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
- Direct access testing – No physician referral needed for convenient self-management
- Accurate immunoassay technology – Uses advanced ImmunoCAP or similar platforms for reliable results
- Quick turnaround – Get results within 3-5 business days to guide dietary decisions
- Confidential results – Secure, private testing shared directly with you
- Prevent serious reactions – Early detection helps avoid potentially dangerous allergic responses
- Peace of mind – Clarify suspected garlic sensitivity with quantitative IgE measurements
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing hives, breathing issues, or GI upset after garlic consumption
- People with unexplained allergic symptoms possibly linked to food triggers
- Those with family history of food allergies seeking proactive screening
- Anyone wanting to differentiate between garlic allergy and intolerance
- Individuals monitoring persistence or resolution of previous allergic reactions
- Health-conscious people managing complex dietary sensitivities
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 and measures IgE antibodies specific to garlic in your blood, indicating whether your immune system is sensitized to garlic proteins.
How accurate is this blood test? The test uses highly accurate immunoassay platforms with quantitative results reported in kU/L, providing reliable detection of garlic-specific IgE antibodies (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Can I eat garlic before the test? Yes, no dietary restrictions or fasting is required. The test measures your immune system's existing antibodies, not immediate reactions.
What's the difference between allergy and intolerance? Garlic allergy involves IgE antibodies and can cause severe reactions like hives or breathing problems. Intolerance typically causes digestive symptoms without immune system involvement.
Will this test detect all garlic reactions? This test specifically measures IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Some people may have non-IgE reactions or intolerances that won't show up in this blood test.
Should I avoid garlic if my test is positive? Positive results should be discussed with a healthcare provider who can help create an appropriate avoidance plan and emergency action plan if needed.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This blood test identifies and measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to garlic in your bloodstream. When your immune system recognizes garlic proteins as harmful, it produces these antibodies, which can trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. The test provides quantitative results that help confirm whether your symptoms are truly due to a garlic allergy, enabling you to make informed dietary and health decisions (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after garlic exposure, including hives, wheezing, nausea, or gastrointestinal upset. People with a family history of food allergies, those managing multiple food sensitivities, or anyone wanting to clarify unexplained allergic reactions should consider testing. According to research, garlic allergy affects about 1% of individuals in allergy registries, with most people diagnosed later in life (University of South Florida FARE Registry 2024). Around 58% of garlic-allergic patients are diagnosed through blood IgE testing, making this an important diagnostic tool.
When should I order a Garlic Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you've recently experienced allergic symptoms after eating garlic-containing foods or if you have unexplained reactions that might be food-related. Common symptoms include skin reactions (hives, rash, itching), respiratory issues (coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing), gastrointestinal problems (nausea, vomiting, stomach pain), or systemic reactions (swelling, dizziness). Since garlic is found in countless prepared foods, early identification helps prevent accidental exposure and potentially serious reactions.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as quantitative IgE levels in kU/L (kilo Units per Liter) and classified into categories:
IgE < 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – No detectable garlic-specific IgE
- Typical action: Garlic allergy unlikely
IgE 0.10–0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline/Equivocal
- Typical action: Clinical correlation needed
IgE 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive
- Typical action: Possible mild sensitivity
IgE 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Positive
- Typical action: Likely garlic allergy – avoid exposure
IgE ≥ 3.5 kU/L
- What it means: Strong positive
- Typical action: High probability of allergy – strict avoidance
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with increased risk of allergic reactions, but clinical symptoms and medical evaluation are 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, avoid medications, or make any dietary changes beforehand. Simply order online, print your lab requisition, and visit any partner laboratory for a quick blood draw. The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes at the lab.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and medical history:
- Initial screening for suspected allergy – One-time test
- Monitoring known allergy over time – Every 1–2 years or as directed
- After allergic reaction to reassess severity – 3–6 months post-reaction
- Following immunotherapy treatment – As recommended by allergist
- Pediatric patients (allergy may change) – Every 1–2 years until stable
Why early detection matters
Early identification of garlic allergy can significantly reduce the risk of serious allergic reactions and improve quality of life. Anaphylaxis from food allergies costs the U.S. healthcare system hundreds of millions annually, making prevention through accurate diagnosis crucial (Allergic Living 2025). Since garlic is ubiquitous in processed foods, restaurants, and home cooking, knowing your allergy status helps you avoid accidental exposure. Early detection also enables proper emergency planning, including epinephrine prescriptions and action plans for severe reactions.
Related tests you may consider
IgE Food Allergy Advanced Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit — Screens multiple common allergens simultaneously, useful if you suspect reactions to various foods beyond garlic.
Onion (Allium) IgE Blood Test — Important for cross-reactivity screening since garlic belongs to the allium family along with onions, chives, and leeks.
Total IgE Test — Measures overall allergic tendency and can help contextualize specific allergy results within your broader immune profile.
