Biomarker: F211-IgE Blackberry

Overview

F211-IgE Blackberry measures serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies directed against blackberry, generally identified as Rubus fruticosus. IgE is an antibody involved in immediate-type allergic reactions. A detectable or elevated result indicates sensitization to blackberry but does not by itself confirm a clinically relevant food allergy or predict reaction severity. The test is clinically useful when interpreted with the person’s symptoms, exposure history, and, when appropriate, skin testing or a medically supervised oral food challenge.

Clinical Use Cases

Evaluation of suspected immediate allergic reactions after eating blackberry.
Assessment of symptoms such as oral itching, hives, swelling, vomiting, wheezing, or anaphylaxis occurring after exposure.
Supportive evaluation when skin-prick testing is unsuitable, unavailable, or affected by medications or skin disease.
Investigation of possible pollen-food or fruit-related cross-sensitization.
Monitoring suspected food sensitization over time when clinically indicated.
Research involving blackberry-specific IgE sensitization and food-allergic responses.

Specimen Types

Venous blood, typically submitted as serum.
Plasma may be accepted by some analytical platforms, according to laboratory requirements.

Measurement Methods

Quantitative serum allergen-specific IgE immunoassay.
Solid-phase immunoassays using blackberry allergen extract.
Fluorescence enzyme immunoassay or equivalent automated immunoassay platforms.
Skin-prick testing with blackberry extract may be used as a complementary, but separate, assessment.
Medically supervised oral food challenge remains the reference procedure for confirming food allergy when indicated.

Test Preparation and Influencing Factors

Fasting is generally not required for an allergen-specific IgE blood test.
Antihistamines usually do not affect blood-based specific-IgE measurements, but medication instructions should be confirmed with the ordering clinician.
Do not discontinue medications or supplements without medical advice.
Results should be interpreted in relation to symptoms, timing of exposure, medical history, and other allergy-test findings.
A positive result indicates sensitization and may occur without clinical allergy.
Cross-reactivity with related plant or fruit allergens may contribute to detectable IgE.
Total IgE concentration, smoking, parasitic infection, and other allergic conditions may influence overall IgE interpretation but do not establish blackberry allergy.
The measured concentration does not reliably predict the severity of a future reaction.