Allergy-Nuts Panel

Nuts allergy test is done in suspected allergies due to commonly used nuts either consumed as a whole or used as an ingredient in cooking for determining the exact source causing it (allergen).  Since it is a food related allergy, it commonly causes gastro-intestinal symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting, but at times mere exposure or consumption may even lead to other skin  and respiratory related symptoms like: Itching, rashes, running nose, sneezing, coughing, hives, and even shortness of breath. Certain severe cases may also lead to anaphylactic shock. Based on these results further specific testing is recommended. 

Your doctor will prescribe an allergy-nuts panel test. This will be to determine if you have allergy symptoms upon exposure to nuts. An allergic reaction typically happens within minutes of exposure to nuts.

If you have the following symptoms, you should test yourself for nuts allergy:

• Hives, 
• Redness or swelling of the skin, especially around hands, arms and neck
• Itching sensation in your throat
• Tightening of the throat
• Tingling in or around the mouth
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath 
• Wheezing
• Runny nose

Nut allergy can also induce anaphylaxis. This is a medical emergency. It needs epinephrine treatment.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include:

• Breathlessness
• Tightening of airways
• Swelling of the throat
• A sudden, severe fall in blood pressure 
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

If you have experienced symptoms of anaphylaxis, your doctor would recommend an allergy test. This condition is potentially fatal. Avoiding exposure to allergens (nuts) is the only means of prevention.

Nuts allergy test measures the IgE mediated response to 9 commonly consumed nuts. Total IgE levels are also measured. Further tests to a specific allergen will help in further diagnosis.

Allergic reaction prompts your immune system to release a protein called immunoglobulin E (IgE). The allergy-grass panel test measures the IgE response to nine varieties of commonly eaten nuts. The test also measures total IgE levels. You may require additional tests to identify a specific allergen. This will depend on your test results,

Nuts Allergy test requires a blood sample post exposure to the allergens. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

An allergy-nuts panel test requires a blood sample following exposure to different varieties of nuts. The test assesses the immune response to the nine most often eaten nuts. 

A technician will collect the blood sample from the vein in your arm. They will place an elastic band around your arm to create a tourniquet. You will then have to make a fist. It will build up the blood flow to your veins and allow easy access to your blood. 

They will then disinfect your skin with an alcohol rub. They will insert a needle to draw the blood. A vacutainer will then collect the blood sample.

Positive result to an allergen indicates that the person is allergic to it. Increased allergen-specific IgE levels further confirms that. Very often the test may be positive for more than one allergen as well. The further treatment course is decided based on the results. Based on the symptom, age, environmental allergens, and region wise allergens further testing may be required for specific diagnosis. Negative result may require other tests for differential diagnosis.

The IgE levels indicate whether you have an allergic reaction or not. Increased IgE levels are considered a positive result.

Reaction to a specific allergen (nut) indicates that you are allergic to it. You may show an allergic reaction to more than one particular nut or allergen. A positive response may require additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. Avoiding the allergen (nuts) is the best option for reducing the risk of future allergies.

In children, with age, the allergic reaction may subside. This is because the body starts to become accommodated with the allergen.

If the IgE levels are below normative ranges, the results are negative. However, that does not confirm the absence of an allergy. Often your immune system may not respond to the allergen. You may require other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

You should get the allergy-nuts panel test if you have symptoms or allergic reactions after eating nuts. These nuts may either be whole or used in food as part of the ingredient. 

Due to being a food allergy, nuts can give rise to symptoms related to your digestive tract. They could be diarrhoea and vomiting. Occasionally, it can also give rise to skin symptoms such as hives or rashes when eaten or through direct skin contact. 

Your doctor will ask you to stop taking certain medicines before the test as they can interfere with the results. These medicines include:

• Antihistamines
• Heartburn medicines like famotidine
• Benzodiazepines
• Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Corticosteroids

Exposure to the allergen for the test may give rise to mild swelling, itching and redness in the skin. These symptoms typically resolve within a few hours to a couple of days. Topical steroid creams can clear up these symptoms. If these symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

• Allergy IgE Test
• Nuts Allergy Test