Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum), 0.3 mL minimum
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Skip the doctor visit – Order directly online without a prescription or referral
- Safer than skin tests – No risk of triggering allergic reactions during testing
- Fast, accurate results – Quantitative IgE levels help assess allergy severity
- Convenient locations – Get tested at thousands of lab locations nationwide
- Private and confidential – Discreet results delivered securely to your account
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating lemons or citrus products
- Individuals with unexplained skin reactions, digestive issues, or respiratory symptoms
- Those with a family history of food allergies seeking preventive screening
- People considering citrus-based diets or treatments who want to check for sensitivities
- Anyone who has had previous allergic episodes and needs to identify triggers
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive a lab requisition form
- Visit a lab - Get your blood drawn at any convenient location near you
- Get results - Access your results online within 2-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test measures IgE antibodies specific to lemon proteins in your blood to detect allergic sensitization.
How accurate is the lemon allergy blood test? IgE blood testing for food allergies has diagnostic sensitivity and specificity generally above 80%.
Can I take this test if I'm on medications? Yes, most medications don't affect results, but inform the lab about immune-suppressing drugs.
What's the difference between this and a skin test? Blood tests are safer with no risk of allergic reactions and provide quantitative results for severity assessment.
Will this test detect all citrus allergies? No, this test is specific to lemons. Consider a citrus panel for broader screening of orange, lime, and grapefruit allergies.
Do I need to avoid lemons before testing? No, you can eat lemons normally before the test - it won't affect your results.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects IgE antibodies specific to lemon allergens to diagnose and assess the severity of lemon allergy. It identifies the presence of Immunoglobulin E antibodies that your immune system produces in response to lemon proteins, particularly the lipid transfer protein Cit l 1 (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2025). The test uses Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) methodology to provide quantitative IgE levels, helping clinicians determine the likelihood and potential severity of allergic reactions.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after lemon exposure would benefit most from this test. This includes people with unexplained rashes, hives, gastrointestinal distress, or respiratory symptoms following citrus consumption. The test is particularly valuable for those with atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis linked to citrus fruit consumption (LOINC 2025). People considering immunotherapy for citrus allergies can use this test to confirm sensitization before treatment.
When should I order a Lemon Allergy Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience allergic symptoms such as skin irritation, digestive issues, or breathing difficulties after consuming lemons or lemon-containing products. Consider testing if you have recurring unexplained allergic episodes, especially if lemons are frequently part of your diet. The test is also recommended for preventive screening before starting new diets heavy in citrus or when family history suggests food allergy predisposition.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE Level: 0.10–0.34 kUA/L
- What it means: Very low/undetectable
- Typical action: Allergy unlikely
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kUA/L
- What it means: Low positive
- Typical action: Possible sensitization
IgE Level: 0.70–3.49 kUA/L
- What it means: Moderate positive
- Typical action: Likely allergic reaction
IgE Level: 3.50–17.49 kUA/L
- What it means: High positive
- Typical action: Strong allergic reaction likely
IgE Level: 17.50+ kUA/L
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Severe reaction risk
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with increased likelihood and severity of allergic reactions, though individual responses may vary.
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 is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before your blood draw. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. If you're taking immune-suppressing medications, inform the laboratory staff as these may potentially affect results.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: Once, then as symptoms change
- Monitoring known allergy: Every 1–2 years or per physician
- After immunotherapy: 6–12 months post-treatment
- Changing symptoms: When new reactions occur
Why early detection matters
Early detection of lemon allergy reduces emergency incidents and healthcare costs related to anaphylaxis management while improving quality of life. Citrus allergies, though uncommon, can provoke severe reactions including anaphylaxis in hypersensitive individuals (Walk-In Lab 2024). Identifying food allergies early allows for proper avoidance strategies, emergency preparedness with epinephrine if needed, and informed dietary choices to prevent accidental exposure.
Related tests you may consider
Orange Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to oranges.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
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.
