Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- No skin pricks needed - avoid discomfort and risk of triggering reactions during testing
- Fast, accurate results - receive definitive answers in 2-5 business days using advanced FEIA technology
- Convenient testing - walk-in or at-home sample collection with secure online results
- Cost-effective screening - access clinical-grade testing for around $39
- Confidential process - private testing without insurance or long appointments
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms after eating certain foods
- Individuals with suspected reactions to condiments, sauces, or processed foods
- People with known food allergies wanting to identify additional triggers
- Those seeking allergy confirmation without undergoing skin prick tests
- Parents concerned about their family’s food sensitivities and dietary safety
- Anyone planning immunotherapy who needs baseline sensitization levels
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - select your test and choose a convenient lab location near you
- Visit the lab - quick blood draw takes just minutes with no appointment needed
- Get results - secure online delivery within 2-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to mustard proteins, indicating allergic sensitization to mustard allergens.
Is this test accurate? Yes, it uses Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology with high sensitivity and specificity (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Can I eat before the test? No fasting required. Continue normal diet and medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
What if my results are positive? Consult an allergist for interpretation and develop an allergy management plan including dietary avoidance strategies.
How is this different from skin testing? Blood testing is painless and won't trigger allergic reactions, making it safer for severe allergy concerns.
Do I need a doctor's order? No, this is direct-access testing. However, physician consultation is recommended for result interpretation and follow-up care.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects IgE antibodies against mustard allergens in your blood, indicating whether you're sensitized to mustard proteins. Mustard allergy is the most common spice allergy, caused by proteins like Sin a 1, Sin a 2, Sin a 3, Sin a 4, and Bra j 1 found in mustard seeds. When your immune system encounters these proteins, it produces IgE antibodies that trigger histamine release, causing allergic symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe anaphylaxis.
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing allergic symptoms potentially linked to mustard consumption should consider testing. This includes reactions after eating condiments, salad dressings, processed meats, chips, pickles, or curry dishes. People with existing food allergies, those planning immunotherapy, or individuals seeking to confirm suspected mustard sensitivity without skin testing would benefit (HealthLabs 2024). The test is particularly valuable for health-conscious consumers preferring direct-to-consumer lab services for convenient, confidential allergy screening.
When should I order Mustard Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience unexplained allergic symptoms after eating foods containing mustard, including tingling in the mouth, swelling, hives, digestive issues, or respiratory problems. It's also recommended for comprehensive food allergy evaluation, baseline testing before immunotherapy, or when you want to avoid the discomfort and risks associated with skin prick testing (PubMed Central 2020).
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as IgE levels measured in kU/L (kilo Units per Liter) and classified into classes 0-6:
< 0.35 kU/L
- Class 0
- Interpretation: Negative – No sensitization detected
0.35 – 0.69 kU/L
- Class 1
- Interpretation: Low positive – Minimal sensitization
0.70 – 3.49 kU/L
- Class 2
- Interpretation: Moderate positive – Likely allergic
3.50 – 17.49 kU/L
- Class 3
- Interpretation: High positive – Strong sensitization
17.50 – 49.99 kU/L
- Class 4
- Interpretation: Very high positive
50.00 – 99.99 kU/L
- Class 5
- Interpretation: Very high positive
≥ 100 kU/L
- Class 6
- Interpretation: Extremely high positive
Levels ≥0.70 kU/L (Class 2 or above) typically indicate positive sensitization, but clinical correlation with symptoms is essential for allergy 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 required. You don't need to fast or adjust medications before testing. Continue your normal diet and routine. If you're currently undergoing immunotherapy treatments, inform your healthcare provider as this may affect interpretation of results. The blood draw requires only 0.3-0.5 mL of serum, making it a simple, minimally invasive procedure.
How often should I get tested?
Initial screening:
- Once, when symptoms first appear
Monitoring known allergy:
- Every 2–3 years or as symptoms change
Before immunotherapy:
- Baseline testing, then as recommended
After treatment:
- 6–12 months post-treatment completion
Why early detection matters
Early identification of mustard allergy prevents severe allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. Mustard is hidden in many processed foods, condiments, and spice blends, making accidental exposure common. Early detection enables proper dietary management, emergency preparedness, and reduces healthcare costs associated with allergic emergencies (Mayo Clinic 2025). Timely diagnosis also supports better quality of life through informed food choices and appropriate medical management.
Related tests you may consider
200 Food Sensitivity Panel- ALCAT Test Kit - Measures changes in size and volume of white blood cells in response to challenges with foods. This is a sensitivity test, not an allergy test.
Cauliflower Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels to detect a cauliflower allergy.
Broccoli Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to broccoli.
