The Allergy Panel - Food Nuts Panel is a diagnostic test used to identify specific nut allergies. This panel measures your immune response to several common nuts and nut-related foods, including almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, cashew nuts, pecan nuts, walnuts, pistachios, and coconut.
Food allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies certain food proteins as harmful and triggers an immune response. This can result in a variety of symptoms ranging from mild (such as hives, itching, and swelling) to severe and potentially life-threatening (anaphylaxis). By identifying the specific nuts that cause an allergic reaction, the test helps you better manage your diet and health.
Note: Home Sample Collection is only for Pathology lab tests.
The Food Nuts Allergy Panel is a test that measures the amount of specific antibodies, known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE), in response to various nuts. The presence of these antibodies can indicate an allergy to one or more of the nuts tested.
No special preparation is needed for this test. You should continue with your normal diet and lifestyle habits before the test.
This test measures the presence and amount of specific IgE antibodies your body produces in response to various nuts. Elevated levels of these antibodies suggest a possible nut allergy.
The frequency of this test is generally determined by your doctor, who may consider your symptoms, health history, and previous test results.
Normal values for this test can vary, but generally, low or absent levels of specific IgE antibodies against the tested nuts are considered normal.
Abnormal results, such as high levels of specific IgE antibodies against certain nuts, suggest that you may have a nut allergy. Further investigation and clinical correlation are required.
Many factors can affect the results of this test, including your diet, overall health, certain medications, and whether you've recently eaten the nuts being tested.
There are no specific precautions you need to take before this test. However, it's advisable to continue with your regular diet and lifestyle habits prior to the test.
Modifiable factors that can influence the results of this test include your diet and the use of certain medications.
Non-modifiable factors that can affect this test include your genetic predisposition to allergies.
If your test results are abnormal, you should consult an allergist or immunologist. They can provide a comprehensive treatment plan and help you manage your nut allergies.
Nut allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include hives, itching, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Yes, nut allergies can develop at any stage in life, including adulthood.
If left untreated, a severe allergic reaction to nuts can lead to anaphylaxis, a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction.
The best way to manage a nut allergy is to avoid the nuts that cause your allergic reactions. Always check food labels and be cautious when eating out. Your doctor may also recommend carrying an epinephrine auto-injector in case of severe reactions.
Understanding the specific nuts that trigger your allergic reactions can help you manage your diet and lifestyle better. With the right knowledge and medical support, you can live a healthy, normal life despite having a nut allergy. Always consult with your doctor for personalized advice based on your test results.