Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- No discomfort or allergic reactions - safer than skin prick tests
- Fast, accurate results - ImmunoCAP technology with 85%+ sensitivity (Henry's Clinical Diagnosis 2022)
- Convenient nationwide access - thousands of lab locations, no appointment needed
- Quick turnaround - results in 2–5 business days to guide treatment decisions
- Confidential testing - direct access without requiring doctor visit first
- Clinical-grade accuracy - quantifies IgE levels to assess allergy severity
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing symptoms after eating raspberries or raspberry products
- People with known food allergies needing differential diagnosis
- Those preparing for allergy immunotherapy requiring confirmation
- Anyone with oral allergy syndrome or pollen-food cross-reactivity concerns
- Individuals seeking to avoid emergency anaphylaxis episodes
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - select your test and visit any participating lab location
- Quick blood draw -simple 5-minute procedure, no fasting required
- Get results - receive confidential results in 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to raspberry allergens to confirm allergic sensitization.
Is this test better than skin testing? Yes, it avoids triggering allergic skin reactions while providing equally accurate results (Mayo Clinic 2025).
How accurate are the results? ImmunoCAP technology shows 85%+ sensitivity and specificity for detecting IgE-mediated allergies.
Do I need to prepare for this test? No fasting required. Avoid antihistamines 48 hours before testing if advised by your physician.
When will I get my results? Results are typically available within 1-5 business days depending on lab location.
What if my results are positive? Consult an allergist for evaluation and consider avoidance strategies or immunotherapy options.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood to detect allergic sensitivity to raspberries. Using highly sensitive ImmunoCAP fluorescence enzyme immunoassay technology, it helps confirm whether symptoms like hives, swelling, or anaphylaxis are caused by raspberry allergy. The test quantifies your immune system's response to raspberry proteins, providing objective data to guide dietary and treatment decisions.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals experiencing allergic reactions after raspberry consumption should consider this test, especially those with oral allergy syndrome or pollen-food cross-reactivity. People with existing food allergies benefit from differential diagnosis to identify specific triggers. Those preparing for immunotherapy need confirmation testing, and anyone seeking to prevent emergency anaphylaxis episodes can use results for avoidance planning (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2024).
When should I order a Raspberry Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms like tingling in the mouth, swelling, abdominal pain, hives, congestion, or breathing difficulties after raspberry exposure. Test when differentiating raspberry allergy from other food sensitivities or when symptoms occur with berry-containing products like jams, beverages, or desserts. Early testing prevents severe reactions and guides safe dietary choices (PubMed Central 2020).
How do I interpret the results?
Results report IgE levels in classes from 0 (negative) to 6 (very high positive):
IgE Level < 0.35 kU/L
- Class: 0
- Interpretation: No sensitization detected
- Clinical Action: Raspberry allergy unlikely
IgE Level 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- Class: 1
- Interpretation: Low sensitization
- Clinical Action: Monitor symptoms; may tolerate small amounts
IgE Level 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- Class: 2
- Interpretation: Moderate sensitization
- Clinical Action: Avoid raspberries; consult allergist
IgE Level 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- Class: 3
- Interpretation: High sensitization
- Clinical Action: Strict avoidance; carry epinephrine if prescribed
IgE Level 17.50–49.99 kU/L
- Class: 4
- Interpretation: Very high sensitization
- Clinical Action: Complete avoidance; emergency action plan needed
IgE Level 50.00–100.00 kU/L
- Class: 5
- Interpretation: Extremely high sensitization
- Clinical Action: Severe allergy risk; specialist management
IgE Level > 100.00 kU/L
- Class: 6
- Interpretation: Maximum sensitization
- Clinical Action: Highest anaphylaxis risk; intensive management
Results must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms, as some individuals may have positive tests but tolerate raspberries without 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 fasting or dietary restrictions are required for this blood test. Avoid antihistamines for 48 hours before testing if advised by your healthcare provider, as they may interfere with accurate IgE measurement. Inform your lab technician about any medications you're taking. The simple blood draw takes about 5 minutes and requires no special preparation (MedlinePlus 2024).
How often should I get tested?
- Initial allergy diagnosis: Once, unless symptoms change
- Monitoring immunotherapy progress: Every 6–12 months as directed
- Symptom changes or new reactions: As needed with physician guidance
- Childhood allergies: Every 2–3 years to assess outgrowth
- Confirmed severe allergy: Rarely needed; focus on management
Why early detection matters
Food allergies affect approximately 8% of children and 10% of adults in the U.S., with early identification reducing emergency visits and improving quality of life (CDC 2023). Accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary dietary restrictions while ensuring safety from severe reactions. Early detection enables proper emergency preparedness, including epinephrine auto-injector training and allergy action plans. Healthcare cost savings from preventing anaphylaxis episodes are estimated in billions annually through proactive allergy management.
Related tests you may consider
Berry Allergy IgE Blood Test Panel - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to various berries.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Apple Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to apples.
