We have always known that peanuts are a very good source of protein, good fat, and fiber. 100 grams of peanuts have 26 grams of protein and many sports professionals consume peanuts in various forms.
Peanuts are not just for athletic purposes but it is also an essential ingredient for many in their comfort foods like jam and peanut butter toast and many other dishes. However, in the U.S.A. 6.1 million people have peanut allergies and if you are one of them then you must avoid peanuts at all costs.
Now, let’s understand on how to test for peanut allergy at home (in case its false positive).
An allergy test only shows you the possibility of having a certain allergy. It’s like the typical “be aware of wild animals” warning sign. It doesn’t mean that there will be a wild animal on the street BUT there’s definitely a chance of it happening. In your case though if you confess you have been eating peanuts your entire life then you could say there was no wild animal but you still saw the warning sign (positive blood test).
Your blood might simply show more IgE/IgG antibodies – making the result be positive – yet it never tells you directly if you have an actual allergy against a certain type of food or not. It’s only there for a rule-out and not for an actual answer.
It was most likely a false positive. If you never had any troubles eating peanuts then I don’t see any reason to stop. If you have your doubts though and want to know if you can actually have an allergic reaction I would recommend you doing a skin prick test (since it shows an actual visible physical reaction) or even better an Oral challenge test where you’ll eat bits of peanuts with doctors around. Those are usually really expensive though. Good luck fellow allergic!!
If you are sure about your allergy but have experienced some discomfort after consuming peanuts then you must test for a peanut allergy. Testing for an allergy is not a very elongated procedure and now you can test your peanut allergy from the comfort of your home. Let’s understand on how to test for peanut allergy at home.
In this article
What do you understand by an at-home peanut allergy test?
Before getting into ‘How to test for peanut allergy at home’, let’s answer ‘What is at-home peanut allergy test’.
An at-home allergy test is a kit that is provided by your trusted laboratories and allows you to draw your blood sample and send it to laboratories to analyze your allergies.
These allergy tests are pretty convenient compared to the ones where you have to go to a clinical setting and these kits can be used for many allergies including environmental, pet, and food.
There are different types of food reactions for which you might need to get an allergy test:
- Food intolerance– Food intolerance is majorly focused on gut and digestive problems. Food intolerance is not fatal or life-threatening but it can cause bloating, gas, and discomfort.
- Food sensitivity– Food sensitivity impacts your immune system but it is not as severe as food allergies however both are driven by immunoglobulins.
- Food allergy- Food allergies are the most severe and life-threatening which can also cause shortness of breath, hives, cramping, or even anaphylaxis.
Standard Procedure for an at-home peanut allergy test
A peanut allergy test is diagnosed when IgE or immunoglobulins E is found in excessive amounts in your blood. Ig E is a crucial part of identifying peanut allergy as when a person with peanut allergy is exposed to peanuts or foods that consist of peanuts the body releases IgE antibodies to bind peanut protein which mistakenly identifies as allergens.
After the procedure of binding protein, IgE produces histamine that triggers a reaction in your immune system which is why when an allergy test is conducted the level of IgE is measured.
However, there is a standard that one should follow before doing to understand how to test for peanut allergy at home:
- Step 1- Control peanut exposure. Start by consuming a small amount of peanut butter or a similar peanut-containing product. Observe any immediate allergic reactions such as hives, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Step 2- Monitor delayed reactions. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, be vigilant for any delayed allergic reactions. Symptoms may include digestive issues, skin rash, nasal congestion, or difficulty sleeping.
- Step 3- Consult a healthcare professional: If you experience any allergic symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional immediately. They will evaluate your symptoms and provide appropriate guidance for further testing and management. It is important to note that this method should only be attempted under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional.
How to understand your test results?
The units in which IgE levels are recorded as KU/L and many times labs provide references of ranges that help you to understand your results. Their ranges vary like:
FAQs on How to test for peanut allergy
1. Can a peanut allergy be diagnosed without a medical professional?
No, it is not recommended to self-diagnose a peanut allergy. Accurate diagnosis requires proper medical testing conducted by a healthcare professional.
2. What tests are typically done by an allergist to diagnose peanut allergies?
Allergists often perform skin prick tests, blood tests (specifically IgE tests), and oral food challenges to diagnose peanut allergies accurately.
3. How accurate are at-home peanut allergy tests?
At-home tests are not as accurate as tests conducted by healthcare professionals. They can provide general indications but should not be relied upon for a definitive diagnosis.
4. What should I do if I suspect I have a peanut allergy?
If you suspect a peanut allergy, consult with an allergist or healthcare professional who can conduct proper testing and provide accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
5. Can peanut allergies develop later in life?
Yes, peanut allergies can develop at any age, even if one has previously consumed peanuts without any issues.
6. Is it possible to outgrow a peanut allergy?
While some children may outgrow peanut allergies, it is less likely for adults. Generally, peanut allergies persist into adulthood.
7. How can I manage a peanut allergy?
Managing a peanut allergy involves strict avoidance of peanuts and peanut-containing products, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector, and educating oneself and others about potential allergen exposure.
8. Can a peanut allergy be life-threatening?
Yes, peanut allergies can be life-threatening, especially in cases of severe allergic reactions that can lead to anaphylaxis. Immediate medical attention is necessary in such instances.
9. Can cooking or heating peanuts eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction?
No, cooking or heating peanuts does not eliminate the risk of an allergic reaction. Even trace amounts of peanuts can trigger an allergic response in sensitive individuals.
To put it in a nutshell, an at-home peanut allergy test can be an efficient and easiest way to diagnose your peanut allergy without any hassle of standing in a queue of clinics. However, you should always consult your doctor before and after an at-home allergy test for detailed information on your potential allergies.
At-home allergy tests are safe and secure if you follow precautions stay composed during the test and try to avoid caffeine before your allergy test. If you wanna know why you should avoid caffeine before an allergy test, read our latest article on “Why no caffeine before an allergy test”.
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