Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Get answers without a doctor's visit – Order confidentially and conveniently
- Advanced reflex testing – Automatically tests Ana o 3 component if needed for severity assessment
- Clinical-grade accuracy – Over 80% sensitivity and specificity for reliable results (AAAAI 2023)
- Fast results – Know your cashew allergy status in 2–5 business days
- No special preparation – Simple blood draw with no fasting required
- Potentially life-saving – Early detection helps prevent severe anaphylactic reactions
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating cashews
- Individuals with suspected tree nut allergies needing confirmation
- Those with a family history of nut allergies seeking preventive screening
- Anyone requiring dietary safety confirmation before cashew exposure
- People with other tree nut allergies checking for cross-reactivity
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
Visit a lab location – No appointment needed at most locations
Quick blood draw – Simple blood sample collection takes just minutes
Receive results – Get confidential results within 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects IgE antibodies specific to cashew proteins, indicating allergic sensitization.
Will cooking cashews make them safe if I'm allergic? No, the Ana o 3 protein remains allergenic even after cooking and digestion (Mayo Clinic 2023).
How accurate is this blood test? Blood IgE testing for nut allergies has over 80% sensitivity and specificity (AAAAI 2023).
Can I have a cashew allergy without other tree nut allergies? Yes, cashew allergies can occur independently, though cross-reactivity with pistachios is possible.
What should I do if my test is positive? Discuss results with a healthcare provider and consider strict avoidance with emergency action planning.
Do I need to stop medications before testing? No medication changes are needed, but inform the lab of current medications.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects specific IgE antibodies to cashew proteins in your blood, indicating whether you have an allergic sensitization to cashews. The test uses a sophisticated reflex approach—if initial cashew IgE levels are elevated (≥0.10 kU/L), it automatically tests for Ana o 3 component antibodies. Ana o 3 is strongly linked to severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis risk (Mayo Clinic 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing allergic symptoms after cashew exposure should consider testing. This includes people with suspicious reactions like throat itching, swallowing difficulty, digestive upset, or skin reactions. Individuals with other tree nut allergies, family history of food allergies, or those needing dietary confirmation for safety also benefit. The test is particularly valuable for health-conscious consumers wanting direct access to accurate allergy diagnostics.
When should I order the Cashew Allergy Blood Test?
Order this test when allergic symptoms occur shortly after eating cashews, or before potential exposure if you have concerns due to family history or other nut allergies. Testing is also appropriate when evaluating unexplained allergic reactions, planning dietary changes, or monitoring known allergy status over time.
How do I interpret the results?
Cashew IgE Level < 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – allergy unlikely
- Typical action: Cashews generally safe to consume
Cashew IgE Level ≥ 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Positive – allergy likely
- Typical action: Triggers Ana o 3 reflex testing
High Ana o 3 levels
- What it means: Severe allergy risk
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, emergency plan needed
Approximately 80% of individuals with cashew allergy react to the Ana o 3 component, which correlates with severe anaphylaxis risk.
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 fasting or special preparation is required. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise. Inform the lab staff of any current medications or immune conditions that might affect results. The blood sample requires no dietary restrictions beforehand.
How often should I get tested?
Initial suspected allergy: Once for diagnosis
- Monitoring known allergy: Every 2–3 years or as symptoms change
- After immunotherapy: As directed by allergist
- Childhood allergies: Periodic retesting as children may outgrow some allergies
Why early detection matters
Cashew allergies are often more severe than peanut allergies and typically persist throughout life. Tree nut allergies cause 20-40% of anaphylaxis cases, with potentially fatal outcomes (CDC 2024). Early identification allows for proper avoidance strategies, emergency preparedness, and informed dietary choices. Cashew allergy prevalence ranges from 0.1% to over 5% depending on region, making detection increasingly important.
Related tests you may consider
Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to screen for an allergy to certain tree nuts and peanuts.
Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to peanuts.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
