Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Convenient at-home testing – Skip doctor visits with direct-access lab ordering
- Fast, accurate results – Receive precise IgE measurements in 3-5 business days using validated methods
- Less invasive than skin tests – Simple blood draw with no painful skin pricks
- Proactive allergy management – Identify cucumber sensitivity before severe reactions occur
- Comprehensive health insights – Better understand food allergies for improved diet planning
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms after eating cucumbers
- People with oral allergy syndrome or birch pollen allergies
- Those with latex allergies who suspect cross-reactive food sensitivities
- Anyone with a family history of food allergies seeking preventive screening
- People considering allergen immunotherapy who need baseline IgE levels
- Health-conscious individuals wanting a comprehensive food allergy assessment
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Select your test and schedule blood collection at a convenient lab location
- Visit the lab - Quick blood draw with no fasting or special preparation needed
- Get results - Receive results in 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It measures IgE antibodies specific to cucumber allergens in your blood to confirm or rule out cucumber allergy.
Is this test accurate? Yes, it uses ImmunoCAP® or FEIA technology with high sensitivity and specificity for allergen detection (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Can I eat cucumbers before the test? Yes, no dietary restrictions are needed. Continue your normal routine before testing.
What if my results are positive? Discuss results with a healthcare provider for personalized advice on allergen avoidance and management strategies.
How is this different from skin prick testing? Blood testing is less invasive and won't be affected by medications or skin conditions that can interfere with skin tests.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Cucumber Allergy IgE Blood Test measures Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels specific to cucumber allergens in your blood. This diagnostic tool helps establish whether your immune system has developed a sensitivity to cucumber proteins. The test uses advanced laboratory methods like ImmunoCAP® or Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology to provide quantitative results that indicate your level of sensitization.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after cucumber consumption, those with known birch pollen allergies who may have oral allergy syndrome, and people with latex allergies who could experience cross-reactive responses. It's also beneficial for anyone with a family history of food allergies, those considering allergen immunotherapy, or individuals seeking proactive health management through comprehensive allergy screening (AAAAI 2024).
When should I order a Cucumber Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience allergic symptoms after eating cucumbers, such as hives, itching, digestive issues, or oral tingling. It's also recommended if you have unexplained allergic reactions and suspect cucumber involvement, if you're planning allergen immunotherapy, or if your healthcare provider has recommended allergy testing. Early testing can prevent severe reactions and guide appropriate dietary modifications.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as IgE antibody levels measured in kU/L (kilo Units per liter):
IgE Level: < 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Cucumber consumption likely safe
IgE Level: 0.10–0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline / Equivocal
- Typical action: Clinical correlation needed
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive sensitization
- Typical action: Discuss with healthcare provider
IgE Level: 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Consider allergen avoidance
IgE Level: 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High sensitization
- Typical action: Avoid cucumber; carry emergency medication
IgE Level: > 17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance; develop emergency action plan
Remember that IgE levels don't always predict reaction severity - clinical correlation with symptoms is essential for proper diagnosis.
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, stop medications, or make any dietary changes before your blood draw. Continue your normal daily routine and take medications as prescribed. The blood sample can be collected at any time of day, making this test convenient for your schedule.
How often should I get tested?
Initial diagnosis:
- Once, then as clinically indicated
Monitoring during immunotherapy:
Suspected allergy development:
Family history screening:
- Every 2–3 years if asymptomatic
Post-reaction evaluation:
- 4–6 weeks after a severe reaction
Why early detection matters
Early identification of cucumber allergy can prevent severe allergic reactions, including potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. Food allergies affect about 8% of children and 10% of adults in the U.S., and early detection reduces emergency healthcare costs while improving quality of life (CDC 2022). Knowing your allergy status allows for proper dietary planning, emergency preparedness, and informed discussions with healthcare providers about treatment options.
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.
Latex Allergy Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to latex.
