Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What's Included
This test measures the IgE antibody level in your blood specifically for celery (F085-IgE Celery). IgE antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to substances it identifies as potentially harmful, and elevated levels can indicate sensitization to celery.
This test evaluates celery as a whole allergen source. Celery contains multiple identified allergenic proteins, including Api g 1 (related to birch pollen), lipid transfer proteins, the profilin Api g 4, and Api g 7, but this test reports a single IgE result for celery overall rather than isolating individual allergen components. Results are based on a blood specimen and reflect IgE sensitization only, not a confirmed clinical allergy.
Benefits
- Measures celery-specific IgE antibody levels from a single blood draw.
- Requires no special preparation before testing.
- Offers a convenient way to check for celery sensitization.
- Provides results your healthcare provider can review alongside your history.
- Supports discussions about symptoms you may associate with celery.
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals who have experienced symptoms after eating celery, such as tingling, swelling, or hives.
- Individuals with digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after celery exposure.
- Individuals with respiratory symptoms such as congestion or wheezing following celery ingestion.
- Individuals who experienced a severe reaction, including anaphylaxis, believed to be linked to celery.
- Individuals working with a healthcare provider to investigate a suspected celery allergy.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and how is it different from other food allergy tests?
This test measures IgE antibodies specific to celery, reported as a single result (F085-IgE Celery) rather than a breakdown of individual celery allergen components. Unlike a broader food allergy panel that screens multiple foods at once, this test focuses only on celery, so it does not provide information about sensitization to any other food.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
People who have noticed symptoms such as mouth tingling, swelling, hives, stomach upset, or breathing difficulty after eating celery may consider this test. Since food-related symptoms often appear within two hours of eating (sometimes within minutes, and occasionally delayed four to six hours or longer), tracking the timing of symptoms can help when discussing testing with a healthcare provider.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You can proceed with your blood draw without fasting or making other pre-test adjustments.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 2 to 5 business days. Results may take longer depending on weather, holidays, or other lab-related delays.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?
An elevated celery IgE result reflects sensitization to celery, meaning your immune system has produced antibodies to it, but it does not by itself confirm a clinical food allergy or predict how severe a future reaction might be. A healthcare provider can help interpret your result alongside your symptoms and history. If your result is outside the expected range, review it with a qualified healthcare provider, who may consider your history, symptoms, and whether further evaluation is appropriate.
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.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system recognizes proteins in one allergen that closely resemble proteins found in another, unrelated food or pollen source. This test measures only celery-specific IgE and does not test for any of the additional pollens, foods, or proteins discussed below. The examples that follow are not exhaustive, and they are presented as possible additional considerations rather than confirmed allergies. Having a documented cross-reactive relationship does not mean a person will necessarily experience a clinical reaction to another listed substance. Depending on your history, symptoms, or healthcare provider's guidance, testing for related allergens may also be worth discussing.
- Birch pollen: Celery contains Api g 1, a protein structurally related to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1, and cross-reactivity between the two has been well documented.
- Mugwort pollen: Celery allergy is frequently associated with mugwort pollen sensitization, a relationship described as celery-mugwort (or birch-mugwort-celery) syndrome, involving shared allergens such as Api g 7 and Art v 1.
- Profilin-containing pollens and plant foods: The celery profilin Api g 4 shares structural similarity with profilins found in various pollens and plant-derived foods, which can contribute to broader cross-reactivity patterns.
- Related spices and vegetables: Sensitization to herbs and produce such as carrot, fennel, coriander, and caraway has been associated with celery-birch-mugwort-spice syndrome due to shared allergenic proteins within this plant grouping.
These relationships reflect documented protein similarities rather than guaranteed clinical reactions. If reactions to celery or related pollens and foods are a concern, additional evaluation may be considered based on your individual history and your healthcare provider's guidance.
