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's Included
This test measures the level of allergen-specific IgE antibodies to thyme (F273-IgE Thyme) in your blood. IgE antibodies are part of the immune system's response to substances it identifies as potential threats, and elevated levels to a specific allergen may indicate sensitization to that allergen. This test evaluates thyme only and does not include any other food, spice, or herb. The result is based on a blood specimen and reflects your body's IgE antibody response specifically to thyme.
Benefits
- Measures IgE antibody levels specific to thyme
- Uses a standard blood draw with no special preparation
- Offers a convenient, at-your-own-pace testing option
- Provides objective, lab-based antibody data for your provider
- Supports a focused conversation about possible thyme sensitization
- Results typically available in 3-5 business days
Who Is This Test For?
- People who have noticed symptoms after eating foods seasoned with thyme
- Individuals whose provider is considering thyme as a possible trigger
- People who want objective antibody data to bring to a healthcare visit
- Individuals tracking a suspected reaction linked specifically to thyme
- People exploring a specific dietary trigger alongside their provider's guidance
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 allergen-specific IgE antibodies to thyme only, using the F273-IgE Thyme biomarker. Unlike a broader food allergy panel, it does not screen for other herbs, spices, or foods, so it's suited to situations where thyme specifically is the focus rather than a general food allergy workup.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
Thyme is commonly used in soups, stews, sauces, and meat or fish dishes, and reactions to food allergens most often appear within two hours of eating, sometimes within minutes, though a delayed response of four to six hours or longer is also possible. People who notice symptoms like tingling around the mouth, swelling, hives, digestive upset, or breathing difficulty after eating thyme-seasoned foods may want to discuss this test with their healthcare provider.
3. Do I need to fast or prepare for this test?
No special preparation is required for this test. You can schedule your blood draw at a local lab without fasting or adjusting your routine beforehand.
4. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 3-5 business days, though this timeframe may extend due to weather, holidays, or other lab-related 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?
An elevated IgE level to thyme suggests sensitization but does not by itself confirm a clinical food allergy, predict how severe a reaction might be, or establish whether thyme is safe or unsafe for you to eat. If your results fall outside the expected range, review them with a qualified healthcare provider who can consider your full clinical history and symptoms alongside the lab data before recommending any next steps.
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.
Cross-Reactivity
Cross-reactivity can occur when the immune system recognizes similar proteins shared between different plants, so a person sensitized to one allergen may also show antibody reactivity to a related one. This laboratory test measures IgE antibodies to thyme only. It does not test for any of the additional herbs or substances discussed below. The relationships noted here are examples drawn from the medical literature, not a complete or exhaustive list, and they represent possible considerations rather than confirmed allergies. Having antibodies related to one of these plants does not mean a person will necessarily experience a clinical reaction to it. Depending on your symptoms, history, or previous reactions, discussing related allergen testing with your healthcare provider may be worth considering.
- Oregano: Case reports describe patients with systemic reactions to both oregano and thyme, and clinical and laboratory testing in these cases has suggested cross-reactivity between the two herbs.
- Basil, marjoram, mint, sage, lavender, and hyssop: These Lamiaceae family herbs have been associated with cross-reactivity to thyme based on shared clinical history and skin and blood antibody test results in reported cases, though systemic reactions to this plant family remain uncommon overall.
- Birch pollen and celery: Some in vitro studies have found IgE antibodies to thyme, basil, and oregano in patients sensitized to birch pollen and celery, though this association has been based on laboratory testing rather than confirmed clinical reactions.
