Brazil Nut Allergy Blood Test

This test measures a person's allergic reaction to Brazil Nuts.  Brazil Nuts are a type of tree nut.  People with an allergy to Brazil Nuts tend to have severe reactions.  It is common to be allergic to more than one type of tree nut and people who are allergic to Brazil Nuts will often have allergies to other nuts such as almonds or walnuts.  There is also a possibility of cross-contamination with other types of nuts that are processed in the same facilities so it is often advisable to avoid most types of nuts altogether.  Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include tingling in the mouth, hives, itching, rash, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, flushed skin, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.  A severe allergic reaction can sometimes cause anaphylaxis which may be life-threatening. 

Food allergies are caused by a reaction in the body's immune system.  The body identifies certain substances as harmful and produces IgE antibodies against them.  These antibodies trigger the release of histamine which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.  The severity of the allergy will vary from one person to the next.  Blood allergy testing provides numerical results for IgE antibody levels to help determine how severe a reaction a person will have.  Positive allergy test results should be discussed with a person's doctor to determine the appropriate follow-up.

Brazil Nut allergy testing is typically ordered when a person experiences symptoms of an allergic reaction after consuming Brazil Nuts.  Request A Test also offers a Tree Nut and Peanut Allergy Panel which includes Brazil Nuts and other types of nuts.  For more testing options, please see our Allergy Testing Category. 

Results for this test typically take 3-5 business days.