Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Fast, accurate results - Quantifies pecan-specific IgE antibodies using advanced FEIA technology
- Convenient testing - Order online or walk-in, no doctor referral required
- Prevents severe reactions - Early detection helps avoid potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis
- Simple blood draw - Quick sample collection with confidential results
- Peace of mind - Know your allergy status for safer food choices
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating pecans or pecan-containing foods
- Individuals with known tree nut allergies needing specific confirmation
- Those with a family history of food allergies seeking proactive screening
- Anyone considering allergen immunotherapy requiring precise allergen identification
- Health-conscious consumers wanting comprehensive allergy awareness
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order your test - Purchase online or visit a walk-in lab location near you
- Provide blood sample - Quick, simple blood draw requiring only 0.3-0.5 mL serum
- Get results - Receive confidential results within 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? The test quantifies pecan-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to detect allergic sensitization.
Do I need to prepare for this test? No fasting or medication changes required. Inform the lab if you're receiving immunotherapy.
Can children take this test? Yes, this test is safe for all ages and uses a standard blood draw procedure.
What if my results are borderline? Borderline results may require retesting or additional allergy testing based on clinical symptoms.
How accurate is this test? Specific IgE testing has 70-90% sensitivity and specificity for tree nut allergies (Mayo Clinic Labs 2019).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects and measures IgE antibodies specific to pecan proteins in your blood. IgE antibodies are produced when your immune system mistakenly identifies pecan proteins as harmful substances. The test uses Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology to provide precise quantification, helping establish or exclude a pecan allergy diagnosis (Walk-In Lab 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms after consuming pecans or pecan-containing foods. Since approximately 1.1% of the U.S. population has tree nut allergies, including pecans, early identification is crucial (TestGuide 2024). People with existing tree nut allergies should consider testing due to common cross-reactivity between different nuts, particularly pecans and walnuts.
When should I order a Pecan Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you've experienced allergic reactions after eating pecans, need confirmation before starting immunotherapy, or want to identify specific allergens causing your symptoms. Testing is also recommended for individuals with known tree nut allergies seeking comprehensive allergen profiling, as cross-reactivity between nuts is common (Southern IML Pathology 2023).
How do I interpret the results?
IgE Level < 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Normal diet, monitor symptoms
IgE Level 0.10–0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline – Low sensitization
- Typical action: Cautious consumption, consider retesting
IgE Level ≥ 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: Positive – Significant sensitization
- Typical action: Avoid pecans, seek medical guidance
IgE Level ≥ 3.5 kU/L
- What it means: High positive – Strong sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, carry epinephrine
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with increased likelihood of clinical reactions, but results must always be interpreted alongside your medical history and symptoms (Mayo Clinic Labs 2019).
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 stop medications. However, inform the laboratory if you're currently receiving allergen immunotherapy, as this may affect results. The test requires a simple blood draw, and results are typically available within 2-5 business days (MedlinePlus 2024).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once, unless symptoms change
- Monitoring immunotherapy: As directed by allergist
- Symptom changes: Retest when symptoms evolve
- Pediatric follow-up: Every 2–3 years if positive
Why early detection matters
Early and accurate detection of pecan allergy significantly reduces the risk of potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions. Tree nut allergies, including pecan allergies, tend to be lifelong and can cause severe reactions even with minimal exposure. Proper identification allows for effective avoidance strategies, emergency preparedness with epinephrine, and informed dietary choices that improve quality of life while reducing emergency care costs.
Related tests you may consider
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.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to peanuts.
Walnut Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to walnuts.
