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
- Fast, accurate results - Get reliable walnut allergy detection in just days
- No doctor visit required - Order online and visit any lab location
- Comprehensive analysis - Includes reflex testing for detailed allergen components
- Emergency prevention - Early detection helps avoid severe allergic reactions
- Peace of mind - Confirm or rule out walnut sensitivity definitively
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms after eating walnuts
- People with family history of tree nut allergies
- Those with existing food allergies wanting comprehensive screening
- Anyone planning immunotherapy or dietary changes involving tree nuts
- Parents concerned about their child's potential walnut sensitivity
- Health-conscious individuals seeking preventive allergy screening
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 measures walnut-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to detect allergic sensitization.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines before testing? No preparation needed, but inform your provider about medications you're taking.
Can this test predict reaction severity? Higher IgE levels may suggest stronger sensitivity, but clinical correlation is essential.
What if my test is positive? Positive results indicate sensitization; consult an allergist for comprehensive evaluation and management.
Does this test check for other tree nuts? This test is walnut-specific; consider our Tree Nut Panel for broader screening.
How accurate is this blood test? ImmunoCAP technology provides high sensitivity and specificity with detection limits as low as 0.10 kU/L (Mayo Clinic 2023).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects walnut-specific IgE antibodies in your blood, indicating whether your immune system has developed sensitivity to walnut proteins. The test uses advanced immunoassay technology to measure antibody levels that form when your body mistakenly identifies walnut proteins as harmful substances (PubMed Central 2020).
If initial results are positive, reflex testing automatically analyzes major walnut allergen components Jug r 1 and Jug r 3, providing detailed information about your specific sensitivity pattern.
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing symptoms like hives, swelling, respiratory issues, or digestive problems after consuming walnuts should consider testing. This is especially important for individuals with existing allergies, family history of food allergies, or those working in food service industries.
Parents should consider testing children who show signs of food sensitivity, as tree nut allergies affect approximately 1-2% of the U.S. population with rising prevalence (CDC 2023).
When should I order the Walnut Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience allergic symptoms within hours of walnut consumption, including itching, swelling, breathing difficulties, or digestive upset. Testing is also recommended before starting immunotherapy or making significant dietary changes involving tree nuts.
Consider testing if you have unexplained allergic reactions and suspect walnuts might be the trigger, especially given the high cross-reactivity between different tree nuts.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE < 0.10 kU/L
- What It Means: No sensitization detected
- Typical Action: Walnut allergy unlikely
IgE 0.10–0.34 kU/L
- What It Means: Low sensitization
- Typical Action: Clinical correlation needed
IgE 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What It Means: Moderate sensitization
- Typical Action: Avoid walnuts; consider allergist
IgE 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What It Means: High sensitization
- Typical Action: Strict avoidance; carry epinephrine
IgE ≥ 3.50 kU/L
- What It Means: Very high sensitization
- Typical Action: Complete avoidance; emergency plan
Higher IgE levels don't always predict reaction severity - clinical history and symptoms are equally important for diagnosis.
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 blood test. You don't need to fast or stop taking most medications. However, inform your healthcare provider about any antihistamines or immunotherapy treatments you're receiving, as these might affect results.
The blood draw takes just minutes and requires no dietary restrictions beforehand.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis – Once for baseline
- Monitoring known allergy – Every 2–3 years
- After immunotherapy – 6–12 months post-treatment
- Symptom changes – As needed
- Children with allergies – Annually until stable
Why early detection matters
Early detection prevents severe allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis that affects thousands annually. Knowing your walnut allergy status helps you make informed food choices, carry appropriate emergency medications, and educate family members about cross-contamination risks.
Tree nut allergies rarely resolve with age, making early identification crucial for lifelong management (AAAAI Clinical Guidelines).
Related tests you may consider
Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy Panel - Comprehensive screening for multiple tree nuts including pecans, cashews, peanuts, and almonds.
Total IgE Test - Baseline measurement of overall allergic tendency.
Pecan Allergy IgE Test - Specific testing for pecan sensitivity due to cross-reactivity with walnuts.
