Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Accurate diagnosis - Detects specific IgE antibodies to coffee proteins with 85%+ accuracy
- No preparation needed - Simple blood draw with no fasting requirements
- Fast results - Get definitive answers within 1-7 days
- Convenient testing - Order online and visit any participating lab location
- Differentiate conditions - Distinguish true coffee allergy from caffeine sensitivity
- Prevent reactions - Identify allergy early to avoid potentially severe symptoms
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing hives, swelling, or digestive issues after coffee consumption
- People with unexplained allergic symptoms who regularly drink coffee
- Those seeking to differentiate between coffee allergy and caffeine sensitivity
- Individuals with family history of food allergies wanting screening
- Coffee lovers experiencing new or worsening symptoms after consumption
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No physician referral needed; schedule at your convenience
- Visit a lab - Get a simple blood draw at any participating location
- Get results - Receive secure, confidential results within 3-5 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? It measures IgE antibodies in your blood that indicate an immune response to coffee proteins.
How is coffee allergy different from caffeine sensitivity? Coffee allergy involves immune system antibodies (IgE), while caffeine sensitivity is non-immune related with milder symptoms.
What symptoms suggest I need this test? Hives, swelling, digestive upset, wheezing, or other allergic reactions after consuming coffee or coffee-based products.
Can I take this test if I'm on medications? Yes, no medication adjustments are needed before testing.
How accurate is this blood test? IgE blood tests have sensitivity and specificity rates above 85% when combined with clinical history (NIH PubMed Central).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Coffee Allergy IgE Blood Test measures specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your bloodstream that react to coffee proteins. Using advanced ImmunoCAP® immunoassay technology, this test detects immune system sensitization that indicates a true coffee allergy (Mayo Clinic 2024). Unlike caffeine sensitivity, which is non-immune mediated, this test specifically identifies IgE-mediated allergic responses that can range from mild skin reactions to severe anaphylaxis.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for individuals experiencing unexplained adverse reactions after coffee consumption, including hives, gastrointestinal upset, respiratory symptoms, or swelling. It's particularly valuable for people who need to distinguish between true coffee allergy and more common caffeine sensitivity (Cleveland Clinic 2025). Healthcare providers often recommend this test for patients with a history of food allergies or those experiencing new onset allergic symptoms that correlate with coffee intake.
When should I order Coffee Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test if you experience allergic-type symptoms within minutes to hours after consuming coffee or coffee-based products. Symptoms may include tingling around the mouth, swelling, abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, hives, congestion, or difficulty breathing (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2023). The test is also recommended if you need confirmation of suspected coffee allergy to guide avoidance strategies and treatment plans.
How do I interpret the results?
Results show IgE antibody levels measured in specific units, with classifications ranging from negative to very high positive:
IgE Negative (Class 0)
- What it means: No detectable IgE antibodies
- Typical action: Coffee allergy unlikely
IgE Low (Class 1)
- What it means: Minimal IgE detected
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms, possible sensitivity
IgE Moderate (Class 2–3)
- What it means: Moderate IgE levels
- Typical action: Likely allergy, avoid coffee products
IgE High (Class 4–5)
- What it means: High IgE levels
- Typical action: Strong allergy, strict avoidance needed
IgE Very High (Class 6)
- What it means: Very high IgE levels
- Typical action: Severe allergy risk, emergency plan needed
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with stronger sensitization and increased risk of clinical reactions.
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, avoid medications, or stop drinking coffee beforehand. Simply visit the lab for a routine blood draw when convenient. The test requires only 0.5 mL of blood serum collected through standard venipuncture (MedlinePlus 2024).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening – One-time test for diagnosis
- Monitoring known allergy – Annually or as symptoms change
- After allergic reaction – 3–6 months to assess changes
- Immunotherapy follow-up – Every 6–12 months during treatment
Why early detection matters
Early identification of coffee allergy prevents potentially severe allergic reactions and reduces emergency healthcare visits. With coffee consumed in over 400 billion cups annually worldwide, undiagnosed allergies can significantly impact quality of life (Walk-In Lab 2025). Prompt diagnosis enables proper avoidance strategies, emergency preparedness, and consultation with allergists for comprehensive management plans.
Related tests you may consider
IgE Food Allergy Advanced Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit - Screens for multiple food allergens alongside coffee for broader diagnostic assessment.
Total IgE Test- Measures overall allergic predisposition and supports interpretation of specific IgE results.
Caffeine Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to caffeine.
