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
- Detect corn sensitivity — Measures specific IgE antibodies to confirm corn allergy
- No doctor referral needed — Order directly online and get tested at your convenience
- Fast, accurate results — Advanced fluorescence enzyme immunoassay technology within 3-5 days
- Confidential testing — Secure, private results delivered directly to online account
- Avoid allergic reactions — Get actionable insights to prevent corn-related symptoms
- Peace of mind — Rule out corn allergy or confirm suspicions with objective data
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing unexplained allergic reactions after eating corn products
- Individuals with hives, nausea, or digestive issues following corn exposure
- Those with respiratory symptoms like wheezing after consuming corn-containing foods
- People wanting to confirm suspected corn allergy before dietary changes
- Individuals with multiple food allergies seeking comprehensive allergy screening
- Anyone experiencing severe reactions that could indicate corn sensitivity
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 results securely online within 3-5 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test detects IgE antibodies specific to corn allergens in your blood to confirm corn allergy.
How accurate is the corn allergy IgE test? The fluorescence enzyme immunoassay method provides high sensitivity and specificity for detecting corn-specific antibodies (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Do I need to avoid corn before testing? No special preparation is needed. You can eat normally before your blood draw.
What if I get a positive result? Discuss positive results with your healthcare provider to develop an appropriate corn avoidance plan and emergency action plan if needed.
Can this test replace skin prick testing? Blood tests complement but don't entirely replace skin tests. Some patients benefit from both methods for comprehensive diagnosis (AAAAI 2023).
How common is corn allergy? Corn allergy is rare but can cause severe reactions including anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals (NIAID 2021).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to corn allergens in your blood. When you have a corn allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies corn proteins as harmful substances and produces IgE antibodies. The test uses fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) technology to quantify these antibodies, providing objective evidence of corn sensitization (Thermo Fisher 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after corn exposure, including hives, itching, wheezing, digestive issues, or anaphylaxis. It's particularly valuable for people with unexplained allergic reactions who suspect corn sensitivity, those with multiple food allergies requiring comprehensive screening, or individuals wanting to confirm suspected corn allergy before making dietary changes (Food Allergy Research & Education 2021).
When should I order the Corn Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Consider this test if you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, abdominal pain, hives, mouth itching, or wheezing after consuming corn or corn-derived products such as cornstarch, corn syrup, or certain vegetable oils. Order immediately if you've had severe reactions or anaphylaxis after corn exposure.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported in kU/L (kilounits per liter) and classified into categories:
- IgE < 0.10 kU/L (Negative): No corn allergy detected
- IgE 0.10–0.69 kU/L (Borderline/Equivocal): Low-level sensitization, clinical correlation needed
- IgE ≥ 0.70 kU/L (Positive, Classes 2–6): Corn allergy likely, avoidance recommended
Levels ≥0.70 kU/L indicate increased likelihood of corn allergy and should be discussed with a healthcare provider in clinical context (Mayo Clinic 2025).
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 is required for this test. Continue taking your regular medications, including antihistamines, as they typically don't affect IgE blood test results. Inform the lab staff about any medications you're taking during your visit.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial allergy screening: One-time test unless symptoms change
- Monitoring after avoidance: Annually or as recommended by allergist
- Before immunotherapy: As directed by healthcare provider
- New or worsening symptoms: Retest when clinically indicated
Why early detection matters
Early identification of corn allergy prevents exposure to allergens that can cause mild to severe reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. Proper diagnosis enables you to avoid corn and corn-derived products, reducing emergency room visits and improving quality of life. Early detection also helps healthcare providers develop appropriate emergency action plans and determine if you need to carry epinephrine auto-injectors (NIAID 2021).
Related tests you may consider
IgE Food Allergy Advanced Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit — Screens for multiple common food allergens alongside corn for comprehensive allergy assessment
Total IgE Test — Evaluates overall allergic predisposition and helps interpret specific IgE results
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel — General health screening to assess overall wellbeing
