Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures IgE antibody levels specific to grape (biomarker F259-IgE Grape) in a blood sample. IgE antibodies are part of the immune system's response to substances it identifies as potential threats, and elevated levels to a specific allergen can indicate sensitization to that allergen. This test evaluates sensitization to grape only, based on a single IgE biomarker, and does not measure any other food, allergen, or antibody class.
Benefits
- Measures IgE sensitization to grape from a single blood draw
- No special preparation or fasting required
- Provides objective, lab based antibody data for your provider
- Results returned in as little as 3-5 days
- Supports a focused conversation with your healthcare provider about grape reactions
Who Is This Test For?
- People who have noticed symptoms after eating grapes or grape-based products
- Individuals working with a healthcare provider to evaluate a possible grape sensitivity
- People wanting objective IgE data to discuss alongside their symptom history
- Individuals who prefer blood testing over other allergy testing methods
- People who want a quick, low-prep way to check IgE sensitization to grape specifically
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and how is it different from other food allergy tests?
This test measures IgE antibody levels specific to grape using a single biomarker (F259-IgE Grape). Unlike a broader food allergy panel, it evaluates sensitization to grape alone and does not report on any other food, allergen, or antibody class such as IgG.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
This test may be relevant if you have experienced symptoms after eating grapes or grape-containing products (such as raisins, grape juice, or wine) and want objective IgE data to bring to a healthcare provider. It can also be useful if you and your provider are working through a possible grape sensitivity as part of a broader evaluation.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You can have blood drawn without fasting or making changes to your diet or routine beforehand.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 3 to 5 days, though this may take longer due to weather, holidays, or other lab delays.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?
An elevated IgE level indicates sensitization to grapes but does not by itself confirm a clinical food allergy, predict how severe a future reaction might be, or determine whether grapes are safe for you to eat. A result outside the expected range should be reviewed with a qualified healthcare provider, who can consider it alongside your symptoms and history to determine appropriate next steps.
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.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity may occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins across different foods or pollens, even though those items are not the food originally tested. This test measures IgE sensitization to grape only and does not test for any of the additional items discussed below. The examples below are not an exhaustive list, but they may provide useful context when thinking about whether related allergens could also be relevant based on your symptoms, history, or healthcare provider's guidance.
- Peach: The major grape allergen (Vit v 1) is a lipid transfer protein (LTP) that is closely related to the peach LTP allergen, and cross-reactivity between grape and peach has been documented in research studies.
- Other Rosaceae fruits (apple, cherry, apricot, plum): These fruits contain LTP allergens structurally similar to those in grape and peach, and some individuals with LTP-related sensitization have shown reactivity across several of these fruits.
- Mugwort pollen: LTP allergens found in mugwort pollen have been associated with broader LTP cross-reactivity patterns, and in some individuals, pollen exposure has been linked to sensitization involving LTP-containing foods.
- Other LTP-containing plant foods: Lipid transfer proteins are widely distributed across plant foods, including certain tree nuts, peanuts, and other fruits and vegetables, and some individuals sensitized to one LTP source may show related sensitization to others.
These relationships reflect documented patterns of protein similarity and reported sensitization, not a guarantee that a person allergic to grapes will react to any of the foods or pollens listed above. Depending on your history, symptoms, or healthcare provider's guidance, testing for related allergens may also be considered as part of a broader evaluation.
