Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum (0.3 mL minimum)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Non-invasive alternative to skin prick testing with no allergen exposure risks
- Quantitative results measure exact IgE antibody levels for severity assessment
- Rapid turnaround enables timely diagnosis and allergy management decisions
- Convenient online ordering with walk-in lab access nationwide
- No special preparation required - just a simple blood draw
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained allergic reactions after eating spinach
- People with symptoms like hives, swelling, or digestive issues after spinach consumption
- Those with known amaranth family allergies seeking cross-reactivity assessment
- Patients considering allergy immunotherapy requiring confirmed sensitization
- Health-conscious consumers wanting proactive food allergy identification
- Individuals unable to undergo skin prick allergy testing
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any participating lab for a quick blood draw
- Lab analysis measures spinach-specific IgE antibodies using advanced immunoassay methods
- Receive results within 3-5 business days with clear reference guidelines
FAQ
What does this test detect? IgE antibodies specific to spinach proteins that indicate allergic sensitization.
How accurate are IgE blood tests? ImmunoCAP® methods show high sensitivity and specificity correlating well with clinical allergy status.
Can I eat spinach before the test? Yes, no dietary restrictions are needed as the test measures antibody levels, not active reactions.
Will this test show other food allergies? No, this test is specific to spinach only. Consider comprehensive food allergy panels for broader screening.
What if my results are equivocal? Borderline results may require clinical correlation with symptoms and possible follow-up testing.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Spinach Allergy IgE Blood Test detects specific IgE antibodies against spinach allergens in your blood. This specialized laboratory assay uses Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) methods to measure antibody concentrations, helping confirm or rule out a spinach allergy. The test clarifies whether your immune system is reacting specifically to spinach proteins, establishing a definitive diagnosis for allergic symptoms potentially linked to spinach consumption.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for individuals with suspected food allergies tied to spinach consumption. You should consider testing if you experience symptoms like hives, anaphylaxis, or digestive issues after eating spinach-containing foods. The test is particularly valuable for those needing allergen identification before immunotherapy, monitoring allergy status over time, or requiring documentation for dietary management plans.
When should I order a Spinach Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when your clinical history suggests spinach allergy or when unexplained allergic responses occur after spinach ingestion. Common symptoms warranting testing include hives, swelling, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, or severe reactions like anaphylaxis (Children's Hospital Colorado 2025). The test is also recommended to inform comprehensive allergy management and avoidance strategies.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE < 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative - No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Spinach allergy unlikely
IgE 0.10–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Equivocal - Borderline sensitization
- Typical action: Clinical correlation needed
IgE 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Class 1-2 Positive - Low to moderate
- Typical action: Avoid spinach, monitor symptoms
IgE ≥ 3.50 kU/L
- What it means: Class 3+ Positive - High sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance, emergency plan
Higher IgE classes indicate stronger allergic sensitization and increased likelihood of clinical 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 special preparation is required for this test. You don't need to fast or make medication changes before your blood draw (MedlinePlus 2024). Simply arrive at the lab for a standard blood collection from your arm. The laboratory requires only 0.3 mL of serum for accurate testing.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial allergy evaluation: Once for diagnosis
- Monitoring known allergy: Every 2–3 years or as directed
- After immunotherapy: 6–12 months post-treatment
- Changing symptoms: As clinically indicated
Why early detection matters
Food allergies affect approximately 8% of children and 4% of adults in the U.S. (PubMed Central 2020). Early and accurate identification of food allergens through IgE testing significantly reduces the risk of severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. This proactive approach improves patient safety, reduces emergency healthcare costs, and enables proper dietary management before serious reactions occur.
Related tests you may consider
Allergen Profile, Vegetable I Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to several common vegetables.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Quinoa Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to quinoa.
