Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Safer than skin tests — no risk of allergic reactions during testing
- Quick results — get answers in 3-5 business days without doctor visits
- Proven accuracy — uses ImmunoCAP® technology for reliable detection
- No preparation needed — no fasting or medication changes required
- Convenient nationwide — thousands of lab locations available
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing unexplained symptoms after eating lima beans
- Individuals with family history of legume allergies
- Those with existing food allergies seeking comprehensive screening
- Adults managing multiple food sensitivities
- Anyone wanting to confirm suspected lima bean allergy safely
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - no doctor referral needed, select your lab location
- Get tested - quick blood draw at your chosen lab facility
- Receive results - results in 3-5 business days
FAQ
How accurate is this blood test compared to skin testing? ImmunoCAP® technology offers high sensitivity and specificity for allergen detection, with minimal false positives compared to skin tests.
Can this test detect allergies to other legumes? This test specifically measures lima bean IgE antibodies. Cross-reactivity with peanuts or soy requires separate testing.
What if my results show elevated IgE levels? Elevated levels indicate sensitization but don't guarantee clinical allergy. Consult an allergist for complete evaluation and management.
How soon after eating lima beans can I get tested? You can test anytime. IgE antibodies remain detectable whether you're currently avoiding lima beans or not.
What's the difference between food sensitivity and allergy testing? This IgE test detects true allergic reactions involving the immune system, not food intolerances or sensitivities.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This blood test measures specific IgE antibodies to lima bean allergens in your bloodstream. Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus), also called butter beans, contain proteins that can trigger immune system reactions in sensitive individuals. The test uses proven ImmunoCAP® technology to detect whether your immune system has developed antibodies against lima bean proteins, indicating potential allergic sensitization. This provides safer allergy screening compared to skin prick tests, which involve direct allergen exposure.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after consuming lima beans, including digestive issues, skin reactions, or respiratory symptoms. People with existing legume allergies should consider testing, as approximately 41% of legume-sensitive patients show lima bean sensitization (Thermofisher Scientific). Those with unexplained allergic reactions, family history of food allergies, or multiple food sensitivities may find this screening valuable for comprehensive allergy management.
When should I order Lima Bean Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you've experienced symptoms like hives, digestive upset, respiratory issues, or oral tingling after eating lima beans or dishes containing them. Consider testing before introducing lima beans to your diet if you have known legume allergies. The test is also valuable for monitoring sensitization levels in diagnosed patients or investigating cross-reactivity patterns with other legumes like peanuts or soybeans.
How do I interpret the results?
Results show your specific IgE antibody concentration measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter). Higher levels suggest greater sensitization, but clinical correlation is essential for diagnosis.
IgE < 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: Negative/Normal
- Typical action: No dietary restrictions needed
IgE 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms, consider avoidance
IgE 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive
- Typical action: Likely avoid lima beans, consult allergist
IgE 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High positive
- Typical action: Avoid lima beans, carry emergency medication
IgE ≥ 17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, allergy action plan essential
Elevated IgE doesn't always mean clinical allergy—about 59% of lima bean-sensitized patients showed no symptoms during food challenges.
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 blood test. You don't need to fast, avoid medications, or stop eating lima beans beforehand. Continue your normal diet and medication routine. The test accurately measures IgE antibodies regardless of recent lima bean consumption or current avoidance patterns.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once, unless symptoms change
- Known lima bean allergy: Every 2–3 years or as directed
- Monitoring treatment response: 6–12 months post-intervention
- Children with allergies: Annually until adolescence
- After accidental exposure: Wait 4–6 weeks, then retest
Why early detection matters
Early identification of lima bean allergy prevents severe reactions and improves quality of life through informed dietary choices. Food allergies affect approximately 32 million Americans, with legume allergies showing increasing prevalence (CDC Guidelines 2023). Undiagnosed allergies can lead to repeated exposures, potentially worsening sensitivity over time. Early detection enables proper emergency preparedness, including epinephrine prescriptions for severe cases, and helps identify cross-reactivity patterns with related legumes.
Related tests you may consider
Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test- Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to peanuts.
Soy Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to screen for an allergy to soy.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Allergen Profile, Food-Legume Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to certain legumes.
