Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Quick diagnosis - Results available within 2-5 business days without the need for skin prick testing
- Precise detection - Uses advanced ImmunoCAP® technology to identify asparagus-specific antibodies
- Convenient access - Walk-in testing available at thousands of locations nationwide
- Quantitative results - Understand your level of allergy severity with numeric IgE values
- Early identification - Helps prevent serious reactions and supports proactive allergy management
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults experiencing allergic symptoms (e.g., hives, breathing issues, GI symptoms) after eating asparagus
- People with known allium allergies (onions, garlic, leeks) seeking potential cross-reactivity testing
- Individuals planning immunotherapy who require confirmed asparagus allergy diagnosis
- Those with suspected food allergies needing objective lab confirmation
- Health-conscious individuals looking for direct-access allergy testing without needing a doctor’s referral
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Visit a lab - No appointment needed at most locations for quick blood draw
- Get tested - Technician collects small blood sample using ImmunoCAP® FEIA technology
- Review results - Receive confidential results online within 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies against asparagus proteins that indicate allergic sensitization.
Is this test accurate? Yes, ImmunoCAP® technology detects IgE levels as low as 0.1 kU/L with minimal interference (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Do I need to avoid asparagus before testing? No, continue your normal diet unless your physician advises otherwise.
Can I get tested without a doctor's order? Yes, many labs offer direct-access testing without requiring physician referral.
What if I test positive? Consult an allergist to discuss avoidance strategies, emergency planning, and potential immunotherapy options.
Are there related allergies I should know about? Asparagus belongs to the Alliaceae family, so you may also react to onions, garlic, leeks, or chives.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects allergen-specific IgE antibodies against asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) in your blood serum. The presence of these antibodies confirms allergic sensitization and helps diagnose asparagus allergy. Using advanced ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay technology, the test quantifies IgE antibodies bound specifically to asparagus proteins, providing objective evidence to correlate with your allergic symptoms (Eurofins Viracor 2003).
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after asparagus consumption benefit most from this test. This includes people with hives, respiratory difficulty, gastrointestinal upset, or tingling around the mouth following asparagus ingestion. Those with existing allergies to related vegetables like onions, garlic, or leeks should consider testing due to potential cross-reactivity within the Alliaceae family. The test is also valuable for confirming sensitization before immunotherapy or for anyone seeking objective diagnostic confirmation of suspected food allergies.
When should I order Asparagus Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you suspect allergic reactions to asparagus or related foods. Timing is important if you're experiencing recurring symptoms after meals containing asparagus, planning immunotherapy treatment, or need confirmation for dietary management. The test is particularly useful before starting allergen avoidance protocols or when skin prick testing isn't suitable due to skin conditions, medications, or patient preference (Mayo Clinic 2019).
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as specific IgE levels measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter). Higher levels typically indicate greater allergic sensitization, but clinical correlation with symptoms is essential for accurate interpretation.
< 0.10 kU/L
- Class: 0
- Interpretation: No detectable sensitization
0.10 – 0.34 kU/L
- Class: 1
- Interpretation: Low sensitization
0.35 – 0.69 kU/L
- Class: 2
- Interpretation: Moderate sensitization
0.70 – 3.49 kU/L
- Class: 3
- Interpretation: High sensitization
3.50 – 17.4 kU/L
- Class: 4
- Interpretation: Very high sensitization
> 17.4 kU/L
- Class: 5–6
- Interpretation: Extremely high sensitization
Low-level sensitization may not always cause symptoms, making clinical correlation essential for proper diagnosis.
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 test. You can maintain your normal diet and medication routine unless specifically directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. The test measures existing antibodies in your blood, so recent asparagus consumption won't affect results. Arrive well-hydrated to facilitate blood draw, and inform your technician of any bleeding disorders or medications that affect clotting.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your specific circumstances and clinical needs. Most people don't require routine repeat testing once allergy status is established.
Initial diagnosis
Monitoring immunotherapy
Symptom changes
Childhood allergies
Why early detection matters
Early identification of asparagus allergy prevents severe allergic reactions and potential anaphylaxis, which affects up to 5% of adults with food allergies (CDC 2023). Timely diagnosis enables proper dietary management, emergency preparedness, and quality of life improvements. With food allergies affecting approximately 8% of children and 5% of adults in the U.S., early detection reduces healthcare costs and prevents life-threatening complications through proactive management strategies.
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Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Onion Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to onions.
