Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Precisely identify which vegetable allergens cause your symptoms
- No doctor referral needed; order directly and get quick results
- Avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions with targeted allergy info
- Prevent severe allergic reactions by knowing exactly what to avoid
- Confidential and professionally reviewed lab results
- Save time and money by preventing emergency visits through early detection
Who Is This Test For?
- People with unexplained allergic reactions after eating vegetables
- Individuals with hay fever who experience mouth tingling from raw produce
- Those with suspected pollen food syndrome or cross-reactive allergies
- Anyone wanting to confirm or rule out specific vegetable allergies
- Health-conscious consumers seeking personalized dietary guidance
- Individuals needing allergy documentation for medical or dietary management
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No appointment needed, choose your convenient lab location
- Get tested - Quick blood draw at your selected lab, no fasting required
- Receive results - Secure online results in 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What vegetables does this test check for? This panel tests for IgE antibodies to broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, lettuce, and spinach.
Can this test detect severe allergy risk? Yes, elevated IgE levels can indicate potential for severe reactions, helping you prepare emergency action plans.
Do I need to stop taking allergy medications? No, antihistamines typically don't affect IgE blood testing, but consult your doctor if concerned.
What's the difference between food allergy and food intolerance? Food allergies involve immune system reactions measurable by IgE, while intolerances have different causes and symptoms.
How accurate are the results? IgE testing shows high sensitivity and specificity for detecting allergic sensitization (Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2022).
Can children take this test? Yes, this blood test is safe for all ages and particularly valuable since 6-8% of children have food allergies (CDC 2023).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Allergen Profile, Vegetable I Blood Test measures specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that indicate allergic reactions to seven common vegetables. When your immune system mistakenly identifies vegetable proteins as harmful, it produces IgE antibodies, triggering the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms (Mayo Clinic 2024).
This quantitative test uses advanced ImmunoCAP fluorescent enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) technology to detect even low levels of allergen-specific antibodies, providing precise results to guide your dietary choices and medical management.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing symptoms that may indicate vegetable allergies. Approximately 2-4% of adults suffer from food allergies, making targeted testing increasingly important (CDC 2023).
You may benefit if you have pollen food syndrome, which affects up to 30% of people with hay fever and causes cross-reactive symptoms when eating certain vegetables (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2023). This test also helps distinguish between true allergies, lipid-transfer protein sensitivities, and chemical intolerances.
When should I order an Allergen Profile, Vegetable I Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience allergic symptoms within minutes to hours after consuming vegetables. Symptoms may affect your skin, digestive system, or respiratory system and can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms include tingling around the mouth, swelling, hives, abdominal discomfort, nausea, congestion, or difficulty breathing. In severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Early identification through testing can prevent dangerous reactions and reduce healthcare costs (NIAID 2021).
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported in kU/L (kilo units per liter) for each vegetable tested. Values above 0.35 kU/L generally indicate allergic sensitization, though clinical correlation with your symptoms is essential for proper interpretation.
IgE Level < 0.35 kU/L
- No significant sensitization
- Vegetable likely safe to consume
IgE Level 0.35 - 0.69 kU/L
- Low sensitization
- Monitor symptoms, possible tolerance
IgE Level 0.70 - 3.49 kU/L
- Moderate sensitization
- Consider avoidance, allergist consultation
IgE Level 3.50 - 17.49 kU/L
- High sensitization
- Avoid vegetable, emergency plan needed
IgE Level ≥ 17.50 kU/L
- Very high sensitization
- Strict avoidance, carry epinephrine
Higher IgE levels don't always predict symptom severity - work with your healthcare provider for personalized management.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this blood test. You don't need to fast or stop taking medications. However, inform your healthcare provider about any allergy medications you're taking, though these typically don't interfere with IgE testing.
Continue your normal diet before testing, as avoiding suspected allergens won't affect the results. The blood sample can be drawn at any time of day at your convenience.
How often should I get tested?
Initial allergy evaluation
Monitoring known allergies
After allergic reactions
Children with food allergies
- Annually to track changes
Allergy treatment monitoring
Why early detection matters
Early detection of vegetable allergies can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent serious health complications. Identifying specific allergens allows you to make informed dietary choices while avoiding unnecessary restrictions on safe foods.
Quick diagnosis reduces emergency room visits and healthcare costs, with estimated savings of billions annually in the U.S. (NIAID 2021). Early identification also enables proper emergency preparedness, including carrying epinephrine when needed and educating family members about your allergies.
Related tests you may consider
200 Food Sensitivity Panel- ALCAT Test Kit - Measures changes in size and volume of white blood cells in response to challenges with foods. This is a sensitivity test, not an allergy test.
Ragweed (Short/Commom) Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to short or common ragweed.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
