Allergy Kiwi Fruit Enzyme Assay Skin
What is this test?
Allergy Kiwi Fruit Enzyme Assay Skin test is used to test the individual for any allergy towards Kiwi or foods containing Kiwi Fruit. A small amount of raw fruit or the fruit extract is introduced to a small patch of skin and observed for a small amount of time. Your doctor may suggest this test if he/she suspects that the cause of your allergic reaction may be due to Kiwi or foods containing Kiwi Fruit.
What is Food allergy?
Food allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system. A Food allergy occurs when the body of an individual recognizes certain foods as harmful and produces antibodies against it. The symptoms of food allergy may occur from mild itching, nausea to very severe reactions like skin rashes, swelling of lips and face, swollen airways, the inability(unable) to breathe etc. The mild symptoms can often be treated with medicines and the individual might be needed to be hospitalized in cases of severe allergic reactions.
What is Kiwi Fruit Allergy?
Kiwi fruit is also called Chinese gooseberry. It is a fruit native of China and now grown in various parts of the world. The fruit is named after the national bird of New Zealand, the Kiwi. The Kiwi fruit can be consumed as such or added to juices or salads.
Few People may have an allergy towards the kiwi fruit and may develop allergic reactions upon consuming the fruit. The allergic reactions may often be harmless like indigestion, nausea, itching of mouth, skin rash, swelling of lips, to more serious symptoms like narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. The occurrence of serious allergic reactions is called Anaphylaxis. It is a medical emergency condition which leads to facial flushing, itching, shock, sudden fall in blood pressure, constriction of airways, swollen throat, difficulty to breathe, etc.
Why this test is recommended?
This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like severe itching, rashes, inflammation of the skin, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, mild fever, gastrointestinal upset like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, etc immediately or later after consuming Kiwi or foods containing the kiwi fruit. This may also be recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment if you are diagnosed already.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Allergy Kiwi Fruit Enzyme Assay Skin. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Allergy Kiwi Fruit Enzyme Assay Skin.
No specific preparation is required for this test.
Understanding your test results
Positive results of this test indicate that an individual is allergic to Kiwi or foods containing Kiwi Fruit
Negative results indicate that an individual is not allergic to Kiwi or foods containing Kiwi Fruit
If your test results come out as positive, It is recommended to avoid kiwi fruit or products which may contain kiwi to avoid the allergic reactions and please contact your doctor/health care provider with your results for further advice.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | A wheal and flare reaction of atleast 3mm indicates that the patient is allergic to the substance |