Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Precise allergy risk assessment – Measures specific peanut proteins for accurate diagnosis
- Predict reaction severity – Identifies components linked to life-threatening anaphylaxis
- No specialist referral needed – Direct access for convenient, confidential testing
- Fast results – Get answers in 3-5 business days to guide dietary decisions
- Comprehensive protein panel – Tests all 6 key peanut allergens (Ara h 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9)
- More accurate than traditional tests – Component testing outperforms whole-peanut IgE testing
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after peanut exposure
- People with a family history of peanut or food allergies
- Those with other known allergies seeking comprehensive screening
- Parents concerned about children’s potential peanut sensitivity
- Anyone wanting to confirm or rule out peanut allergy
- Individuals monitoring allergy changes over time
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive lab requisition form
- Visit lab location - Get blood drawn at any Walk-In Lab partner facility
- Receive results - Access confidential results online in 3-5 business days
FAQ
What components does this panel test? This panel measures IgE antibodies to six specific peanut proteins: Ara h 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, and 9, providing comprehensive allergy assessment.
How accurate is component testing compared to traditional allergy tests? Component testing is significantly more accurate, with Ara h 2 showing over 90% predictive value for clinical peanut allergy (AAAAI 2020).
Can this test predict how severe my reaction might be? Yes, positive results for Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 are strongly associated with severe, systemic allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.
What if my results are positive? Consult with an allergist or healthcare provider to confirm diagnosis, discuss avoidance strategies, and create an emergency action plan.
Do I need to stop taking medications before this test? No special preparation is needed. Continue taking all medications as prescribed and eat normally before testing.
How often should I retest? Follow-up testing is typically recommended every 1-2 years or if symptoms change, as guided by your healthcare provider.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Peanut Component Blood Test Panel measures IgE antibodies to specific peanut proteins to diagnose and assess peanut allergy risk. Unlike traditional whole-peanut extract tests, this advanced component testing identifies which specific proteins trigger your immune response. This detailed information helps predict reaction severity and guides personalized treatment approaches (Mayo Clinic 2012).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals with suspected peanut allergies, especially those experiencing symptoms like hives, swelling, respiratory distress, or gastrointestinal issues after peanut exposure. It's also beneficial for people with family history of allergies, those with other atopic conditions, and anyone seeking proactive allergy screening. With peanut allergies affecting approximately 1-2% of the U.S. population and causing about 30,000 emergency department visits annually, early identification is crucial (CDC/AAAAI 2021).
When should I order Peanut Component Blood Test Panel?
Order this test if you've experienced allergic symptoms after peanut consumption or suspect peanut sensitivity. Symptoms may include tingling in the mouth, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, itching, hives, congestion, breathing difficulties, or lightheadedness. The test is also appropriate for allergy risk assessment in high-risk individuals and for monitoring changes in sensitization over time.
How do I interpret the results?
Results show IgE antibody levels for each peanut component, measured in kU/L units. Higher levels indicate greater sensitization and allergy risk.
Component Result: Ara h 2 positive
- What it means: High risk for severe reactions
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, carry epinephrine
Component Result: Ara h 1, 3 positive only
- What it means: Milder reactions possible
- Typical action: Discuss tolerance with allergist
Component Result: Ara h 8 positive only
- What it means: Cross-reactivity with birch pollen
- Typical action: May tolerate processed peanuts
Component Result: All components negative
- What it means: Low likelihood of peanut allergy
- Typical action: Normal diet, monitor symptoms
Sensitization to Ara h 2 is the strongest predictor of clinical peanut allergy, with over 90% accuracy for identifying severe 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 don't need to fast or make dietary changes beforehand. Continue taking all medications as prescribed, including antihistamines, as they won't affect the test results. The blood draw typically requires 1.5 mL of serum and can be collected at any Walk-In Lab partner facility.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once, followed by allergist consultation
- Monitoring known allergy: Every 1–2 years
- After immunotherapy: As recommended by allergist
- Changing symptoms: When symptoms worsen or improve
- Children with allergies: Annually to track potential outgrowth
Why early detection matters
Early identification of peanut allergies can be life-saving, as peanut reactions can be severe and unpredictable. Component testing provides superior diagnostic accuracy compared to traditional methods, reducing false positives and unnecessary dietary restrictions. Early detection enables proper emergency preparedness, including epinephrine auto-injector prescriptions and allergy action plans. This proactive approach significantly reduces emergency healthcare visits and associated costs.
Related tests you may consider
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test- Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to screen for an allergy to certain tree nuts and peanuts.
Soy Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to screen for an allergy to soy.
