Allergy Peanut Fluorescence Assay Blood

Allergy peanut blood test is used to detect any allergies caused by peanut. This test mainly helps in measuring the IgE antibodies in the blood to assess the sensitization to sweet potato allergens. This test helps in knowing the immune response to potatoes and its products.

What is a peanut allergy?

Peanuts are a type of nuts which belong to the legume family. Peanuts are also known as groundnuts, earthnuts, and goobers. They are a good source of protein. They are mostly consumed as roasted and salted whole peanuts or peanut butter. Peanut allergy is the most common food allergy seen in children and adults. A peanut allergy may happen when the immune system mistakes the proteins in the cells of peanut for a foreign substance. Then the body produces a reaction similar to the one created during an attack of bacteria or virus. The symptoms of peanut allergy are tightening in the throat, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, skin rashes, itching, hives, redness, stomach cramps, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.

Sometimes the allergic reactions can be life-threatening causing narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Very less often peanut allergy may cause an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis 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.

Foods to be avoided:

Since peanuts belong to the legume family, other members of the legume family like beans, soy, lentils, etc may also cause an allergic reaction. Hence avoid the foods which contain them. The other food items like desserts, cakes, confectionery, snacks, sauces, butter, etc which contain peanut should be avoided. The products made from peanut oil, peanut flour, peanut protein should also be avoided.

Why this test is recommended?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like tightening in the throat, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, skin rashes, itching, hives, redness, stomach cramps, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc immediately after consuming peanut products. This test may also be recommended to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment given for the peanut allergy.

The normal reference range may vary depending on gender, age, health history, etc.

If your test results show high levels of IgE antibodies than the given reference range, it may indicate that the person is most likely to have an allergy.

If your test results are lower than the reference range, it may indicate that the allergy is absent in the individual.

If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your test results.