Allergen Hazelnuts Test – Fast & Accurate Allergen Detection

Description

Allergen Hazelnuts Lab Test – Fast & Accurate Allergen Detection

The Hazelnut Allergen Lab Test from Lab Tests Dubai is a specialized blood test that measures IgE antibodies to hazelnut (Corylus avellana) proteins, helping diagnose true IgE-mediated hazelnut allergy—a common tree nut allergythat can cause mild to life-threatening reactions.

Hazelnuts are found not only in snacks and baked goods but also in:

• Nut spreads (e.g., Nutella)
• Baking ingredients
• Cosmetics and skincare products
• Coffee flavorings and liqueurs

This test uses enzyme immunoassay (FEIA or similar) technology to detect specific IgE antibodies, offering a safe, non-invasive alternative to skin prick testing—ideal for:

• Children with eczema or skin sensitivity
• Patients on antihistamines or unable to stop medication
• Those with a history of anaphylaxis

Available with home blood collection, Lab Tests Dubai ensures accurate, private, and stress-free testing—so you can identify dangerous triggers and protect your health.

Why You Need This Test

If you get hives, swelling, or breathing issues after eating hazelnuts, this test could reveal whether you have a true allergy or cross-reactivity.

You need the Hazelnut Allergy Test if:

• You develop hives, itching, or rash after hazelnut exposure
• You experience swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
• You have wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath
• You’ve had nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after nut consumption
• You carry an EpiPen or have a history of anaphylaxis
• You have birch pollen allergy and react to raw hazelnuts (oral allergy syndrome)
• Your child reacted to a nut-containing product despite being “peanut-safe”

This test helps:

• Confirm or rule out IgE-mediated allergy
• Differentiate true allergy from pollen-food cross-reactivity
• Guide safe food choices and emergency planning
• Prevent accidental exposure

Early detection = safer living and peace of mind.

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

Consider the Hazelnut Allergen Test if you or your child experience:

✅ Immediate Allergic Reactions (within minutes to 2 hours):

• Skin: Hives, itching, eczema flare-up
• Swelling: Angioedema (lips, face, tongue)
• Respiratory: Wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps
• Severe: Anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure)

✅ Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) – Pollen Cross-Reactivity:

• Itching or tingling in mouth/throat after raw hazelnuts
• Mild swelling of lips
• Symptoms only with raw nuts (cooked nuts tolerated)
• Seasonal hay fever (birch pollen)

Note: OAS is usually mild, but true hazelnut allergy can be severe—this test helps distinguish between them.

Natural Production: How Your Body Reacts to Hazelnut Allergens

A true hazelnut allergy occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies hazelnut proteins as harmful, triggering an IgE-mediated response.

Key allergens in hazelnuts:

• Cor a 1 – birch pollen cross-reactive (causes OAS)
• Cor a 8 (lipid transfer protein) – heat-stable, causes severe reactions
• Cor a 9 & 14 (storage proteins) – linked to systemic allergy and anaphylaxis

Risk Factors:

• Family history of atopy (asthma, eczema, allergies)
• Existing tree nut or peanut allergy
• Birch pollen allergy (up to 70% cross-react with hazelnut)
• Young children (allergies often persist)

This test measures specific IgE levels to help confirm diagnosis and assess severity risk.

 

What Happens If Untreated? Risks of Ignoring Hazelnut Allergy

Ignoring a confirmed hazelnut allergy can lead to:

⚠️ Progressive Allergic Reactions – worse with each exposure
⚠️ Anaphylaxis – life-threatening emergency requiring epinephrine
⚠️ Accidental Exposure – due to hidden ingredients in baked goods, chocolates, or cosmetics
⚠️ Chronic Inflammation – from repeated immune activation
⚠️ Misdiagnosis – blamed on IBS or seasonal allergies when it’s a food trigger

The good news? With proper diagnosis, you can:

• Avoid trigger foods safely
• Read labels with confidence
• Carry emergency medication if needed
• Live without fear of accidental exposure

Early testing = lifelong protection.

How to Prepare for the Test

To ensure accurate results:

✅ No fasting required
✅ Continue your regular diet – do not avoid hazelnuts before testing (may lower IgE)
✅ Avoid antihistamines 3–7 days before (can suppress IgE response)
✅ Inform your doctor of:

• Recent allergic reactions
• Medications (especially steroids or antihistamines)
• History of anaphylaxis or birch pollen allergy

A serum blood sample is collected via standard draw—available at our labs or via home collection.

Test Overview: Enzyme Immunoassay Method

Interpretation:

• Class 0 (<0.35 kU/L) → Negative
• Class 1–2 (0.35–3.5 kU/L) → Low-level sensitization
• Class 3+ (>3.5 kU/L) → High likelihood of clinical allergy

Results are reported with clinical notes for your allergist.

FAQs About the Hazelnut Allergy Test

Q: Can you be allergic to hazelnuts but not other nuts?
A: Yes. Hazelnut allergy can occur independently of other tree nuts, though cross-reactivity is common.

Q: Does this test detect oral allergy syndrome (OAS)?
A: Yes. It detects Cor a 1 (birch-related), but OAS is usually mild and limited to the mouth.

Q: Can children take this test?
A: Yes! Ideal for pediatric allergy screening without skin pricks.

Q: Can I book without a doctor’s referral?
A: Yes! Lab Tests Dubai allows direct online booking—ideal for proactive screening.

Q: How will I get results?
A: A secure digital report is emailed within 10 business days, including IgE levels and clinical notes.

Q: Is this test covered by insurance?
A: Yes. Food allergy testing is medically necessary—covered by most UAE insurers.

If you’re tired of rashes, swelling, or breathing issues after hazelnuts, the Hazelnut Allergen Test gives you the answers you need in just 10 days.