Allergy paprika Test

Allergy Paprika test is one of the food allergy tests in which your blood is tested for different allergic reactions against the paprika present in the various food. Paprika is contained in the various spice blends available in the market, and its consumption can lead to increase in the antibodies in the blood against the paprika chemical. These antibodies lead to the allergic reactions causing the symptoms like wheezing, swelling of skin, throat, and hives. There are two different types of allergy paprika test: Scratch Test and Blood test. A blood test is more comfortable than the scratch test as it doesn’t lead to any skin irritation or allergy.

There is no diet change required for the allergy blood test. No fasting or any other changes are needed. All you need to do is tell the doctor about the different symptoms occurring and follow the instructions given by the doctor before the test. Consultation plays an important role that may alter the results of the test. Hence it is crucial for the patient to go with the instructions given by the doctor. On the day of the test, one should wear comfortable clothing so that it is easy for the doctor to take the blood sample. Easily foldable full-sleeves, sleeveless or half sleeve shirts/tops are prescribed.

As stated above, it is the antibody that leads to the paprika skin reaction. During the test, the presence of allergen-specific IgE in the blood sample is detected. The Fluorescence Assay method is one of the methods applied to the blood sample to check the IgE antibodies in the blood sample. The result is same for every gender and age group. For the different paprika blend, there are different IgE levels. However, if the IgE antibodies are more (>100 kU/l), then you are supposed to be allergic to particular paprika blend.

A blood test is used for checking the different IgE antibodies in the blood against the paprika. Let’s discuss the various steps followed: Skin and needle are cleaned using alcohol. An elastic band is wrapped above the elbow so that the veins can be easily seen. The needle is injected into the skin near your elbow and blood is collected in the tube attached to the needle. The needle is ejected from the skin, and the blood sample with your name is sent to the laboratory for analysis.