Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required.
- Turnaround: 2-5 business days (may take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays)
What's Included
This test measures the level of IgE antibodies specific to pistachio nuts in a blood sample (biomarker F203-IgE Pistachio Nut). IgE antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to specific allergens, and elevated levels can indicate sensitization to pistachio.
This is a single allergen test. It reports on pistachio nuts specifically and does not measure other tree nuts, other foods, or other antibody classes such as IgG. Only a blood draw is required to complete the test.
Benefits
- Measures IgE antibody levels specific to pistachio nut
- Requires only a standard blood draw
- No fasting or special preparation needed
- Results delivered online for easy access
- Provides objective lab data to discuss with a provider
- Focused, single-allergen result for pistachio sensitization
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals who have experienced symptoms after eating pistachios or pistachio-containing products
- People with tingling, swelling, hives, or itching after possible pistachio exposure
- Individuals with digestive symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) following suspected pistachio exposure
- People with respiratory symptoms (wheezing, congestion, trouble breathing) linked to pistachio exposure
- Anyone wanting objective IgE data on pistachio to share with a healthcare provider
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure?
This test measures the level of pistachio-specific IgE antibodies in your blood (biomarker F203-IgE Pistachio Nut). It reflects immune sensitization to pistachio nuts only and does not measure other foods, tree nuts, or antibody classes.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
Symptoms suggestive of a pistachio allergy include tingling in or around the mouth, swelling, hives, digestive upset, congestion, wheezing, or lightheadedness after exposure to pistachios or pistachio-containing products. These symptoms typically appear within minutes to a few hours of exposure, which is when testing may be considered.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You can have your blood drawn without fasting or any other pre-test steps.
4. How long will it take to get my results?
Results are typically available in 2 to 5 business days, though this may take longer depending on weather, holidays, or other lab delays.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?
Your IgE result reflects the level of pistachio-specific antibody detected in your blood, but a positive result does not by itself confirm a clinical food allergy, and a negative result does not guarantee that pistachio can be consumed without risk. Interpretation depends on your result together with your symptoms, history, and other clinical information. If your result is abnormal, review it with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help determine whether further evaluation is appropriate. This test does not diagnose a food allergy or indicate how severe a reaction might be.
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.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system recognizes proteins that are structurally similar across different allergen sources, even if those sources are not directly related in diet. This test measures only pistachio-specific IgE and does not test for any of the additional foods or substances discussed below. The examples below are not an exhaustive list, and they represent possible additional considerations rather than confirmed allergies. Having a positive pistachio result does not mean you will necessarily react to any of the items listed. Depending on your symptoms, history, or reactions to other foods, discussing related allergen testing with your healthcare provider may be worth considering.
- Cashew: Pistachio and cashew belong to the same botanical family (Anacardiaceae), and cross-reactivity between their proteins has been well documented in people allergic to either nut.
- Mango:As a member of the same plant family, mango has been associated with cross-reactivity in some individuals with pistachio or cashew allergy, though clinical reaction patterns vary.
- Pink peppercorn and other Anacardiaceae relatives: Substances such as pink peppercorn and sumac belong to the same plant family as pistachio, and case reports and small studies have noted possible cross-sensitization.
- Other tree nuts: Broader tree nut cross-reactivity (for example, with walnut or hazelnut) has been reported in the scientific literature, though the relationships are less consistently established than with cashew.
These relationships are based on documented immunologic similarity and do not mean that additional foods should automatically be avoided or tested. If you have concerns about reactions to related foods, your healthcare provider can help determine whether further evaluation makes sense for your situation.
