Allergy coconut Test

Coconut allergy is relatively very rare. Coconut is a very different plant from peanut or tree nuts, each contains a single seed, which is partly liquid (the coconut milk) and partly solid (the coconut meat). Allergic reactions to eating coconut have been reported, but are relatively rare. Traditional allergy tests utilize the Skin Prick method (also known as a Puncture or Scratch test) to determine whether an allergic reaction will occur by inserting possible triggers into your skin using a needle prick or blood allergen specific IgE testing to coconut.

Coconut allergy is usually diagnosed by a medical doctor (allergist) after a medical history, physical examination, and food allergy testing are performed.

The coconut palm tree is a native of the tropics. The fruit (seed) of the palm is known as the coconut. The coconut has great economic value, as the outer fibrous husk can be used to make ropes and mats, the white inner flesh can be eaten, and the milk drunk. Coconut derived products are also added to many foods including cakes, some chocolates and lollies, and are used in some infant formulae. They are also an ingredient of some cosmetics, shampoos and soaps.

Testing for IgE antibodies may be useful to establish the diagnosis of an allergic disease and to define the allergens responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. Testing also may be useful to identify allergens which may be responsible for allergic disease and/or anaphylactic episode, to confirm sensitization to particular allergens prior to beginning immunotherapy, and to investigate the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens.

Skin pricking test (SPT) is a very simple procedure. Prick the skin and collect the blood. During this test, the allergist places a drop of solution containing coconut on the forearm or back. Using a small plastic probe or needle, the doctor gently pricks or scratches the skin to allow a tiny amount of the solution to enter just below the surface. The SPT is generally not painful and there is no bleeding. The scratching on the surface of the skin feels similar to a fingernail scratch. Then, immunoglobulin E (IgE one of the five subclasses of antibodies) test is done to measure the blood level of IgE. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that attack antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens. IgE antibodies are found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. The total IgE test may be used to help screen for and detect allergic diseases. An allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood test is done to check whether a person is allergic to a particular substance.