Tree Nut Allergy Panel

What

The Tree Nut Allergy Test Panel measures the levels of IgE antibodies that your immune system produces in response to nut and tree nut allergens.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase

Orders not permitted in: AK, HI, AZ

How

Type of sample to be collected:
Blood (venipuncture - a needle is used to draw blood from a vein)

This test features additional testing, see ‘Reflex’ section for details.

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit one of our Patient Service Centers.

About the Test

The Tree Nut Allergy Test Panel measures the levels of specific IgE antibodies in your blood to specific peanut and tree nut allergens. This panel measures responses to almond, Brazil nut, cashew nut, hazelnut, macadamia nut, peanut, pecan nut, pistachio, and walnut.

PLEASE NOTE:

This test reports the presence of lgE(s) antibodies to peanut and tree nut allergens, but the result by itself cannot confirm the presence of the allergy.

It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider or an allergy specialist. They will review your results along with your medical history, signs and symptoms, medications, and any other test results. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose an allergy and prescribe medication, if needed.

How do I know if this test is right for me?

An allergic reaction to a particular food can range from uncomfortable to severe. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to a few hours after eating a particular food.

This test may be right for you if you have any of these symptoms:

Tingling or itching in the mouth
Hives or eczema
Itching or swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat or other parts of the body
Wheezing
Nasal congestion or slight trouble breathing
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
History of a mild allergic reaction to a particular food

This test may NOT be right for you if you have any of these symptoms after eating the allergens in this test:

Constriction and tightening of the airways
A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe
A severe drop in blood pressure
Rapid pulse
Dizziness, lightheadedness
Loss of consciousness

If you have any of these serious symptoms after eating any food, seek medical attention right away.

The test measures the levels of specific IgE antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are an immune response to specific peanut and tree nut allergens. This panel measures responses to almond, Brazil nut, cashew nut, hazelnut, macadamia nut, peanut, pecan nut, pistachio, and walnut.

A nut allergy is a common type of food allergy and can cause serious allergic reactions in some people. Peanut allergies in particular can cause a severe, life-threatening response. If someone with a peanut or tree nut allergy eats or comes across products containing peanut or tree nut proteins, their immune system activates the release of too much of the antibody IgE. IgE activation causes the release of a substance called histamine, which causes an allergic reaction.

Peanuts are not the same as tree nuts. The proteins found in peanuts differ from those found in tree nuts. Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, pecan nuts, pistachios, and walnuts. Individuals allergic to one tree nut may not necessarily have an allergy to all tree nuts. While peanuts and tree nuts are not the same, individuals with an allergy to peanuts may have an allergic reaction similar to those with an allergy to tree nuts.

The Tree Nut Allergy Test Panel may be helpful in identifying if you have had or currently have an allergic reaction to peanut or tree nut proteins. If so, you may have any of the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Itchiness of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, or any other area
Hives (also known as urticaria), characterized by the sudden appearance of pale reddish bumps or welts on the skin that may be accompanied by swelling
Shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling faint
Anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause itching, hives, and skin rash; swelling of the throat, lips, or tongue; and difficulty breathing, potentially causing the body to go into shock)

You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report.

You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results.

If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.

Your test results will be available to you a few days after we collect your sample.

If peanut, hazelnut, walnut, brazil nut, or cashew nut allergy levels are abnormal, additional respective component panels will be performed on the sample you have already provided to provide specific protein information for you to share with an allergist.

How Does it Work?

Take an in-person test at a Quest Diagnostics location.

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Schedule your appointment after purchasing a test to minimize wait time.

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Conveniently shop and pay online for lab tests without a doctor's visit. An independent physician will review your request and if appropriate, confirm your order and offer oversight.

Schedule and manage your appointments

Conveniently schedule your appointment online at one of our Quest Diagnostics locations. Certain tests may also offer self-testing home delivery.

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View your results through your secure account online. And it's easy to share the result with your doctor.

Your results are available on our free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready. You can also share your results with your doctor, family, or friends.

FAQs

What is a peanut?

Although it is commonly referred to as a nut, the peanut is actually a legume. The peanut (Arachis hypogaea) originated in South America and, like beans and peas, is a member of the Leguminosae family. Peanuts grow underground, as opposed to tree-grown nuts such as walnuts and almonds.

What is a tree nut?

Tree nuts is the collective term used to describe nuts that grow on trees. Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecan nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.

What is the difference between a peanut and tree nut?

Peanuts grow underground and are classified as legumes, whereas tree nuts are classified as nuts and grow on trees.

How will I know if a product contains peanut or tree nut ingredients?

According to federal law, peanut and tree nut ingredients must be plainly stated on packaged foods and dietary supplements in the United States. Also, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires labeling tree nuts based on their type (such as almonds, pecans, walnuts). It’s important to read food labels to ensure that you are not ingesting any nut allergens if you have a nut allergy.

Although avoiding peanut and tree nut allergens is best to prevent a reaction, you can still find these allergens in unexpected places, such as soaps, creams, massage oils, and other products. Be sure to research the products you use carefully.

How long does it take an allergic reaction to occur?

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may occur very quickly. However, some may develop hours after exposure. The reaction to these allergens can vary from a stuffy nose to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause the body to go into shock. Anaphylactic shock occurs when a person’s blood pressure drops so severely that the body’s cells and tissues do not receive enough oxygen.

Tree Nut Allergy Panel

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