut IgE results. In patients who have received immunotherapy for allergies, IgE levels may be altered, making it harder to assess current sensitivity. If the only positive component test is MUXF3 CCD (a cross-reactive carbohydrate marker), the cause of symptoms may not be the Walnut itself.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips can help you manage your exposure to Walnut allergens.
- Keep a food diary to track what you eat and note any reactions that follow.
- Read ingredient labels carefully, as Walnuts can appear in baked goods, cereals, sauces, and confectionery.
- Avoid all foods containing Walnuts or Walnut derivatives once a sensitivity has been identified and confirmed by your doctor.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Walnut Test Price and Home Collection
The Allergy, Walnut test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹1,400, with home sample collection available across cities. The city-wise pricing is listed 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
Follow these steps to book your Allergy, Walnut 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
The Allergy, Walnut test home collection service is available across multiple 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 shared directly with you once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Allergy, Walnut test measures Walnut-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to determine whether your immune system is reacting to Walnut proteins. It helps doctors assess whether your symptoms are linked to Walnut sensitivity. The test is typically ordered when a person reports reactions after eating Walnuts or Walnut-containing foods.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as normal before your appointment. Food allergy blood tests do not require fasting, unlike some other types of blood tests.
Symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours after eating Walnuts. In some cases, a delayed reaction may occur several hours later. If you suspect a reaction, note the timing and share this with your doctor.
Not entirely. A negative result suggests no detectable IgE sensitisation to Walnut proteins, but it does not completely rule out a clinically relevant allergic response. Your doctor will assess your result alongside your clinical history and symptoms.
Roughly 30 percent of people with a tree nut allergy are allergic to more than one nut. Walnuts and pecans share closely related proteins, so co-allergy to pecans is relatively common. Your doctor may recommend testing for other nut allergies if needed.
Walnut allergy is generally long-lasting. Around 9 percent of children with tree nut allergies outgrow them over time, which is much lower than other food allergies, such as milk or egg. Regular follow-up with an allergist is advisable.
Reports are typically available within 3 days of sample collection. You will receive your Allergy, Walnut test report via email or WhatsApp once it is ready.
Allergy, Walnut Test: Booking, Price, and Results
