Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- No painful skin pricks – convenient blood test without allergen exposure
- Fast results – receive accurate findings within 2-5 business days
- Comprehensive detection – identifies specific IgE antibodies to melon proteins
- Direct ordering – available online with no physician referral required
- All ages welcome – suitable for both children and adults
- Clinical accuracy – uses advanced FEIA technology for reliable results
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating melons (e.g., cantaloupe, honeydew, muskmelon)
- Individuals with oral allergy syndrome or cross-reactive food allergies
- Those with digestive or respiratory issues linked to melon consumption
- People considering immunotherapy who need confirmed allergen sensitization
- Anyone wanting to rule out melon allergy without undergoing skin testing
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - purchase your test and receive collection kit
- Visit lab - provide small blood sample at convenient location
- Get results - receive confidential findings within 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects specific IgE antibodies in your blood that react to melon allergens, indicating if you're sensitized to melons.
Do I need to avoid melons before testing? No dietary restrictions are needed. You can eat melons normally before the test.
Can this test diagnose other fruit allergies? This test is specific to melons only. Consider a comprehensive food allergy panel for broader screening.
What if my results are negative but I still react to melons? Negative IgE doesn't completely rule out allergy, as reactions may occur through other immune pathways.
How accurate are the results? The FEIA method provides high sensitivity and specificity for detecting melon-specific IgE antibodies.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood to determine if you're allergic to melons such as cantaloupe, honeydew, Crenshaw, and muskmelons. It identifies immune system sensitization to melon proteins Cuc m 1, m 2, and m 3, which trigger allergic reactions. The test provides objective evidence of melon allergy without requiring direct allergen exposure during testing (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals experiencing symptoms like hives, itching, swelling, abdominal pain, or respiratory issues after consuming melons. It's particularly valuable for people with oral allergy syndrome who may have cross-reactions with other gourd family fruits. Those considering immunotherapy need confirmed sensitization levels, making this test essential for treatment planning (Nemours KidsHealth 2025).
When should I order Melon Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience allergic symptoms within minutes to hours after eating melons, including tingling mouth, swelling, nausea, or breathing difficulties. It's also recommended if you have recurring allergy-like symptoms linked to melon consumption or want to confirm suspected melon allergy without undergoing skin prick tests (MedlinePlus 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as IgE levels in kU/L and classified into reaction probability classes:
< 0.35 kU/L
- Class: 0
- Interpretation: Negative – No sensitization detected
0.35 – 0.69 kU/L
- Class: 1
- Interpretation: Borderline – Low sensitization
0.70 – 3.49 kU/L
- Class: 2
- Interpretation: Positive – Moderate sensitization
3.50 – 17.4 kU/L
- Class: 3
- Interpretation: Positive – High sensitization
17.5 – 49.9 kU/L
- Class: 4
- Interpretation: Positive – Very high sensitization
50.0 – 99.9 kU/L
- Class: 5
- Interpretation: Positive – Very high sensitization
≥ 100 kU/L
- Class: 6
- Interpretation: Positive – Extremely high sensitization
Levels ≥0.70 kU/L indicate positive sensitization, but clinical correlation with symptoms is essential 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 this test. You don't need to fast or avoid medications beforehand. The test requires only a small blood sample (0.3-0.5 mL of serum), making it convenient and accessible. You can eat normally and take your regular medications before testing (Mayo Clinic 2019).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: One-time testing
- Monitoring during immunotherapy: Every 6–12 months
- Symptom changes: As needed
- Post-treatment evaluation: Annually for 2–3 years
Why early detection matters
Early identification of melon allergy prevents severe reactions and improves quality of life. Food allergies affect approximately 8% of children and 4% of adults in the US, with prompt diagnosis reducing emergency visits related to anaphylaxis (CDC 2024). Knowing your allergen status enables proper avoidance strategies, emergency preparedness with medications like epinephrine, and informed decisions about dietary choices and immunotherapy options.
Related tests you may consider
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.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Watermelon Serum Test - Checks if your body is allergic to watermelon by looking for special allergy-related proteins called IgE antibodies, which can cause symptoms like itching, stomach problems, or trouble breathing.
