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
- Skip the doctor visit - get tested directly without referral or appointment delays
- Fast, accurate results - quantitative IgE measurement with clinical-grade precision
- Convenient testing - walk-in lab locations nationwide or home collection options
- Early detection - identify quinoa sensitivity before severe reactions occur
- Cost-effective - affordable alternative to traditional allergy clinic testing
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained symptoms after eating quinoa-containing foods
- People with multiple food allergies seeking comprehensive allergen screening
- Health-conscious consumers incorporating quinoa into their diet
- Parents concerned about children’s reactions to quinoa products
- Those with family history of food allergies or atopic conditions
- Individuals preparing for dietary changes or elimination protocols
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
Order online - Select your test and choose a convenient lab location
Visit the lab - Quick blood draw with no appointment needed
Get results - Receive confidential results within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies against quinoa proteins that indicate allergic sensitization.
Is quinoa allergy common? Quinoa allergy is rare but increasingly reported as quinoa consumption grows worldwide.
Can I eat quinoa if my test is positive? Avoid quinoa-containing foods and consult an allergist for management recommendations.
What if I have borderline results? Borderline results require clinical correlation - discuss symptoms with a healthcare provider.
Do I need to stop medications before testing? No medication adjustments needed for blood-based IgE testing, unlike skin tests.
Can this test predict reaction severity? IgE levels don't reliably predict severity - clinical history and symptoms matter most.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to quinoa proteins using immunoassay technology. When your immune system identifies quinoa as harmful, it produces IgE antibodies that trigger allergic reactions. The test detects these antibodies to determine if you have developed an IgE-mediated quinoa allergy. Results help distinguish true allergic reactions from food intolerance or other digestive issues (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2019).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits anyone experiencing allergic symptoms after quinoa consumption, including skin reactions, digestive upset, or respiratory symptoms. It's particularly valuable for individuals with multiple food allergies, those following plant-based diets heavy in quinoa, or people with unexplained allergic reactions. Parents concerned about children's reactions to quinoa products should also consider testing, as early identification prevents severe reactions (Cleveland Clinic 2021).
When should I order a Quinoa Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience symptoms within minutes to hours after eating quinoa, including hives, swelling, digestive upset, or respiratory issues. Consider testing before starting quinoa-heavy diets, if you have multiple food allergies, or if family members have quinoa sensitivity. The test is also useful for monitoring known allergies or confirming suspected cross-reactivity with other seeds.
How do I interpret the results?
< 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: No significant sensitization
- Typical action: Quinoa likely safe to consume
0.10 – 0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline sensitization
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms, consult physician
0.35 – 0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive
- Typical action: Consider quinoa avoidance
0.70 – 3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive
- Typical action: Avoid quinoa, carry antihistamines
3.50 – 17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High positive
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, consider epinephrine
> 17.5 kU/L
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Complete avoidance, emergency plan needed
Higher IgE levels suggest stronger sensitization but don't always predict reaction severity - clinical symptoms remain the best indicator.
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 stop medications, unlike some other allergy tests. Continue eating normally before your test, as dietary restriction won't affect IgE antibody levels already present in your blood. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arm for blood collection (Thermo Fisher Scientific 2020).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial allergy evaluation: Once, then as symptoms change
- Known quinoa allergy: Every 2–3 years or if exposure occurs
- Undergoing immunotherapy: As directed by allergist
- Children with allergies: Every 1–2 years to monitor outgrowth
- Dietary reintroduction planning: Before attempting quinoa reintroduction
Why early detection matters
Early quinoa allergy detection prevents potentially dangerous allergic reactions and allows for proper dietary planning. Food allergies affect approximately 10.8% of adults in the U.S., with severe reactions requiring emergency care costing thousands of dollars (CDC 2023). Identifying quinoa sensitivity early enables you to read labels carefully, avoid cross-contamination, and carry appropriate medications. This proactive approach reduces healthcare costs and improves quality of life (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 2023).
Related tests you may consider
IgG Food Antibodies (87 IgG Foods + Total IgE) - Genova Test Kit - Measures antibodies to 87 commonly consumed foods and provides a total IgE measurement to screen for food allergies or sensitivities.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Gluten Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels to screen for adverse reactions to gluten proteins found in wheat.
