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
- Detect sensitization early — identify sesame allergy before severe reactions occur
- Convenient walk-in access — no physician referral or specialist visit required
- Component-resolved testing — reflex to Ses i 1 for enhanced risk assessment
- Fast turnaround — receive actionable insights within 3–5 business days
- Empowers dietary decisions — supports safe food choices and anaphylaxis prevention
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing hives, swelling, or respiratory symptoms after sesame exposure
- People with known nut or seed allergies requiring cross-reactivity screening
- Anyone considering sesame allergy immunotherapy needing baseline confirmation
- Parents screening children with suspected food allergy symptoms
- Health-conscious consumers proactively managing dietary allergen risks
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 sesame seed proteins, indicating allergic sensitization.
Can I eat sesame before the test? Yes, no dietary restrictions or fasting required before blood collection.
Will this test diagnose my sesame allergy? It detects sensitization; clinical diagnosis requires physician correlation with symptoms.
What if my results are elevated? Levels ≥0.35 kU/L suggest sensitization; consult an allergist for oral challenge or management.
Does this test check for cross-reactive allergies? No, but component testing (Ses i 1) helps assess risk; consider additional panels.
How accurate is this test? Fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) is validated and sensitive; component testing improves predictive value.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to sesame seed proteins in your blood. It helps confirm sesame allergy diagnosis, assess your risk of allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, and guide clinical management including immunotherapy decisions. Sesame is now recognized as a Top 9 Food Allergen in the United States due to its increasing prevalence and potential to cause severe reactions (FAACT 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
You should consider this test if you experience allergic symptoms after eating sesame-containing foods like tahini, hummus, bagels, or Asian dishes with sesame oil. Symptoms may include hives, facial redness, itchy mouth or throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hoarse voice, coughing, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting. This test is particularly valuable if you have known nut or seed allergies, as sesame can cross-react with hazelnuts, peanuts, and other allergens (Thermo Fisher 2024).
When should I order a Sesame Seed IgE Allergy Blood Test?
Order this test when you suspect sesame allergy based on symptoms experienced after exposure or consumption. It's especially important before starting immunotherapy, if you have multiple seed or nut allergies requiring comprehensive screening, or if you're managing dietary restrictions proactively. Testing is also beneficial for children with unexplained allergic reactions or adults with recent-onset food allergy symptoms.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results report IgE levels in kU/L (kilo units per liter) or as class scores. Higher levels indicate sensitization, but clinical correlation with your symptoms is essential for diagnosis.
- <0.10 kU/L: Negative — no sensitization detected → Allergy unlikely; monitor symptoms
- 0.10–0.34 kU/L: Borderline — minimal sensitization → Clinical correlation needed; possible retest
- 0.35–0.69 kU/L: Class I — low positive → Reflex to component testing (Ses i 1)
- 0.70–3.49 kU/L: Class II — moderate positive → Consult allergist; consider oral challenge
- 3.50–17.49 kU/L: Class III — high positive → Strong sensitization; strict avoidance advised
- 17.50–49.99 kU/L: Class IV — very high positive → High allergy risk; carry epinephrine
- ≥50.00 kU/L: Class V/VI — extremely high → Severe allergy likely; emergency plan essential
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 is required before this test. Inform your healthcare provider or lab technician about any medications affecting immune response, such as antihistamines or immunosuppressants. These medications typically do not interfere with IgE antibody levels but should be documented. You may continue your normal diet and activities before testing.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis or screening: Once, followed by clinical assessment
- Monitoring immunotherapy progress: Every 6–12 months as directed
- Unexplained reaction after avoidance: Retest to assess sensitization changes
- Childhood allergy — potential outgrowth: Every 1–2 years under allergist guidance
Why early detection matters
Sesame allergy can cause severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis requiring emergency epinephrine administration. Early detection reduces healthcare utilization from allergic emergencies and significantly improves quality of life through informed dietary planning (FAACT 2023). Sesame appears in unexpected products including bread, crackers, cosmetics, supplements, medications, and pet food, making avoidance challenging without confirmed diagnosis. Identifying sensitization empowers you to read labels carefully, avoid cross-contact, and educate family members or caregivers about emergency protocols.
Related tests you may consider
Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test – Useful due to cross-reactivity between sesame and peanuts.
Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test – Tests for almonds, coconut, peanut, pecans, sesame seed, hazelnut, and cashews to evaluate potential cross-reactive seed or nut allergies.
Total IgE Blood Test – Measures overall IgE levels to indicate general allergic predisposition.
