Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum (0.3-0.5 mL)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around time: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- No allergen exposure - safer than skin prick testing
- Convenient ordering - no upfront doctor visit required
- Quick results - answers in days, not weeks
- High accuracy - over 85% specificity and sensitivity (Mayo Clinic Labs 2019)
- Nationwide access - available at collection sites across the country
- Confidential testing - discreet results for personal health decisions
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms after eating parsley
- Individuals with multiple suspected food allergies seeking comprehensive testing
- Those wanting to avoid discomfort of traditional skin allergy testing
- Health-conscious consumers managing personalized allergy care
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - no appointment needed, choose your collection site
- Get blood drawn - quick venipuncture at any participating location
- Receive results - delivered within 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to parsley proteins in your blood serum.
Is this more comfortable than skin testing? Yes, it requires only a blood draw without skin exposure to allergens.
How accurate are the results? IgE blood tests show high specificity and sensitivity, often exceeding 85%.
Do I need to prepare for this test? No fasting required; avoid antihistamines only if specifically instructed.
What if my results are positive? Consult with an allergist for management strategies and possible treatment options.
Can this test detect mild allergies? Yes, it measures sensitization levels from mild to severe reactions.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects and quantifies IgE antibodies specific to parsley proteins in your blood. When your immune system identifies parsley as harmful, it produces these antibodies, triggering allergic reactions. By measuring antibody levels, the test confirms whether you have a parsley allergy and helps determine its severity.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after parsley exposure, including hives, digestive issues, or respiratory problems. It's particularly valuable for people with multiple food allergies, those seeking non-invasive testing alternatives, or anyone wanting to confirm suspected parsley sensitivity for dietary management.
When should I order this test?
Order this test when you experience symptoms like itching, swelling, digestive upset, or breathing difficulties after consuming parsley. It's also recommended if you have unexplained allergic reactions and suspect parsley as a trigger, or if you need confirmation for allergy management without undergoing skin prick testing (PMC 2020).
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as IgE antibody levels measured in kU/L (kiloUnits per Liter):
IgE Level < 0.10 kU/L
- Meaning: Negative - no allergy detected
- Typical action: No dietary restrictions needed
IgE Level 0.35 - 0.69 kU/L
- Meaning: Low sensitization
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms, consider avoidance
IgE Level 0.70 - 3.49 kU/L
- Meaning: Moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Avoid parsley, consult allergist
IgE Level 3.50 - 17.49 kU/L
- Meaning: High sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, carry emergency medication
IgE Level > 17.50 kU/L
- Meaning: Very high sensitization
- Typical action: Complete avoidance, medical management require
Higher IgE levels typically correlate with more severe clinical reactions and increased risk of anaphylaxis.
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 make dietary changes beforehand. Continue taking your regular medications unless your healthcare provider specifically advises otherwise. Antihistamines typically don't affect IgE blood test results, unlike skin testing (Testing.com).
How often should I get tested?
Initial diagnosis confirmation
▸ Once, then as needed
Monitoring known allergy
▸ Annually or as directed by a physician
After immunotherapy treatment
▸ Every 6–12 months
Symptom changes
▸ As symptoms warrant
Borderline initial results
▸ Retest in 6 months
Why early detection matters
Early detection of parsley allergy prevents potentially severe allergic reactions and improves quality of life. Approximately 8% of children and 11% of adults in the U.S. have food allergies, and timely identification reduces emergency visits and healthcare costs (CDC 2023). Knowing your allergy status enables proper dietary management and helps you avoid cross-reactive herbs that may cause similar reactions.
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.
IgG Spices Profile (23 IgG Spices + Total IgE) - Genova Test Kit - Helps identify the body’s immune response to certain spices with a simple blood draw.
