Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood sample via simple blood draw
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around time: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Convenient blood-based testing - no painful skin prick tests required
- Safe allergy screening - avoid exposure to potential allergens during testing
- Confidential online ordering - skip the doctor's visit for initial screening
- Clinical-grade accuracy - uses ImmunoCAP® technology for reliable detection
- Proactive health management - identify allergies before severe reactions occur
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing digestive issues after eating white beans or legumes
- People with unexplained allergic symptoms like hives, swelling, or breathing problems
- Those with family history of food allergies seeking proactive screening
- Adults unable to undergo traditional skin allergy testing due to skin conditions
- Health-conscious consumers wanting comprehensive food allergy assessments.
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - simple checkout process with secure payment
- Visit any lab location - quick blood draw at 2,000+ nationwide locations
- Get results digitally - confidential results delivered to your account.
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibody levels in your blood that react to white bean proteins.
Is this test painful? No, it only requires a simple blood draw, much less uncomfortable than skin prick tests.
Can I eat normally before the test? Yes, no fasting or dietary restrictions are needed before your blood draw.
How accurate are the results? Highly accurate using clinical-grade ImmunoCAP® technology.
What if my results are positive? Consult with an allergist to develop an appropriate management plan and dietary guidelines.
Do I need a doctor's referral? No referral needed — you can order directly online for convenient screening.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This White Bean Allergy IgE Blood Test measures specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against white bean allergens in your blood. White beans, also known as Great Northern beans, are popular legumes from the Fabaceae family that contain saponin compounds which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals (Mayo Clinic Laboratories, 2019). The test helps confirm whether your immune system produces antibodies in response to white bean proteins, indicating a potential allergy.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for individuals experiencing allergy symptoms after consuming white beans, including digestive issues like diarrhea and abdominal cramps, or respiratory symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. People with skin conditions who cannot undergo traditional skin prick testing also benefit from this blood-based alternative (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). Additionally, those with family histories of food allergies or individuals seeking comprehensive food allergy screening can use this test proactively.
When should I order this White Bean Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience symptoms within minutes to hours after eating white beans, including hives, itching around the mouth, swelling of lips or tongue, coughing, or digestive upset. The test is also recommended when healthcare providers suspect white bean allergy based on your symptom history (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, 2024). Consider testing before severe reactions occur, especially if you frequently consume legumes or have multiple food sensitivities.
How do I interpret the results?
Below 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – No allergy detected
- Typical action: White beans likely safe to consume
0.10 – 0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline – Minimal sensitization
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms, consult a healthcare provider
0.35 kU/L and above
- What it means: Positive – Allergy likely present
- Typical action: Avoid white beans, see an allergist
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with increased likelihood of clinical allergy, but do not predict reaction severity.
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 White Bean Allergy IgE Blood Test. You don't need to fast or adjust medications before your blood draw (CDC Guidelines, 2023). Simply schedule your appointment at any participating lab location and arrive well-hydrated. The test requires only 0.5 mL of blood collected via standard venipuncture, making it simple and convenient.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: One-time test
- Confirmed allergy: Annually or as symptoms change
- Undergoing immunotherapy: Every 6–12 months
- Childhood allergy monitoring: Every 1–2 year
Why early detection matters
Early identification of white bean allergy prevents serious allergic reactions and improves quality of life. Undiagnosed food allergies can lead to emergency healthcare visits, with early detection reducing these incidents significantly (PubMed Central, 2020). Knowing your specific allergens allows you to make informed dietary choices, carry appropriate emergency medications if prescribed, and avoid foods containing white beans like certain soups, stews, casseroles, and traditional American Southern dishes.
Related tests you may consider
Allergen Profile, Food-Legume Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to certain legumes.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE- Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
IgE Food Allergy Basic Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit - Checks for allergic reactions to 26 common foods by measuring IgE antibody levels in the blood, helping identify foods that may cause symptoms like rashes, stomach issues, or breathing problems
