Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify specific allergen causing your allergic reactions to apricots
- Skip the doctor visit with direct-to-consumer convenient ordering
- Get fast results within 2-5 business days to guide dietary decisions
- Avoid severe reactions by confirming apricot sensitivity before symptoms worsen
- Support immunotherapy planning with accurate IgE antibody measurements
- Peace of mind through laboratory-grade testing
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after eating apricots or apricot-containing foods
- People with unexplained allergic reactions who suspect apricots as the trigger
- Those with existing food allergies wanting to identify additional sensitivities
- Parents of children showing signs of fruit allergies or eczema
- Health-conscious consumers seeking to understand their body's immune responses
- Individuals considering immunotherapy who need confirmed allergen identification
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order your test online and visit a nearby lab location for blood collection
- Provide a simple blood sample using standard venipuncture (no fasting required)
- Receive your results within 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It measures IgE antibodies to apricot proteins (Prunus armeniaca) that indicate allergic sensitization.
How accurate is this blood test? Quantitative IgE testing shows 95% predictive value for symptomatic allergies when exceeding diagnostic thresholds (PMC 2015).
Can I eat apricots if my test is negative? A negative result doesn't completely rule out allergy—consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist.
What's the difference between this and skin prick tests? Blood tests are preferred when skin testing isn't possible due to medications, skin conditions, or risk of severe reactions.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines? No medication adjustments are needed for blood-based IgE testing, unlike skin prick tests.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test establishes a diagnosis of apricot allergy by measuring specific IgE antibodies in your blood. IgE antibodies are immune system proteins produced when your body mistakenly identifies apricot proteins as harmful invaders (Mayo Clinic 2019). The test uses Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology to quantify these antibodies and determine if you have allergic sensitization to apricots.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of apricot allergy benefit most from this test. Common symptoms include eczema, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, or skin reactions after consuming apricots (MedlinePlus 2024). The test is particularly valuable for people with multiple food sensitivities, those unable to undergo skin testing, or individuals planning immunotherapy treatment.
When should I order Apricot Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you have clinical suspicion of apricot allergy and symptoms align with IgE-mediated allergic reactions. It's most useful when symptoms occur consistently after apricot exposure (Thermo Fisher 2025). However, avoid testing if you've recently completed immunotherapy for apricots or when medical management doesn't depend on specific allergen identification.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported in kU/L units and classified into categories from 0 (negative) to 6 (strongly positive):
< 0.10 kU/L
- Class: 0
- What it means: Negative / No sensitization
- Typical action: Apricots likely safe to consume
0.10 – 0.34 kU/L
- Class: 1
- What it means: Equivocal / Borderline
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms, consider retesting
0.35 – 0.69 kU/L
- Class: 2
- What it means: Low positive
- Typical action: Mild sensitivity, cautious consumption
0.70 – 3.49 kU/L
- Class: 3
- What it means: Moderate positive
- Typical action: Likely allergic, avoid apricots
3.50 – 17.49 kU/L
- Class: 4
- What it means: High positive
- Typical action: Strong allergy, strict avoidance
17.50 – 49.99 kU/L
- Class: 5
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Severe allergy risk, emergency plan recommended
≥ 50.00 kU/L
- Class: 6
- What it means: Extremely high positive
- Typical action: Extreme allergy risk, carry epinephrine at all times
Values of 0.70 kU/L or higher (class 2+) indicate increased likelihood of allergic disease, but clinical correlation is essential.
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. Continue your normal diet and routine. The blood sample is collected through standard venipuncture, and serum should be separated within 2 hours for optimal results.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial allergy diagnosis: Once for baseline measurement
- Monitoring during immunotherapy: Every 6–12 months as directed
- Childhood allergies: Every 2–3 years to assess outgrowing
- Stable adult allergies: Repeat only if symptoms change
- After allergic reactions: Retest if exposure suspected
Why early detection matters
Early identification of apricot allergy prevents potentially severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Understanding your specific allergen triggers enables you to make informed dietary choices and avoid hidden apricot ingredients in processed foods, cosmetics, and personal care products. Early detection also supports appropriate emergency preparedness planning and can guide discussions about immunotherapy options with allergists.
Related tests you may consider
IgE Food Allergy Basic Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit - Checks for allergic reactions to 26 common foods by measuring IgE antibody levels in the blood, helping identify foods that may cause symptoms like rashes, stomach issues, or breathing problems.
Cherry Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to cherries.
Peach Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to peaches.
