Allergy - Lettuce Test

Allergy to lettuce isn’t a common one, but it can be serious. It can range from having an anaphylactic shock right after coming in contact with lettuce to suffering from a delayed hypersensitivity. The Allergy Lettuce test, also known as, Allergy Lettuce Enzyme Assay Skin is performed on a sample of skin to measure the level of allergic reaction in the skin. Some of the lettuce allergy symptoms are itchy and swollen lips and tongue, hives, eczema and in serious cases, anaphylactic shock.

It is recommended that you wear a sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt or a full-sleeved shirt with sleeves rolled up as the test is usually done on the forearm. No test preparation is required. There are no dietary restrictions that you have to follow before the test. Certain medications that you are currently taking may affect the test results. So, make sure to inform your doctor regarding all the medications, vitamins, herbs and supplements you are taking. Also inform your doctor regarding any underlying medical conditions or allergies before undergoing the allergy lettuce enzyme assay. Depending on your conditions, the doctor may give specific instructions to prepare for the test.

The allergy lettuce enzyme assay skin can be used as a confirmatory test to confirm lettuce allergy and it can also be done during the treatment and after the treatment of lettuce allergy. In case you are allergic to lettuce, the site of your skin under examination will show allergic reactions. If the wheal and flare reaction size is about 3mm, it indicates allergy to the particular substance. The test is not specific of gender or age groups.

The test isn’t painful. You might feel a mild prick on the skin and some momentary discomfort, other than that, there won’t be any bleeding. The test typically takes about 20 to 40 minutes. You may sometimes develop an immediate allergic reaction or it may be delayed. The test site is cleansed with alcohol. Small marks are drawn on your skin to mark the site of injection. A needle is used to inject a small amount of allergen into the skin. After about 15 minutes, the site of injection is examined for signs of an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to the substance injected, the site of your skin will develop a raised, red and itchy wheal. The size of the wheal is then measured to determine the allergic reaction.