Nut Allergy Panel in California

What this test measures

IgE allergy testing measures antibodies the immune system produces after it has recognized a food protein as a threat. For nuts and seeds, these antibodies can trigger reactions that range from mild to severe. A single blood draw can check several allergens at once, which is why panels are common when the suspected trigger is not obvious or when multiple foods are involved.

This panel covers seven allergens: almond, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, pecan, peanut, and sesame seed. Although peanut is a legume and coconut is a fruit, they are grouped with nuts and seeds because reactions and testing needs often overlap. Each allergen is reported separately with a quantitative IgE level or a reactivity class, so results show which proteins reacted.

Sensitization does not always mean a food will cause symptoms every time. Some people have positive antibodies without a clinical reaction, while others react after only small exposures. Because of this, results are reviewed with the person's history, prior reactions, and any other allergy testing. A qualified healthcare provider decides what the finding means and whether further evaluation is appropriate.