Allergy - Almond Test

Allergy to almonds can be of two types; the first one being the primary food allergy. Individual feeling this type of allergy will have already had a previous contact with almonds, because of which their immune system is producing antibodies to almond and is known as sensitization. Any further exposure to almonds in some of these people results in an allergic reaction which has the potential to cause severe and life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which includes breathing difficulty.

The other type of almond allergy is a secondary food allergy. An individual with this type of allergy initially is allergic to birch pollen, a significant cause of spring hay fever, followed by reaction to almond. The symptoms of this type include itching or swelling of the mouth, known as pollen-food. Individuals with this type allergy are prone to have mild reactions to hazelnuts, walnuts, certain kinds of piped fruit, stone fruits. and raw vegetables. It’s important to know the type of allergy you’re suffering with and it’s observed that majority suffers from primary almond allergy.

No special preparation is needed unless anaphylaxis is suspected. In which case the sample is to be collected immediately after the symptoms started it is important to collect the sample very soon after the beginning of symptoms. In the cases of the test being done for other conditions, you may be instructed to cease from consuming antihistamine and other medications which should be discussed with your healthcare practitioner.

The test results help in determining if the patient is allergic or not. A positive indicates the chances of being allergic.

Unlike the skin prick tests which gives results immediately this blood test is not affected by antihistamine and can be performed on patients with wide rashes that makes it difficult for skin tests to be performed. In this test, the blood from the patient is collected by the lab technician by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm and for a 24-hour urine collection; all of the urine is collected and preserved in a cool and dark place.