Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 1-3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Accurate detection of lupin-specific IgE antibodies in your blood
- Convenient testing without needing a doctor’s visit or referral
- Quick results to guide dietary choices and help prevent allergic reactions
- Includes cross-reactivity screening, especially valuable for those with peanut allergies
- Provides peace of mind through clear allergy confirmation or exclusion
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating lupin-containing foods
- Individuals with known peanut allergies checking for cross-reactivity
- Those with unexplained allergic reactions to Mediterranean or European cuisines
- People with a family history of legume allergies seeking proactive screening
- Anyone wanting to identify potential food sensitivities before severe reactions
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit a lab near you for a simple blood draw
- Lab analyzes your blood sample for lupin-specific IgE antibodies
- Receive results within 1-3 business days.
FAQ
What exactly does this test measure? This test measures specific IgE antibodies your immune system produces in response to lupin proteins, indicating allergic sensitization.
How accurate is the lupin allergy test? The test is highly accurate for detecting IgE-mediated allergic reactions, with levels ≥0.70 kU/L considered abnormally high (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Can I have a negative result but still be allergic? Rarely, some people may have non-IgE mediated reactions that won't show up on this test, requiring clinical evaluation.
What foods contain lupin that I should know about? Common sources include pasta, bread, baked goods, vegetarian sausage, chocolate spreads, and various Mediterranean dishes.
Is lupin allergy related to peanut allergy? Yes, approximately 5-28% of people with peanut allergies also react to lupin since both are legumes with similar proteins.
Do I need to stop taking medications before testing? No special preparation is needed, and you can continue taking all medications normally.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Lupin Allergy IgE Blood Test detects and measures specific IgE antibodies to lupin proteins in your blood. Lupin, a Mediterranean legume increasingly used in food products, can trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylaxis. This test helps determine if your immune system has developed sensitization to lupin proteins, providing crucial information for dietary management and allergy prevention.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms after consuming foods containing lupin. People with existing peanut allergies should especially consider testing, as lupin belongs to the same legume family and cross-reactivity occurs in 5-28% of peanut-allergic individuals. The test also benefits those with family histories of food allergies, frequent travelers to Mediterranean regions, or anyone seeking comprehensive allergy screening before symptoms become severe.
When should I order a Lupin Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you've experienced allergic symptoms like tingling mouth, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, skin rashes, respiratory issues, or dizziness after eating foods potentially containing lupin. Consider testing if you have known peanut allergies and want to check for cross-reactivity. Also order if you frequently consume Mediterranean foods, vegetarian products, or baked goods and have unexplained allergic reactions. Early testing is crucial before severe reactions like anaphylaxis occur.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported in kU/L (kilo units per liter) measuring lupin-specific IgE antibody levels:
Less than 0.35 kU/L
- Meaning: Negative – No detectable antibodies
- Typical action: Lupin allergy unlikely
0.35 – 0.69 kU/L
- Meaning: Class 1 – Low positive
- Typical action: Possible sensitivity, monitor symptoms
0.70 – 3.49 kU/L
- Meaning: Class 2 – Moderate positive
- Typical action: Likely allergic, avoid lupin foods
3.50 – 17.49 kU/L
- Meaning: Class 3 – High positive
- Typical action: Strong allergy, strict avoidance needed
17.5 kU/L or higher
- Meaning: Class 4–6 – Very high positive
- Typical action: Severe allergy, carry emergency medication
Results must be interpreted alongside your clinical symptoms and exposure history for accurate diagnosis.
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 the Lupin Allergy IgE Blood Test. You can eat normally, take medications as prescribed, and maintain your regular routine before testing. The blood draw takes just a few minutes and doesn't require fasting or dietary restrictions beforehand (Walk-in Lab 2024).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening with symptoms: Once, then as clinically indicated
- Monitoring known allergy: Every 2–3 years or with symptom changes
- After immunotherapy treatment: Annually or as directed by a specialist
- Childhood testing (may outgrow): Every 3–5 years until adulthood
Why early detection matters
Early detection of lupin allergy prevents potentially life-threatening reactions and enables proper dietary management. Lupin is an increasingly common food allergen, often hidden in processed foods, making undiagnosed allergies particularly dangerous. Early identification allows you to read labels carefully, avoid trigger foods, and carry emergency medications if needed. With lupin's growing presence in vegetarian products and gluten-free alternatives, timely diagnosis is crucial for maintaining both safety and nutritional variety in your diet.
Related tests you may consider
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE- Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to peanuts.
Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to screen for an allergy to certain tree nuts and peanuts.
