Allergy Potato Fluorescence Assay Blood

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

What is a potato allergy?

Potatoes are the common staple crop in many countries. Potatoes are the part of the nightshade family. If someone is allergic to potato there may be chances of being allergic to other members of the nightshade family. Other members of the nightshade family include tomatoes, eggplant, paprika, tobacco, bell peppers, okra, etc. Potato is an important vegetable in the balanced and nutritious diet. They are also used to make snacks and other products. While potato allergy is very uncommon, but there may be chances of having a potato allergy for all age groups. A potato allergy may happen when the immune system mistakes the proteins in the cells of potato 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 potato allergy vary from person to person. Some of them are itchy eyes with stinging sensation, runny nose, sneezing, itchy red skin, sore throat with scratchy feeling, eczema, hives, or similar rashes, etc. Potato allergy may upset the digestive system causing gas, diarrhea, bloating, cramps, nausea or vomiting, etc.

Sometimes the allergic reactions can be life-threatening causing narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Very less often potato 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:

Potatoes are used as an ingredient in many food items like shredded cheese which may contain potato starch, dried cooked potatoes are used as a thickener in some processed foods like soups or stew, modified potato starch is used as an ingredient in many food products including some candies, potato flour is sometimes used as a substitute for wheat flour in pre-packaged foods, most of the vodkas are made of potatoes, potatoes are also used as an ingredient in some herbal medicine.

Why this test is recommended?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like itchy eyes with stinging sensation, runny nose, sneezing, itchy red skin, sore throat with scratchy feeling, eczema, hives, or similar rashes, etc. This may also be recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment if you are diagnosed already.

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.