Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation required
- Turnaround: 3-5 business days (may take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays)
What This Test Measures
The Hazelnut Allergy IgE Blood Test measures IgE antibodies to hazelnut (also known as filbert) in your blood. It reports a single biomarker, F017-IgE Hazelnut (Filbert), so the result reflects your immune system's IgE response to this one food only.
A blood sample is used for testing. The result shows the level of hazelnut-specific IgE. It does not confirm a clinical food allergy on its own, and it does not measure any other nuts, foods, or allergens.
Benefits
- Measures hazelnut-specific IgE antibodies from a simple blood sample
- Focuses on one food allergen, hazelnut (filbert)
- Requires no special preparation before your blood draw
- Provides results you can review with your physician
- Helps you start an informed conversation about hazelnut reactions
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults who want to check their IgE response to hazelnut
- Parents considering hazelnut testing for a child
- People with swelling, itching, or hives they want to discuss with a physician
- People who notice tingling in the mouth or throat after eating hazelnuts
- People who experience runny eyes and nose or breathing difficulties and want to explore hazelnut as a factor
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and how does it differ from other food allergy tests?
It looks at one biomarker: F017-IgE Hazelnut (Filbert). That means it measures IgE antibodies directed at hazelnut only. Tests for other foods, other allergens, or other antibody classes provide different information and are not included here. Because IgE is what is measured, the result is not interchangeable with other kinds of food testing.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
Tree nut allergies are among the most common food allergies and occur in both children and adults. Testing may be worth considering if you have had symptoms such as swelling, itching, hives, runny eyes and nose, breathing difficulties, or tingling in the mouth or throat and want to explore hazelnut. Your physician can help decide whether testing fits your situation.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation required.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Your results are expected in 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what should I do if they are abnormal?
A hazelnut IgE result shows the level of hazelnut-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. It cannot confirm a clinical food allergy by itself, and it does not tell you how you might react or whether a food is safe for you. Your history and symptoms matter as well. Positive results should be discussed with your physician, who can advise on 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 required.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity may occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins in different foods, pollens, or other substances. This test measures only hazelnut IgE, and none of the items listed below are included in it. These examples are not exhaustive, and they are possible considerations rather than confirmed allergies. A relationship on this list does not mean you will react to that item. Depending on your history, symptoms, or your healthcare provider's guidance, testing for related allergens may also be worth discussing.
- Birch pollen: Hazelnut shares proteins with birch pollen, and some people with birch pollen allergy may develop mouth or throat symptoms after eating raw hazelnuts.
- Hazel and alder pollen: These tree pollens are related to birch and have been associated with similar pollen-food reactions to hazelnut in some people.
- Other tree nuts (such as walnut, almond, cashew, and pistachio): Some people allergic to one tree nut may also react to others, though this varies from person to person.
- Apple and other raw fruits (such as peach and cherry): These fruits may share pollen-related proteins with hazelnut, and some people with birch pollen allergy may react to both.
- Peanut: Peanut is a legume, not a tree nut, but cross-reactivity with tree nuts has been reported in some people.
