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
- Precise diagnosis: Measures specific IgE antibodies to tangerine allergens with >90% accuracy
- Convenient testing: Simple blood draw with no fasting or special preparation required
- Fast results: Results available in 2–5 business days.
- Confidential access: Order directly without a physician referral for privacy
- Emergency planning: Helps determine the need for epinephrine and an allergy action plan
- Cross-reactivity insights: Identifies potential reactions to other citrus fruits
Who Is This Test For?
- People experiencing allergic symptoms after eating tangerines or mandarin oranges
- Individuals with known citrus allergies seeking specific tangerine confirmation
- Those with oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or pollen-food allergies
- Parents concerned about children's reactions to citrus-containing foods
- Anyone needing documentation for dietary restrictions or medical records
- People planning emergency allergy management strategies
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive a lab requisition form
- Visit lab - Get a quick blood draw at any nearby collection site
- Review results - Access secure results online within 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to tangerine allergens that trigger allergic reactions.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required. Continue normal eating and drinking.
Will medications affect my results? Antihistamines don't typically affect IgE levels, but inform your provider of all medications.
Can I test my child? Yes, this test is appropriate for children experiencing suspected tangerine allergies.
How accurate is this blood test? IgE testing has >90% sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing food allergies (Mayo Clinic 2024).
What if my results are positive? Consult an allergist for management plans and consider carrying emergency medications.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects and measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specifically directed against tangerine allergens in your blood. When your immune system identifies tangerine proteins as harmful, it produces these antibodies, which trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms. The test uses sensitive immunoassays like ImmunoCAP to quantify your sensitization level, helping confirm or rule out an IgE-mediated tangerine allergy (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for individuals experiencing allergic reactions after tangerine consumption, including symptoms like mouth tingling, swelling, digestive issues, or respiratory problems. People with known citrus allergies, oral allergy syndrome, or pollen-food allergies particularly benefit from specific tangerine testing. Parents seeking confirmation of children's food allergies and adults requiring dietary guidance or emergency planning also find this test essential for proper allergy management (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
When should I order a Tangerine Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience allergic symptoms within minutes to hours after eating tangerines, including tingling mouth, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, itching, hives, congestion, or breathing difficulties. Consider testing if you have reactions to tangerine-containing products like jams, beverages, or desserts. Those with severe symptoms like rapid pulse, throat swelling, or dizziness should seek immediate medical attention, as these may indicate anaphylaxis (CDC 2022).
How do I interpret the results?
0.00-0.34 kU/L:
- What it means: Negative/Very low
- Typical action: Allergy unlikely
0.35-0.69 kU/L:
- What it means: Low positive
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms
0.70-3.49 kU/L:
- What it means: Moderate positive
- Typical action: Avoid tangerines
3.50-17.49 kU/L:
- What it means: High positive
- Typical action: Strict avoidance needed
17.50-49.99 kU/L:
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Consider epinephrine
≥50.00 kU/L:
- What it means: Extremely high
- Typical action: Emergency planning essential
Positive results require clinical correlation with symptoms—not everyone with positive IgE will experience allergic 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 needed for this blood test. You don't need to fast or avoid any foods beforehand. Continue taking your regular medications, though inform your healthcare provider about antihistamines or corticosteroids. The test works best when done during or soon after experiencing symptoms for accurate correlation. Simply arrive at your chosen lab location for a quick blood draw requiring about 0.5 mL of blood.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: One-time testing
- Ongoing symptoms: As recommended by physician
- Treatment monitoring: Annually or per allergist guidance
- Symptom changes: When symptoms worsen or improve
Why early detection matters
Food allergies affect approximately 5% of adults and 8% of children in the United States, with allergy diagnoses increasing over 350% between 2007 and 2016. Early detection through IgE testing prevents severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which affects 1.6-5.1% of adults and can be life-threatening. Quick diagnosis enables proper avoidance strategies, emergency planning, and reduces healthcare costs by preventing unnecessary treatments or emergency visits (PubMed Central 2020).
Related tests you may consider
Orange Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to oranges.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
IgG Food Antibodies (87 IgG Foods + Total IgE) - Genova Test Kit - Measures antibodies to 87 commonly consumed foods and provides a total IgE measurement to screen for food allergies or sensitivities.
