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
- Detect life-threatening allergies before severe reactions occur
- Component analysis included when positive for precise risk assessment
- No specialist referral needed for convenient direct testing
- Confidential results delivered directly to secure online account
- Reflex testing automatically measures specific peanut proteins when indicated
- Peace of mind through accurate sensitization and severity evaluation
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after peanut exposure
- People with family history of food allergies seeking prevention
- Adults and children with suspected cross-reactivity to other legumes
- Anyone needing allergy confirmation before immunotherapy treatment
- Health-conscious consumers wanting proactive allergy screening
- Parents concerned about child's reaction to peanut-containing foods
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No physician referral needed; schedule at your convenience
- Visit a lab - Get a simple blood draw at any participating location
- Get results - Receive results securely online within 3-5 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies to peanuts, including specific protein components like Ara h 1, h 2, and h 3 when positive.
Can this test predict reaction severity? Yes, specific components like Ara h 2 are associated with higher anaphylaxis risk (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Do I need to avoid peanuts before testing? No, continue your normal diet – recent exposure won't affect antibody levels.
How accurate is this test for diagnosing peanut allergy? IgE levels ≥15 kUA/L predict clinical allergy with 95% probability in children (MDPI 2022).
What if my results are positive? Consult an allergist for confirmation and personalized management including emergency medication.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This blood test measures Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to peanuts in your bloodstream. Using advanced fluorescent enzyme immunoassay technology, it detects total peanut IgE and, when positive, automatically tests for seven key peanut protein components (Ara h 1, h 2, h 3, h 6, h 8, h 9, and profilin Bet v2). This comprehensive approach helps distinguish true peanut allergy from cross-reactivity with other allergens and assesses your risk of severe allergic reactions including life-threatening anaphylaxis (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing allergic symptoms after peanut exposure should consider this test. This includes individuals with hives, swelling, digestive issues, or respiratory symptoms following peanut consumption. The test is particularly valuable for people with family histories of food allergies, those planning immunotherapy treatment, or individuals needing to clarify whether they have true peanut allergy versus cross-reactivity with other foods. Parents concerned about their child's reactions to peanut-containing products will find this test provides crucial safety information (LabCorp 2015).
When should I order the Peanut Allergy IgE Test?
Order this test when allergic symptoms occur after known or suspected peanut exposure, including reactions from cross-contamination or airborne particles. It's recommended for initial screening before introducing peanuts to high-risk individuals, monitoring sensitization levels in known allergic patients, or evaluating candidacy for peanut immunotherapy. The test is also useful when distinguishing peanut allergy from other legume sensitivities or confirming suspected allergy before implementing strict avoidance measures (AAAAI guidelines).
How do I interpret the results?
Results include total peanut IgE levels and specific component measurements when indicated. Understanding your results helps determine allergy risk and guide management decisions.
IgE < 0.10 kUA/L
- What it means: Negative – No peanut sensitization detected
- Typical action: Peanut allergy unlikely; normal consumption typically safe
IgE 0.10–0.34 kUA/L
- What it means: Low positive – Mild sensitization
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms; consider allergist consultation
IgE 0.35–17.4 kUA/L
- What it means: Moderate positive – Significant sensitization
- Typical action: Avoid peanuts; consult allergist for management plan
IgE ≥ 17.5 kUA/L
- What it means: High positive – Strong sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance required; carry emergency epinephrine
Component analysis provides additional risk stratification, with Ara h 2 antibodies indicating highest risk for severe systemic reactions.
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 blood test. You can eat normally before your appointment and continue taking all regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. The test requires a simple blood draw of 1-2 mL, collected in a standard serum tube. Results remain stable during shipping and processing, ensuring accurate measurement regardless of sample transport time (Mayo Clinic 2025).
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and clinical history. Follow-up testing helps monitor sensitization changes over time.
- Initial positive result: Retest in 1–2 years or per allergist guidance
- Undergoing immunotherapy: Every 6–12 months to monitor treatment progress
- Negative result with ongoing symptoms: Retest if new reactions occur
- Pediatric monitoring: Annual testing if persistent sensitization
Why early detection matters
Peanut allergy affects 1-2% of the U.S. population and can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis within minutes of exposure (MDPI 2022). Early identification through IgE testing enables proactive management including strict avoidance, emergency medication access, and family education. This prevents severe reactions, reduces emergency room visits, and improves quality of life. Component analysis provides personalized risk assessment, helping allergists determine appropriate treatment strategies including potential immunotherapy candidacy for selected patients (PMC 2021).
Related tests you may consider
IgE Food Allergy Advanced Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit — for broader screening of multiple allergens, including other tree nuts like walnuts, pecans, and cashews.
Total IgE Test — provides context about your overall allergic tendency.
Almond Allergy IgE Test — helps differentiate between peanut and almond allergies, as these are often confused but represent different allergen categories.
