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
- Confirm your tea allergy quickly — Get precise IgE antibody results in just 3–5 days without a doctor's referral
- Distinguish tea from additive allergies — Identify whether your symptoms stem from tea itself or ingredients like milk or honey
- Take control of your health — Order confidentially online and collect your sample at a convenient local lab
- Avoid unnecessary exposure — Use accurate results to guide dietary changes and prevent future allergic reactions
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained rash, itching, or hives after drinking tea
- People with respiratory issues or digestive symptoms following tea consumption
- Anyone suspecting an allergic reaction to tea but unsure of the cause
- Those considering immunotherapy and needing baseline allergy confirmation
- Health-conscious consumers seeking proactive allergy screening for dietary planning
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? This test detects IgE antibodies specific to tea allergens in your blood, confirming whether your immune system reacts to tea proteins.
Do I need to stop drinking tea before the test? No, continue your normal diet; fasting and dietary changes are not required for accurate results.
Can this test tell if I'm allergic to additives like milk or honey? No, this test only measures IgE to tea components; separate testing is needed for additives or other ingredients.
How accurate is the Tea Allergy IgE Blood Test? The test uses Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology, offering high sensitivity and specificity for detecting tea-specific IgE antibodies (Mayo Clinic Labs 2025).
What if my results are positive? Consult an allergist or physician to confirm the diagnosis, discuss avoidance strategies, and explore treatment options like antihistamines or emergency medications.
Are blood tests better than skin prick tests? Blood tests are less invasive, carry no risk of triggering reactions during testing, and are more convenient for many patients (NCBI 2020).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Tea Allergy IgE Blood Test identifies whether you have an allergy to tea by measuring allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. When your immune system mistakes tea proteins (from Camellia sinensis) as harmful, it produces IgE antibodies that trigger histamine release and allergic symptoms (Cleveland Clinic 2025). This test helps confirm whether tea itself causes your symptoms or if additives are the culprit.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for anyone experiencing allergic symptoms after consuming tea, including skin reactions, digestive issues, or respiratory problems. It's also valuable for individuals with unexplained allergic reactions, those planning immunotherapy, or anyone seeking preventive health insights for dietary safety (AAAAI 2021). Since tea is widely consumed worldwide, confirming an allergy helps you make informed lifestyle adjustments.
When should I order a Tea Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you notice symptoms like hives, rash, itching, tingling in the mouth, swelling of the tongue or lips, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, eye irritation, or breathing difficulty after drinking tea. Testing is also recommended before starting immunotherapy or if you have a family history of allergies and want to screen proactively.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will show your IgE antibody level in kU/L, classified from negative to strongly positive. Use the table below to understand your results:
< 0.10 kU/L (Class 0)
- Meaning: Negative – No allergy detected
- Action: Tea consumption likely safe; consider other causes
0.10–0.34 kU/L (Class 1)
- Meaning: Borderline – Minimal sensitivity
- Action: Monitor symptoms; consult physician if reactions occur
0.35–0.69 kU/L (Class 1)
- Meaning: Borderline – Low positive
- Action: Possible allergy; discuss clinical correlation with doctor
0.70–3.49 kU/L (Class 2)
- Meaning: Positive – Moderate sensitivity
- Action: Avoid tea; seek medical guidance for management
3.50–17.49 kU/L (Class 3)
- Meaning: Positive – High sensitivity
- Action: Strict avoidance recommended; allergist consultation advised
17.50–49.99 kU/L (Class 4)
- Meaning: Positive – Very high sensitivity
- Action: Significant allergy confirmed; emergency plan may be needed
50.00–100.00 kU/L (Class 5)
- Meaning: Strongly positive – Severe allergy
- Action: Complete avoidance; carry emergency medication if prescribed
>100.00 kU/L (Class 6)
- Meaning: Strongly positive – Extreme allergy
- Action: Urgent allergist consultation; comprehensive action plan required
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 do not need to fast or adjust medications beforehand. However, inform the lab if you are currently undergoing immunotherapy, as this may affect result interpretation. Continue your normal diet and routine, and simply present your requisition at the lab for a standard blood draw.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances. Use the table below as a general guide:
- Initial diagnosis or screening: One-time test unless symptoms change
- Before starting immunotherapy: Baseline test, then as directed by allergist
- Monitoring treatment effectiveness: Every 6–12 months or per physician recommendation
- Symptoms persist despite avoidance: Retest to confirm diagnosis or explore other allergens
- Routine screening (no symptoms): Not typically needed unless risk factors present
Why early detection matters
Early identification of tea allergy prevents potentially severe allergic reactions and helps you avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions. Blood tests using FEIA technology offer improved sensitivity and rapid results (within 3–5 days), enabling timely diagnosis and reducing healthcare visits (Mayo Clinic Labs 2019). Prompt detection allows you to implement avoidance strategies, access appropriate treatment, and improve your quality of life. Since tea allergies are uncommon, testing provides clarity and peace of mind, helping you confidently manage your diet and wellbeing.
Related tests you may consider
IgE Food Allergy Basic Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit — Screens for multiple food allergens to determine if symptoms stem from tea or other dietary triggers.
200 Food Sensitivity Panel - ALCAT Test Kit — identifies delayed (non-IgE) reactions to foods and beverages that may cause symptoms similar to tea intolerance.
Total IgE Test — Measures overall IgE levels to contextualize specific results and assess general allergic status.
