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 raspberry-specific IgE antibody in your blood (biomarker F343-IgE Raspberry). IgE antibodies are produced by your immune system when it identifies a specific protein, in this case a protein found in raspberries, as a potential threat. Your blood sample is analyzed for this single antibody marker only. This test does not measure IgG antibodies, other antibody classes, or antibodies to any other food, fruit, or allergen. A raspberry-specific IgE result reflects sensitization to raspberry protein and is one piece of information that, together with your history and a healthcare provider's evaluation, may help assess a possible raspberry allergy.
Benefits
- Measures raspberry-specific IgE with a single blood draw.
- Requires no special preparation or fasting beforehand.
- Provides objective antibody data for your healthcare provider to review.
- Results are typically available in 2 to 5 business days.
- Supports a focused conversation with your provider about raspberry exposure.
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals who experience symptoms after eating raspberries, such as tingling in the mouth or swelling.
- Individuals who notice digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea after raspberry exposure.
- Individuals who develop hives, itching, or eczema following raspberry ingestion.
- Individuals who experience congestion, wheezing, or trouble breathing after eating raspberries.
- Individuals who want objective antibody information to discuss with a healthcare provider after a suspected reaction.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure?
This test identifies the level of IgE antibody specific to raspberry in a blood sample (biomarker F343-IgE Raspberry). It measures this single antibody marker only and does not evaluate antibodies to any other food or allergen. IgE antibodies are part of an immune response that, in sensitized individuals, can trigger histamine release and allergic symptoms after raspberry exposure.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
People who notice symptoms such as mouth tingling, swelling, hives, digestive upset, or breathing difficulty after eating raspberries may find this test relevant. Symptoms can appear anywhere from minutes to a few hours after exposure, and testing may be considered following such a reaction. This test is intended for individuals with a specific concern about raspberry exposure rather than as a general allergy screen.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You can proceed with your normal daily routine, including eating and drinking, before your blood draw.
4. How quickly will I get results, and how should I interpret them?
Results are typically available within 2 to 5 business days, though timing may be extended due to weather, holidays, or other lab delays. A detected IgE level indicates sensitization to raspberry protein, but it does not by itself confirm a clinical food allergy, predict how severe a future reaction might be, or determine whether raspberries are safe or unsafe for you to eat. Your healthcare provider will consider this result alongside your symptom history and any other relevant findings.
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.
5. What should I do if my result is abnormal?
Share your result with a qualified healthcare provider, who can evaluate it alongside your symptoms and medical history. Do not stop prescribed medication or change your diet based on this result alone. Additional evaluation or testing may be considered if your provider recommends it, but any next steps should be guided by professional medical advice rather than the test result in isolation.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity can occur when your immune system recognizes proteins in other foods or pollens that closely resemble the protein it originally reacted to, in this case, a protein found in raspberry. This test measures only raspberry-specific IgE and does not test for any of the different pollens, foods, or substances described below. The relationships listed here are examples only, not a complete list, and are meant to provide general educational context rather than a prediction of how you personally will react. Having a raspberry-specific IgE result does not mean you will necessarily react to any of the items below, and these items are not automatically included in, or confirmed by, your current test result. Depending on your symptoms, history, or a healthcare provider's guidance, evaluation of related allergens may be worth discussing.
- Birch pollen: Raspberry belongs to the Rosaceae family, and birch pollen allergy has been associated with pollen food allergy syndrome (oral allergy syndrome) involving several Rosaceae fruits, causing mouth or throat itching after eating raw fruit.
- Apple, cherry, peach, pear, and plum: These Rosaceae family fruits are commonly associated with birch pollen-related pollen food allergy syndrome and may share cross-reactive proteins with raspberry in some individuals.
- Other raw fruits, vegetables, or tree nuts: In people with an underlying pollen allergy, cross-reactivity has been reported with a range of raw plant foods beyond the Rosaceae family, though the specific pattern varies by individual and by the pollen involved.
If reactions to related pollen or fruits are a concern, discussing your history and symptoms with a healthcare provider can help determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.
