Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of orange-specific IgE antibody in your blood (biomarker F033-IgE Orange). IgE antibodies are produced by the immune system when it identifies a substance, in this case a protein found in oranges, as a potential threat. This test evaluates your immune response to the whole orange allergen only. It does not measure IgG antibodies, other antibody classes, or any other food, fruit, or citrus allergen. Results are reported based on the IgE antibody level detected in your blood sample.
Benefits
- Measures IgE antibody levels specific to oranges
- Requires only a standard blood draw
- Requires no special preparation beforehand
- Provides objective antibody data for your healthcare provider to review
- Supports evaluation of symptoms reported after eating oranges
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals who notice tingling or swelling in or around the mouth after eating oranges
- People who experience digestive symptoms, such as nausea or abdominal pain, after orange consumption
- Individuals who develop hives, itching, or eczema after eating oranges
- People who experience congestion, wheezing, or lightheadedness after orange exposure
- Individuals wanting to discuss a suspected orange sensitivity with their healthcare provider
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and how is it different from other food allergy tests?
This test measures IgE antibody levels specific to the whole orange allergen using a blood sample. It is not an IgG test, and it does not distinguish between individual orange allergen components. Because it evaluates one specific food allergen, it differs from broader food allergy panels that test multiple foods at once.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
People who have experienced symptoms such as mouth tingling, swelling, hives, digestive upset, or breathing difficulty after eating oranges may find this test relevant. It may be considered when these symptoms follow orange consumption and a healthcare provider recommends checking for an IgE-mediated response.
3. What causes an allergic reaction to oranges?
Reactions to oranges are often linked to oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen food allergy, in which the immune system reacts to food proteins that resemble pollen proteins. When IgE antibodies recognize these proteins, histamine is released into the blood, which can trigger allergic symptoms.
4. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You can schedule your blood draw at a local lab without fasting or adjusting your routine beforehand.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 3 to 5 days. Turnaround may take longer due to weather, holidays, or other lab delays.
6. How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?
Interpreting your result depends on your symptom history, exposure to oranges, and other clinical factors, so it should be reviewed together with your healthcare provider. A detected IgE antibody level does not by itself confirm a clinical food allergy, and it does not indicate how severe a reaction might be or whether oranges are safe or unsafe for you to eat. If your result falls outside the expected range, your healthcare provider can help determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.
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.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity may occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins across different pollens or foods, even when those foods are unrelated to oranges by taste or preparation. This test measures only IgE antibody levels to orange and does not test for any of the additional pollens or foods discussed below. The examples provided are not an exhaustive list, and having a cross-reactive relationship does not mean a person will necessarily experience a clinical reaction to the other substance. These relationships may offer helpful context to discuss with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have a broader history of pollen or food-related symptoms.
- Grass pollen: Orange contains profilin, a protein family associated with broad cross-reactivity between certain pollens and fruits, which may play a role in some pollen food allergy symptoms.
- Peach: Some individuals sensitized to orange may also react to peach, as the orange allergen has shown structural similarity to a lipid transfer protein found in peach.
- Olive and cypress pollen: Research has reported an association between orange-specific IgE sensitization and skin test reactivity to olive and cypress pollen in some individuals with reported orange reactions.
Depending on your symptom history or prior reactions, discussing additional pollen or food allergen evaluation with your healthcare provider may be worth considering.
