Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of strawberry-specific IgE antibodies (biomarker F044-IgE Strawberry) in a blood sample. IgE antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to specific allergens, and their presence can indicate sensitization to strawberries. This is a single-allergen blood test focused only on strawberry, using a standard blood draw as the specimen. The result reflects strawberry-specific IgE levels only and does not measure any other food, allergen, or antibody class.
Benefits
- Identifies strawberry-specific IgE sensitization from one blood sample
- Convenient blood draw with no special preparation
- Results typically available within 3 to 5 days
- Supports a healthcare provider's evaluation of possible strawberry allergy
- Focused, single-allergen result for clear, targeted information
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals who experience symptoms after eating strawberries
- People with a suspected but unconfirmed strawberry sensitivity
- Those wanting to explore a possible strawberry-related reaction with their provider
- Individuals working with a healthcare provider to narrow down a suspected trigger
- People who want a targeted look at strawberry sensitization specifically
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does this test measure, and how is it different from other food allergy tests?
This test measures strawberry-specific IgE antibodies in a blood sample, reported as biomarker F044-IgE Strawberry. Unlike broader food allergy panels that screen many foods at once, this test focuses only on strawberry, giving you a targeted result rather than a wide sensitization overview.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
Individuals who notice symptoms after eating strawberries, or who suspect a strawberry-related sensitivity, may find this test relevant. It can be a useful starting point when you and your healthcare provider want to evaluate strawberry specifically, rather than testing for many foods at once.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You can visit the lab for your blood draw without fasting or making any changes to your routine beforehand.
4. How long will it take to get my results?
Results are typically available in 3 to 5 days, though turnaround may take longer due to weather, holidays, or lab delays. You'll be able to access your results online once they're ready.
5. How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?
Your result reflects the level of strawberry-specific IgE detected in your blood sample, but interpretation depends on your symptoms, history, and other clinical factors that only a healthcare provider can evaluate together with this result. A detected level indicates sensitization, not necessarily a confirmed clinical allergy, and it does not predict how severe a reaction might be. If your result is outside the expected range, review it with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help determine appropriate next steps based on your full health picture. Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
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.
6. How often should I get this test?
Repeat testing isn't required on a fixed schedule and should be guided by your healthcare provider based on your symptoms, history, and clinical needs.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation required.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins shared between different allergen sources. This test measures only strawberry-specific IgE and does not test for the additional pollens, foods, or substances discussed below. The examples here are not exhaustive, but they may offer useful context for discussing your history and symptoms with a healthcare provider. Cross-reactivity does not mean a person will necessarily react to another listed allergen, and related allergen testing may be worth discussing with your provider depending on your history and symptoms.
Birch pollen: Strawberries contain a protein similar to Bet v 1, the major birch pollen allergen, which has been associated with oral allergy syndrome in birch-sensitized individuals.
Other Rosaceae fruits (apple, pear, cherry, peach, plum, apricot): Peer-reviewed research has documented immunologic and, in some patients, clinical cross-reactivity among Rosaceae family fruits, though reactivity patterns vary between individuals.
Profilin-containing foods and pollens: Strawberries contain profilin, a widely distributed plant protein that has been associated with broader cross-reactivity across various pollens and plant foods in profilin-sensitized individuals.
