Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum preferred)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Skip the skin prick - blood test is less invasive and less painful than traditional allergy testing
- No doctor referral needed - order directly online and test at your convenience
- Fast, reliable results - accurate answers in 2–5 business days using validated ImmunoCAP technology
- Child-friendly option - ideal for sensitive individuals or young children
- Cross-reactivity insights - helps identify links between cherry and birch pollen allergies
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing mouth itching, swelling, or reactions after eating cherries
- Individuals with birch pollen allergies who suspect cherry cross-reactivity
- Parents seeking gentle allergy testing options for children
- Anyone preferring blood tests over uncomfortable skin prick procedures
- People planning dietary changes or allergy immunotherapy treatment
- Those with unexplained allergic symptoms after consuming stone fruits
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No appointment needed; purchase your test and receive lab requisition
- Visit lab location - Quick blood draw at convenient locations nationwide
- Get results - Secure online results with detailed interpretation in 2-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies to cherry allergens in your blood that indicate allergic sensitization.
Is this test accurate for diagnosing cherry allergy? Yes, it uses clinically validated ImmunoCAP technology with high sensitivity and specificity (Thermo Fisher 2025).
Can I eat normally before the test? Yes, no fasting or dietary restrictions are required before blood collection.
Will this test work if I'm taking antihistamines? Yes, medications don't affect IgE blood levels, unlike skin prick tests.
What if I have a severe cherry allergy? Blood testing is safer than skin tests for people with history of severe reactions.
How long are results valid? IgE levels can change over time; retest if symptoms change or every 2-3 years.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects cherry-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to determine if you're allergic to cherries. It measures immune system sensitization using advanced immunoassay technology like Thermo Fisher ImmunoCAP or Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA). The test helps distinguish true allergic reactions from food intolerances and guides appropriate treatment decisions (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing allergic symptoms after cherry consumption should consider this test. It's particularly valuable for people with birch pollen allergies, as 50-70% show cross-reactivity with cherries (Mayo Clinic 2019). Children and sensitive individuals benefit from this less invasive alternative to skin testing. The test also helps confirm allergies before starting immunotherapy or making significant dietary changes.
When should I order the Cherry Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience symptoms like mouth itching, lip swelling, hives, or digestive issues after eating cherries. It's also recommended if you have birch pollen allergies and suspect food cross-reactions. Consider testing before allergy treatments, if family history suggests food allergies, or when planning dietary modifications for health reasons.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported in kU/L (kilo units per liter) and indicate your level of IgE sensitization to cherry allergens.
IgE Level < 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Cherry allergy unlikely
IgE Level 0.10 – 0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline – Low sensitization
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms, possible mild sensitivity
IgE Level 0.35 – 0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive – Mild sensitization
- Typical action: Avoid cherries, carry antihistamines
IgE Level 0.70 – 3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive – Significant sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, consider epinephrine
IgE Level 3.50 – 17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High positive – Strong sensitization
- Typical action: Complete avoidance, emergency action plan
IgE Level > 17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high positive – Severe sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, emergency medications
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with increased reaction severity, but symptoms should always guide clinical decisions (ARUP Labs 2024).
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 needed for this blood test. You don't need to fast or avoid medications beforehand. Wear clothing that allows easy access to your arm for blood collection. Continue taking any regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. The simple blood draw takes just a few minutes.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial allergy screening: One-time test unless symptoms change
- Monitoring known allergy: Every 2–3 years or if symptoms worsen
- After treatment/immunotherapy: Not recommended — antibodies may persist
- Children with allergies: Retest every 2–3 years as they may outgrow allergies
- New or changing symptoms: As needed when symptoms develop or change
Why early detection matters
Early allergy detection prevents serious reactions and improves quality of life. Food allergies affect 8% of children and 4% of adults in the U.S., with fruit allergies often linked to pollen-food syndrome (CDC 2021). Prompt diagnosis reduces emergency visits, enables proper treatment planning, and helps avoid accidental exposures that could trigger severe reactions including anaphylaxis.
Related tests you may consider
IgE Food Allergy Basic Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit - Checks for allergic reactions to 26 common foods by measuring IgE antibody levels in the blood, helping identify foods that may cause symptoms like rashes, stomach issues, or breathing problems.
Plum Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to plums.
Pear Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to pear.
