Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection prevents life-threatening anaphylactic reactions
- Component testing identifies specific proteins for personalized allergy management
- Convenient access with no physician visit required for ordering
- Comprehensive screening covers both peanuts and multiple tree nuts
- Peace of mind through objective, laboratory-validated allergy assessment
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after consuming nuts or peanuts
- Parents concerned about potential food allergies in their children
- People with family history of food allergies seeking preventive screening
- Those monitoring known allergies or considering immunotherapy
- Adults wanting confidential, direct access to allergy testing
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No physician referral needed; schedule at your convenience
- Visit a lab - Get a simple blood draw at any participating location
- Receive results - Delivered directly to secure online account within 3-5 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? IgE antibodies specific to peanuts and tree nuts, indicating allergic sensitization.
Can this test predict how severe my reaction will be? No, IgE levels show sensitization likelihood but cannot reliably predict reaction severity (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Do I need to avoid nuts before testing? No dietary restrictions needed, but avoid testing during acute allergic reactions.
What's included in the tree nut panel? Common nuts including almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios via pooled allergen testing.
How accurate is this test? Component-resolved testing (like Ara h 2) improves diagnostic accuracy compared to standard extract testing alone.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This blood test measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to peanuts and various tree nuts in your serum. IgE antibodies are produced by your immune system when it identifies certain proteins as threats. The test screens for total peanut-specific IgE and, if positive, reflexively measures IgE to seven individual peanut components (Ara h 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, and profilin Bet v2) to assess allergy type and potential severity (Mayo Clinic 2025). Tree nut panels measure IgE antibodies to multiple nut allergens using advanced fluorescent enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) technology.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals experiencing symptoms like hives, respiratory issues, or anaphylaxis after nut exposure. It's valuable for parents monitoring children's allergy development, since most food allergies begin in childhood. Those with family history of allergies, individuals considering immunotherapy, or people seeking preventive health screening will find this testing informative. Walk-in lab consumers particularly benefit from the convenience of ordering without physician visits while maintaining access to expert result interpretation (Quest Diagnostics 2024).
When should I order Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when experiencing allergy symptoms after consuming nuts or peanuts, including tingling in the mouth, swelling, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, eczema, congestion, breathing difficulties, or lightheadedness. Seek immediate medical attention for severe reactions like anaphylaxis, characterized by rapid pulse, throat swelling, low blood pressure, or loss of consciousness. The test is also appropriate for routine allergy screening in at-risk individuals or monitoring known allergies over time.
How do I interpret the results?
Results show IgE antibody levels measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter). Higher levels indicate greater sensitization likelihood, though levels don't predict reaction severity.
IgE < 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: Negative/No sensitization detected
- Typical action: Allergy unlikely; clinical correlation needed
IgE 0.35–0.70 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive
- Typical action: Possible sensitization; monitor symptoms
IgE 0.71–3.5 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive
- Typical action: Likely sensitization; avoid allergen
IgE 3.51–17.5 kU/L
- What it means: High positive
- Typical action: Strong sensitization; strict avoidance recommended
IgE > 17.5 kU/L
- What it means: Very high positive
- Typical action: Very strong sensitization; carry emergency medication
Component testing provides additional insights into cross-reactivity patterns and helps allergists develop personalized management strategies.
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 fasting is required for this blood test. Inform the laboratory about current medications, as some may affect immune markers. Avoid testing during acute allergic reactions when possible, as this may interfere with baseline measurements. Continue your normal diet and activities before testing. If you're currently taking antihistamines, consult with healthcare providers about whether temporary discontinuation is recommended, though this typically isn't necessary for IgE testing.
How often should I get tested?
- Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and clinical history.
- Initial screening with symptoms – Once, then as clinically indicated
- Monitoring known allergies – Every 1–2 years or as symptoms change
- Immunotherapy monitoring – As directed by allergist (typically annually)
- Children with food allergies – Every 1–2 years to assess potential outgrowth
- Adults with stable allergies – Every 2–3 years unless symptoms worsen
Why early detection matters
Peanut allergies affect approximately 1-2% of children in the U.S., while tree nut allergies affect about 1% of the population, with prevalence rising (Mayo Clinic 2025). Early detection prevents anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal systemic reaction requiring emergency treatment. Accurate diagnosis helps avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions while ensuring appropriate precautions. Food allergies impose substantial healthcare costs on families; proper testing optimizes management strategies and improves quality of life (Allergy Society of Australia 2024).
Related tests you may consider
IgE Food Allergy Advanced Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit— provides broader screening for multiple food allergens beyond nuts, useful for individuals with multiple suspected sensitivities.
Total IgE Test- Measures overall allergic predisposition and supports interpretation of specific IgE results.
Coconut Allergy IgE Blood Test– This test checks IgE antibodies to coconuts to help identify allergic reactions. Although coconuts are technically classified as fruits, some individuals with tree nut allergies may also react to coconut.
