Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: No
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Quick identification of cilantro sensitivity through precise IgE antibody measurement
- No special preparation required—simple blood draw with fast results
- Confidential testing without needing a doctor's prescription
- Quantitative results help guide dietary choices and allergy management
- Prevents severe reactions by early detection
- Peace of mind for unexplained allergic symptoms
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with allergic symptoms after eating cilantro or coriander
- Those with unexplained digestive, skin, or respiratory issues
- Family history of food allergies wanting screening
- Anyone needing to confirm suspected cilantro sensitivity
- Patients unable to do skin prick testing
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No doctor visit required; choose your preferred lab location
- Visit lab for blood draw - Quick 5-minute appointment with no fasting needed
- Get results - Receive results securely online within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to cilantro that indicate allergic sensitization to the herb.
Can I eat cilantro before the test? Yes, recent cilantro consumption won't affect your IgE antibody levels or test accuracy.
Will this test detect coriander allergy too? Yes, since cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, results apply to both.
How accurate is this blood test? ImmunoCAP® technology provides 70-90% accuracy for food allergen detection (AAAAI 2023).
What if my results are borderline? Borderline results require clinical correlation - discuss symptoms and exposure history with your doctor.
Can children take this test? Yes, the test is suitable for all ages using standard or capillary blood collection methods.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to cilantro in your blood. These antibodies indicate whether your immune system has developed an allergic response to cilantro (Coriandrum sativum). The test uses validated ImmunoCAP® immunoassay technology to quantify IgE levels, providing objective data about your body's allergic sensitization to this common herb (Thermo Fisher Scientific 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits anyone experiencing potential allergic reactions to cilantro, including digestive symptoms like diarrhea and stomach cramps, or skin reactions like hives and swollen lips. It's particularly valuable for people with family history of food allergies, those unable to undergo skin testing due to antihistamine use or skin conditions, and individuals seeking to identify hidden allergens in their diet.
When should I order the Cilantro Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Consider testing when you experience recurrent allergic symptoms after consuming cilantro-containing foods like Mexican salsas, Asian dishes, or pesto. Order this test if you have unexplained digestive issues, skin reactions, or respiratory symptoms that correlate with cilantro exposure. It's also recommended when healthcare providers need to differentiate cilantro allergy from other food sensitivities (ACAAI 2023).
How do I interpret the results?
IgE Level < 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative - no sensitization detected
- Typical action: Cilantro likely safe to consume
IgE Level 0.10 - 0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline - uncertain clinical significance
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms, discuss with doctor
IgE Level 0.35 - 0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive - mild sensitization
- Typical action: Consider limiting cilantro exposure
IgE Level 0.70 - 3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive - significant sensitization
- Typical action: Avoid cilantro, consider allergist consultation
IgE Level ≥ 3.50 kU/L
- What it means: High positive - strong sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, carry emergency medication if advised
Higher IgE levels suggest stronger sensitization but don't always correlate directly with symptom severity - clinical history remains essential for proper interpretation.
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 avoid cilantro before testing. Continue your normal diet and medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. The only consideration is avoiding antihistamines if your doctor specifically requests this, though it typically doesn't affect IgE blood test results (AAAAI 2023).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis/screening: Once, unless symptoms change
- Monitoring known allergy: Every 2-3 years or as clinically indicated
- After immunotherapy treatment: As directed by allergist
- Changing symptoms: Retest when symptoms worsen or improve
- Children with allergies: Periodic retesting as immune system develops
Why early detection matters
Early identification of cilantro allergy prevents progression to severe reactions and helps avoid emergency situations. Food allergies affect approximately 10% of the U.S. population, and undiagnosed allergies can lead to accidental exposures resulting in anaphylaxis (CDC 2022). Timely diagnosis enables proper dietary management, reduces healthcare costs, and significantly improves quality of life through informed food choices and emergency preparedness.
Related tests you may consider
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.
Mugwort Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels to help detect a pollen allergy to mugwort weed.
