Biomarker: F242-IgE Bing Cherry

Overview

F242-IgE Bing Cherry measures serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) antibodies that bind proteins in Bing cherry, a sweet cherry variety. IgE is an antibody involved in immediate-type allergic reactions, and cherry contains several relevant allergen families, including Bet v 1-related proteins, profilin, and lipid transfer protein. A detectable or elevated result indicates sensitization to cherry but does not, by itself, establish a clinically relevant food allergy or predict reaction severity. The test is clinically useful as part of an allergy-focused evaluation when symptoms occur after eating cherry, particularly alongside medical history, physical examination, and, when necessary, supervised oral food challenge.

Clinical Use Cases

Assess sensitization to cherry in patients with suspected IgE-mediated cherry allergy.
Support evaluation of symptoms such as oral itching, lip or throat discomfort, urticaria, gastrointestinal symptoms, wheezing, or anaphylaxis after cherry ingestion.
Investigate possible birch-pollen-related food allergy, in which cross-reactive cherry allergens may cause oral allergy syndrome.
Help identify candidates for additional component-resolved testing, such as testing for Pru av 1, Pru av 3, or Pru av 4.
Contribute to research evaluating cherry-allergen sensitization patterns and geographic differences in cherry allergy.
Help monitor sensitization as part of a broader allergy evaluation, although serial sIgE results alone do not determine whether an allergy has resolved.

Specimen Types

Venous blood, processed to obtain serum.
Serum is the typical specimen for laboratory measurement of food-allergen-specific IgE.

Measurement Methods

Fluorescence enzyme immunoassay or comparable solid-phase immunoassay for serum allergen-specific IgE.
Immunoassays using whole-cherry extract immobilized on a solid phase.
Component-resolved immunoassays using purified or recombinant cherry allergens, such as Pru av 1, Pru av 3, and Pru av 4, when available.
Research methods may include enzyme allergosorbent testing, immunoblotting, or allergen-specific cellular assays.
Results are commonly reported in kUA/L with an assay-specific class or interpretive category; reporting conventions vary by laboratory.

Test Preparation and Influencing Factors

Fasting is generally not required for a serum-specific IgE blood test.
Patients should report all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements to the healthcare professional.
Antihistamines generally do not interfere with blood sIgE testing, although medication instructions may differ for other allergy tests performed at the same visit.
Medications should not be stopped unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.
Results should be interpreted with the timing, reproducibility, and nature of symptoms after cherry exposure.
A positive result indicates sensitization and may reflect cross-reactivity, including sensitization associated with birch pollen. It does not alone confirm clinical allergy.
Total serum IgE, age, atopic diseases, and assay characteristics can influence interpretation of sIgE concentrations.
A negative or low result does not completely exclude allergy when the clinical history is strongly suggestive.
Oral food challenge, performed under appropriate medical supervision, is the reference method when the diagnosis remains uncertain.