What is the Cashew Nut IgE Level Test?

The Cashew Nut IgE Level test measures allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies directed against cashew nut proteins. IgE antibodies are responsible for immediate (Type I) allergic reactions, which can occur minutes to hours after exposure.

When the immune system becomes sensitised to cashew nuts, it produces IgE antibodies that trigger the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators upon exposure. Measuring cashew-specific IgE helps identify allergic sensitisation and supports clinical assessment of nut allergy.

This test is commonly used alongside clinical history and, where appropriate, other allergy investigations to guide diagnosis and risk assessment.

Why do I need a test for Cashew Nut IgE?

You may need this test if you experience symptoms after eating or being exposed to cashew nuts, or if you have a known nut allergy and require confirmation or monitoring. Cashew nut allergy is often persistent and can cause severe reactions, making accurate assessment important.

Testing is also useful in individuals with multiple food allergies, eczema, asthma or a family history of allergic disease. Identifying IgE sensitisation helps guide dietary avoidance, emergency planning and referral to allergy specialists.

Symptoms and scenarios where testing is recommended:

• Hives, itching or swelling after nut exposure
• Lip, tongue or throat swelling
• Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting after eating nuts
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Anaphylaxis or suspected severe allergic reaction
• Known tree nut allergy assessment
• Eczema or asthma with suspected food triggers
• Allergy risk assessment in children

Benefits of the Cashew Nut IgE Level Test

1. Identifies IgE-mediated cashew nut allergy
   Confirms immune sensitisation to cashew nut proteins.
2. Supports allergy risk assessment
   Helps evaluate likelihood of allergic reactions.
3. Guides dietary avoidance decisions
   Assists in determining the need for strict avoidance.
4. Supports emergency planning
   Helps clinicians assess need for adrenaline auto-injectors.
5. Useful in children and adults
   Applicable across all age groups.
6. Clarifies symptoms with unclear triggers
   Helps identify cashew as a potential cause of reactions.
7. Complements other allergy testing
   Can be interpreted alongside total IgE or other nut IgE tests.
8. Simple, non-invasive blood test
   Requires only a single blood sample.

Step-by-Step: How Testing Works

Choose your preferred testing method

You can attend one of our UK partner clinics or arrange a home or hotel visit with a mobile phlebotomist.

Option 1 – In-Clinic Blood Draw

1. Select your nearest UK clinic and book an appointment.
2. A clinician or phlebotomist collects a venous blood sample.
3. The sample is analysed for cashew-specific IgE antibodies.
4. Results are delivered securely online.

Option 2 – Home or Hotel Phlebotomy (+£60)

1. Book a UK-wide home or hotel visit at a convenient time.
2. A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample on-site.
3. The sample is packaged and transported to the laboratory.
4. Results are uploaded digitally without the need to travel.

Access your report

You can download and share your results with your GP or allergy specialist.

Your Results Explained

Low / Negative Levels

Low or undetectable cashew-specific IgE suggests no measurable sensitisation.
This makes IgE-mediated cashew allergy unlikely, though clinical correlation is essential.
Typical UK reference: < 0.35 kUA/L.

Normal / Borderline Levels

Borderline levels may indicate very low-level sensitisation.
Results should be interpreted alongside symptoms and exposure history.

High Levels

Elevated cashew-specific IgE indicates allergic sensitisation.
Higher levels are generally associated with increased likelihood of clinical allergy, though severity cannot be predicted by IgE level alone.
Further allergy specialist assessment may be recommended.