Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (0.3–0.5 mL serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Skip the doctor visit - order directly without referral or appointment delays
- Quick and convenient - 10–15 minute blood draw at 4,500+ nationwide locations
- Accurate detection - uses advanced ImmunoCAP® technology (70–85% sensitivity per AAAAI 2022)
- Early prevention - identify allergies before severe reactions occur
- Informed dietary choices - make safer food decisions backed by scientific evidence
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating Brussels sprouts
- Individuals with unexplained reactions to cruciferous vegetables
- Those planning allergen immunotherapy who need confirmed sensitization
- People with a family history of food allergies seeking proactive screening
- Anyone wanting to rule out a Brussels sprouts allergy confidentially
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No doctor referral needed; choose your convenient lab location
- Get tested - Quick blood draw at your selected lab within days
- Receive results - Secure online delivery in 2-5 business days with interpretation guide.
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to Brussels sprouts that indicate allergic sensitization in your blood.
How accurate is this blood test? ImmunoCAP® technology provides 70-85% sensitivity and 80-90% specificity for reliable food allergy detection (AAAAI 2022).
Can I eat Brussels sprouts before testing? Yes, no dietary restrictions required. Recent consumption won't affect IgE antibody levels.
Will this test detect other vegetable allergies? No, this test is specific to Brussels sprouts. Cross-reactive vegetables require separate testing.
What if my results are positive? Consult with a physician or allergist to develop an appropriate management plan and dietary restrictions.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines? Inform your lab about medications, but antihistamines typically don't significantly impact IgE blood levels.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to Brussels sprouts in your blood. When your immune system mistakenly identifies Brussels sprouts as harmful, it produces these antibodies, triggering allergic reactions. The test uses advanced immunoassay methods like Thermo Fisher ImmunoCAP® to measure antibody levels, helping diagnose Brussels sprouts allergy and guide clinical management.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals experiencing symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, respiratory difficulty, or anaphylaxis after consuming Brussels sprouts. It's also useful for people needing confirmed sensitization before starting allergen immunotherapy, those with unexplained reactions to cruciferous vegetables, and health-conscious consumers seeking proactive allergy screening through direct-access lab services.
When should I order Brussels Sprouts Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience allergic symptoms such as skin reactions, digestive issues, respiratory problems, or anaphylaxis shortly after eating Brussels sprouts. It's also recommended before beginning immunotherapy treatments or when differentiating Brussels sprouts allergy from other cruciferous vegetable sensitivities due to possible cross-reactivity within the Brassicaceae family.
How do I interpret the results?
< 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – No allergy detected
- Typical action: Brussels sprouts likely safe to consume
0.10 – 0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Very low positive
- Typical action: Clinical correlation needed; monitor symptoms
0.35 – 0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive
- Typical action: Possible sensitization; discuss with physician
0.70 – 3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive
- Typical action: Likely allergy; consider avoidance
3.50 – 17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High positive
- Typical action: Strong allergy indication; avoid Brussels sprouts
≥ 17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Severe allergy risk; strict avoidance essential
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with increased reaction severity, though individual responses may vary.
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 don't need to fast or adjust your diet beforehand. However, inform the lab if you're taking antihistamines or undergoing immunotherapy treatments, as these may potentially impact IgE levels. The blood draw requires only a small serum sample collected in standard serum gel tubes.
How often should I get tested?
Initial diagnosis:
- One-time testing usually sufficient
Monitoring immunotherapy:
- Every 6–12 months during treatment
Childhood allergies:
- Every 2–3 years to check if allergy has been outgrown
Changing symptoms:
- Retest when symptoms worsen or improve
Negative with ongoing symptoms:
- Repeat in 6 months or consider alternative testing options
Why early detection matters
Early identification of Brussels sprouts allergy helps prevent severe reactions and reduces emergency room visits for anaphylaxis by up to 30% (Johns Hopkins Medicine 2023). With food allergies affecting approximately 10.8% of adults in the U.S. (CDC 2023), timely diagnosis enables proper dietary management, emergency preparedness, and improved quality of life through proactive allergen avoidance.
Related tests you may consider
Allergen Profile, Vegetable I Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to several common vegetables.
IgG Food Antibodies (87 IgG Foods + Total IgE) - Genova Test Kit - Measures antibodies to 87 commonly consumed foods and provides a total IgE measurement to screen for food allergies or sensitivities.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
