Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (serum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Pinpoint specific allergies — Detect pine nut-specific IgE antibodies for accurate diagnosis
- Skip the specialist wait — Get results directly without initial allergist appointments
- Avoid emergency reactions — Identify sensitivities before severe allergic episodes occur
- No dietary prep needed — Test anytime without fasting or medication changes
- Fast, reliable results — Receive quantitative IgE levels within 3-5 days
- Guide treatment decisions — Support immunotherapy planning and allergy management
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating pine nuts or pesto
- Individuals with unexplained food allergic reactions needing specific triggers identified
- Those with family history of tree nut allergies seeking proactive screening
- Parents monitoring children's potential food sensitivities and allergies
- Anyone requiring confirmation before starting allergy immunotherapy treatments
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Schedule your test at any certified lab location
- Get tested - Quick blood draw takes just minutes, no preparation needed
- Review results - Receive confidential results within 3-5 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to pine nuts that trigger allergic reactions.
How accurate are the results? Highly accurate using FEIA technology with excellent sensitivity and specificity (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Can I eat pine nuts before testing? Yes, no dietary restrictions are needed before this blood test.
Will this show allergy severity? The test shows sensitization levels but clinical symptoms determine actual severity.
How is this different from skin testing? Blood testing is more convenient and not affected by antihistamines or skin conditions.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures pine nut-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to confirm whether you're allergic to pine nuts. Pine nuts are edible seeds from pine trees commonly found in pesto, breads, sauces, and Mediterranean dishes. The test uses fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) technology to quantify IgE levels, helping healthcare providers diagnose pine nut allergies and guide appropriate treatment decisions (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing symptoms like hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea, or digestive issues after consuming pine nuts should consider testing. This includes individuals with unexplained allergic reactions, those with family histories of tree nut allergies, or people planning to start allergy immunotherapy. Early detection helps prevent severe reactions and supports proactive allergy management.
When should I order a Pine Nut Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you've experienced allergic symptoms after eating foods containing pine nuts, such as pesto, salads, or baked goods. It's also valuable for confirming suspected allergies before dietary elimination or when preparing for immunotherapy. Consider testing if you have unexplained food allergic reactions or want comprehensive allergy screening (Walk-In Lab 2025).
How do I interpret the results?
IgE < 0.10 kU/L
- What is Means: No sensitization detected
- Typical Action: Pine nut allergy unlikely
IgE 0.10–0.69 kU/L
- What is Means: Low sensitization
- Typical Action: Monitor symptoms, consult provider
IgE 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What is Means: Moderate sensitization
- Typical Action: Avoid pine nuts, carry antihistamines
IgE 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- What is Means: High sensitization
- Typical Action: Strict avoidance, consider epinephrine
IgE > 17.50 kU/L
- What is Means: Very high sensitization
- Typical Action: Emergency preparedness essential
Higher IgE levels suggest stronger sensitization, but symptom severity varies among individuals and requires clinical correlation.
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 avoid pine nuts beforehand. However, inform your healthcare provider about any antihistamines you're taking, as they may potentially affect results in some cases. The test requires a simple blood draw using a standard serum collection tube.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis – Once for baseline
- Monitoring immunotherapy – Every 6–12 months
- Symptom changes – As needed
- Childhood allergies – Every 2–3 years
Why early detection matters
Early pine nut allergy detection prevents potentially severe allergic reactions and reduces healthcare costs associated with emergency interventions. Pine nut allergies can cause reactions ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Knowing your allergy status enables proper avoidance strategies, emergency preparedness, and informed decisions about treatment options like immunotherapy.
Related tests you may consider
Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy IgE Panel - for comprehensive screening of multiple nut allergens including almonds, walnuts, peanut, and cashews.
Total IgE Test - can help understand your overall allergic tendency.
IgE Food Allergy Advanced Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit - identifies multiple food sensitivities simultaneously.
