Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation required.
- Turnaround: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures IgE antibodies to cashew nut (F202-IgE Cashew Nut) in your blood. IgE is the antibody class associated with allergic reactions, and this test looks at it for one allergen only: cashew.
It does not measure other nuts or any other food. A result shows your IgE level for cashew nuts and is not a diagnosis of a food allergy by itself.
Benefits
- Measures IgE antibodies to cashew nuts in a blood sample.
- Focuses on one specific allergen: cashew nut.
- Gives you results to review with your physician.
- Requires no special preparation.
- Order online and get your results online.
Who Is This Test For?
- People who notice symptoms such as an itchy throat or mouth after cashew exposure.
- People who experience trouble swallowing, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating cashews.
- Those who want to evaluate their reaction to cashew nuts specifically.
- People who come into contact with cashews in foods or toiletry products.
- Anyone who wants cashew IgE results to discuss with their physician.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and does it include other nuts?
It measures IgE antibodies to cashew nuts in your blood, which may help your healthcare provider evaluate an allergic response to cashews. Other nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, or walnuts, are not measured. A cashew allergy can be isolated or can involve other nuts, but this test reports on cashew nuts only.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
Symptoms after cashew exposure are the most common reason to consider it. These can include an itchy throat or mouth, runny nose, trouble swallowing, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, and they usually appear soon after exposure. Cashews and their byproducts appear in many foods and toiletry products, so exposure is not always obvious. Discuss your symptoms with your physician.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation required. The test uses a blood sample.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results take 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?
A cashew IgE result shows the level of IgE antibodies to cashew nuts in your blood. It cannot confirm or rule out a clinical food allergy on its own. The meaning depends on your history, symptoms, and other clinical information. Positive results should be discussed with your physician, who can decide whether further evaluation makes sense.
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 required.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity may occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins in different foods or substances. This test measures only cashew nuts and does not test for any of the items below. These examples are not exhaustive, and a cross-reactive relationship does not mean you will react to another item. Depending on your history, symptoms, or your healthcare provider's guidance, related allergen testing may be worth discussing.
Pistachio: Cashew and pistachio share similar allergenic proteins, and cross-reactivity between them is well described. It is considered the strongest documented relationship.
Mango: Mango belongs to the same plant family as cashew (Anacardiaceae). Some people with cashew allergy may also react to it, though evidence is more limited.
Pink peppercorn: Laboratory studies and a case report suggest cashew-sensitized people may also react to pink peppercorn, a relative of cashew. Clinical evidence is limited.
Hazelnut and walnut: Immunologic cross-reactivity has been reported with these tree nuts. Clinical cross-reactivity between nuts appears less common than once thought.
Peanut, sesame, and buckwheat: Some immunologic overlap with cashew has been noted. The evidence is less established, and it may not lead to reactions in every person.
