Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Convenient direct access – No doctor's referral needed for fast allergy screening
- Pain-free alternative – Avoid uncomfortable skin prick testing with a simple blood draw
- High accuracy results – ImmunoCAP™ gold standard technology with >85% diagnostic accuracy
- Quick turnaround – Get confidential results within 3-5 business days
- Supports management – Helps confirm diagnosis and guide treatment decisions
- Peace of mind – Proactive testing for family history or suspicious symptoms
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic reactions after eating macadamia nuts
- Individuals with a family history of tree nut allergies
- Those with previous allergic reactions to other tree nuts
- People seeking preventive screening before immunotherapy
- Anyone wanting to confirm or rule out macadamia nut sensitivity
- Individuals unable to undergo traditional skin prick testing
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test without a prescription and visit any nearby lab
- Simple blood draw - Quick, minimally invasive serum sample collection at the lab
- Get results fast - Receive confidential results within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies against macadamia nut allergens in your blood to detect allergic sensitization.
How accurate is this blood test? ImmunoCAP technology demonstrates >85% sensitivity and specificity for identifying true allergic reactions (Phadia 2024).
Can I eat macadamia nuts before testing? Yes, recent consumption won't affect results. No dietary restrictions needed before testing.
What if I'm allergic to other tree nuts? Cross-reactivity is common between tree nuts, especially hazelnuts and coconuts with macadamia nuts.
Do I need to stop antihistamines? Antihistamines don't affect blood IgE levels, unlike skin testing, so no medication changes needed.
What happens if my test is positive? Consult an allergist for confirmation, management strategies, and potential immunotherapy options.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects and quantifies specific IgE antibodies against macadamia nut allergens (Macadamia integrifolia, allergen code F345) in your blood. It helps clinicians confirm or rule out macadamia nut allergy by identifying your immune system's response to this specific allergen. The test supports accurate diagnosis, allergy management planning, and immunotherapy decisions.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals experiencing symptoms like hives, swelling, breathing difficulties, or anaphylaxis after consuming macadamia nuts should consider this test. It's also valuable for people with family history of tree nut allergies, those seeking preventive screening, or anyone wanting a non-invasive alternative to skin prick testing.
When should I order Macadamia Nut Allergy IgE Test?
Order this test when experiencing allergic symptoms after eating macadamia nuts, for preemptive screening in high-risk individuals, or before starting immunotherapy. It's particularly useful for differentiating macadamia nut allergy from other food allergies and monitoring sensitization changes over time.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE < 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Allergy unlikely; monitor symptoms
IgE 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low sensitization
- Typical action: Clinical correlation needed
IgE 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Likely allergic; avoid macadamia nuts
IgE 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High sensitization
- Typical action: Strong allergy likely; strict avoidance
IgE > 17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high sensitization
- Typical action: Severe allergy risk; carry epinephrine
IgE levels ≥0.70 kU/L (class 2 or higher) indicate increased likelihood of clinical allergy, but results must be correlated with symptoms and medical history (ARUP 2024).
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 or special preparation required. You can eat normally before testing, including macadamia nuts if desired. Unlike skin testing, antihistamines won't interfere with blood IgE results, so no medication adjustments needed. Simply stay hydrated for easier blood draw.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: One-time testing usually sufficient
- Monitoring during immunotherapy: Every 6–12 months as directed
- Symptom changes: Retest when symptoms worsen or improve
- Childhood allergies: Every 2–3 years to assess if allergy is outgrown
Why early detection matters
Early identification of macadamia nut allergy prevents potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and improves quality of life. Approximately 1-2% of the population has tree nut allergies, making timely detection crucial for safety (Mayo Clinic 2025). Early diagnosis enables proper avoidance strategies, emergency preparedness, and consideration of immunotherapy options to reduce reaction severity.
Related tests you may consider
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Brazil Nut Allergy IgE Blood Test- Measures the IgE antibody levels to detect a tree nut allergy.
