Dill Allergy IgE Blood Test

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The Dill Allergy IgE Blood Test measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to dill.

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Quick Facts

Sample: Blood draw (serum)
Fasting: No fasting required
Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays

Benefits

Fast, accurate results using advanced Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology
No physician referral needed—order directly and visit any lab location
Convenient sample collection with no fasting or special preparation required
Personalized allergy insights to help you avoid triggers and manage symptoms effectively

Who Is This Test For?

Individuals experiencing unexplained itching, hives, or respiratory issues after consuming dill
People with suspected cross-reactivity to birch pollen or latex allergens
Anyone needing differential diagnosis for food-related allergic reactions
Those planning targeted immunotherapy or avoidance strategies for herb allergies
Individuals at risk for severe allergic reactions who need confirmation of sensitization

How It Works – Just 3 Steps

Order online - Schedule your test at any certified lab location
Get tested - Quick blood draw takes just minutes, no preparation needed
Review results - Receive confidential results within 3-5 days

FAQ

What does this test measure? It detects IgE antibodies specific to dill in your blood, indicating whether you're allergic to this herb.

Can I take antihistamines before the test? Antihistamines don't typically affect blood IgE tests, but consult your provider if you have concerns.

Will this test tell me how severe my allergy is? Elevated IgE levels confirm sensitization but don't precisely predict reaction severity—discuss results with your provider.

What if my results are positive? A positive result indicates dill sensitization; consult an allergist to confirm diagnosis and develop a management plan.

Can this test replace skin prick testing? It complements skin tests, especially when skin testing isn't feasible, but a thorough clinical assessment remains essential (Cleveland Clinic 2025).

More Details

What is the purpose of this test?

The Dill Allergy IgE Blood Test measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to dill in your blood serum. IgE antibodies are produced when your immune system mistakenly identifies dill proteins as harmful invaders. Elevated IgE levels indicate allergic sensitization to dill, a versatile herb from the Carrot family used widely in cooking, pickling, and herbal medicine. This test uses Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology for accurate detection, helping you confirm or rule out a dill allergy (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2019). Dill can trigger reactions due to proteins similar to birch pollen and latex, and may also cause phototoxicity in individuals who handle it occupationally.

Who would benefit from this test?

This test is valuable for individuals experiencing allergy-like symptoms—such as tingling around the mouth, hives, abdominal discomfort, or respiratory issues—after exposure to dill or dill-containing foods. It's especially useful for people with known sensitivities to birch pollen, latex, or related herbs like carrot, celery, coriander, or parsley. Those needing differential diagnosis of food allergies, planning immunotherapy, or assessing anaphylaxis risk will also benefit. Approximately 5–10% of adults and up to 8% of children have food allergies diagnosed by elevated IgE levels (FARE 2021).

When should I order a Dill Allergy IgE Blood Test?

Order this test when you have unexplained allergic symptoms suspected to be triggered by dill. Symptoms typically occur within two hours of ingestion but can begin within minutes or, rarely, be delayed by four to six hours. Common reactions include tingling or swelling around the mouth, itching, hives, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction with rapid heart rate, swollen throat, low blood pressure, and extreme dizziness—requires immediate medical attention. Order this test before starting immunotherapy or when you need to confirm sensitization for personalized management.

How do I interpret the results?

Results report the concentration of IgE antibodies specific to dill. Elevated levels indicate sensitization, but must be interpreted alongside your clinical history for accurate allergy diagnosis. Approximately 40–50% of positive IgE tests are false positives, so clinical correlation is essential (MedlinePlus 2024, Cleveland Clinic 2025).

<0.35 kU/L: Negative – No sensitization detected → Dill allergy unlikely; consider other causes.
0.35–0.69 kU/L: Borderline/Low sensitization → Monitor symptoms; may require clinical correlation.
0.70–3.49 kU/L: Moderate sensitization → Likely allergic; avoid dill and consult allergist.
≥3.50 kU/L: High sensitization → Strong allergy; strict avoidance and carry epinephrine if advised.

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 or special preparation is required. Inform your provider of all medications, though antihistamines typically don't affect blood IgE tests. Stopping medications should only be done if advised by your healthcare provider. Blood is drawn via venipuncture into serum gel or red-top tubes, and the serum is separated by centrifugation for analysis.

How often should I get tested?

Initial diagnosis or symptom evaluation: Once, when symptoms first appear
Monitoring known allergy: Annually or as symptoms change
After immunotherapy treatment: Every 6–12 months to assess progress
Following severe allergic reaction: Retest as recommended by allergist

Why early detection matters

Early identification of dill allergy through IgE testing allows you to make informed lifestyle adjustments and avoid potentially severe reactions. Untreated allergies can lead to repeated emergency visits, anaphylaxis, and reduced quality of life. Confirming sensitization enables you to carry emergency epinephrine if necessary, eliminate dill-containing foods from your diet, and work with an allergist to develop a personalized management plan. Early detection also helps differentiate dill allergy from other conditions, preventing unnecessary dietary restrictions or treatments.