Question 1

What is Cashew Nut Allergy?

Accepted Answer

Cashew nut allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins found in cashews that can cause symptoms ranging from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis. It is caused by the immune system mistakenly identifying cashew proteins as harmful invaders and producing IgG and IgE antibodies to fight them. The Cashew Nut (f202) IgG test is the most important blood test for diagnosis because it measures specific antibodies that confirm your immune system has mounted a response to cashew proteins.

Question 2

What causes cashew nut allergy?

Accepted Answer

Cashew nut allergy is caused by your immune system misidentifying specific proteins in cashews—primarily Ana o 1, Ana o 2, and Ana o 3—as dangerous threats to your body. When you eat cashews or come into contact with cashew proteins, your immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) to attack these proteins. This immune response triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms, which can range from mild skin reactions to life-threatening anaphylaxis. The allergy can develop at any age, and even tiny amounts of cashew protein can trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals.

Question 3

What is the best test for cashew nut allergy?

Accepted Answer

The Cashew Nut (f202) IgG test is the most important blood test for cashew nut allergy because it measures specific IgG antibodies your immune system produces in response to cashew proteins. This test provides clear laboratory evidence that your body has developed an immune sensitivity to cashews, distinguishing a true allergy from simple food intolerance. The blood test detects antibodies to cashew-specific proteins like Ana o 1, Ana o 2, and Ana o 3, giving you definitive confirmation of the allergy. Unlike symptom observation alone, this test provides objective data that helps you and your healthcare provider create an appropriate management plan, including strict avoidance strategies and emergency medication prescriptions if needed for severe reactions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for cashew nut allergy?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience symptoms like itching, tingling in your mouth, hives, skin rashes, or swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat after eating cashews or foods containing cashew ingredients. Testing is also important if you have digestive symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea following cashew consumption, or if you develop respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing. If you have experienced anaphylaxis—a severe reaction with difficulty breathing, rapid pulse, dizziness, or loss of consciousness—after eating cashews, immediate testing is critical to confirm the allergy and obtain emergency medications like epinephrine auto-injectors.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of cashew nut allergy?

Accepted Answer

Cashew nut allergy symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and typically appear within minutes to two hours after exposure. Mild to moderate symptoms include itching or tingling in your mouth, hives, eczema or itchy skin rash, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat or other body parts, nasal congestion, runny nose, wheezing or trouble breathing, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Severe symptoms include anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction that causes constriction of airways, severe drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness. Some people may experience only skin reactions, while others have primarily digestive or respiratory symptoms, making blood testing essential for definitive diagnosis.

Question 6

Who is at risk for cashew nut allergy?

Accepted Answer

You are at higher risk for cashew nut allergy if you have other food allergies, especially to tree nuts like pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or pecans, since cashew allergies often occur alongside other nut allergies. People with a family history of food allergies, asthma, eczema, or hay fever are more likely to develop cashew allergies. Children are particularly susceptible, though cashew allergy can develop at any age, and unlike some childhood allergies, cashew allergy rarely resolves with age. If you have had previous allergic reactions to legumes like peanuts or to other foods, your risk increases. People with existing atopic conditions like allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis also face elevated risk for developing food allergies including cashew nut allergy.

Question 7

What happens if cashew nut allergy is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If cashew nut allergy is left undiagnosed or unmanaged, you risk experiencing increasingly severe allergic reactions with each exposure, potentially leading to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Without proper diagnosis, you might continue eating cashews or cashew-containing products unknowingly, as cashew ingredients appear in many processed foods, Asian cuisine, desserts, and nut mixes. Repeated exposure can sensitize your immune system further, making reactions more severe over time. Anaphylaxis can cause your airways to close, blood pressure to drop dangerously low, and can result in unconsciousness or death if not treated immediately with epinephrine. Living with undiagnosed cashew allergy also means you lack access to emergency medications like epinephrine auto-injectors that can save your life during a severe reaction.

Question 8

Can cashew nut allergy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cashew nut allergy can be effectively diagnosed with a blood test that measures specific antibodies your immune system produces in response to cashew proteins. The Cashew Nut (f202) IgG blood test detects immunoglobulin G antibodies that indicate your body has developed an immune response to cashew allergens. Blood testing offers several advantages over other diagnostic methods: it requires only a simple blood draw, poses no risk of triggering an allergic reaction during testing, and provides objective, quantifiable results that confirm the presence of cashew-specific antibodies. While skin prick tests are also used for allergy diagnosis, blood tests are safer for people who have had severe reactions, those with skin conditions like eczema, or those taking medications that might interfere with skin testing.

Question 9

How is cashew nut allergy treated?

Accepted Answer

Cashew nut allergy is primarily treated through strict avoidance of cashews and all cashew-containing products, as there is currently no cure for food allergies. Your healthcare provider will likely prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) that you must carry at all times in case of accidental exposure and severe reaction. For mild reactions, antihistamines can help relieve symptoms like itching and hives. Treatment also involves careful label reading, since cashews appear in many unexpected foods including Thai and Indian dishes, baked goods, granola, trail mix, pesto, and various sauces. You should inform restaurants about your allergy and avoid foods with precautionary labels like may contain tree nuts. Working with an allergist to develop an emergency action plan and educating family, friends, and coworkers about recognizing and responding to severe allergic reactions are essential parts of managing cashew nut allergy.

Question 10

How can I prevent cashew nut allergy reactions?

Accepted Answer

Preventing cashew nut allergy reactions requires vigilant avoidance of cashews and cashew-containing products by carefully reading all food labels every time you purchase a product, even familiar ones, since manufacturers can change ingredients without notice. Avoid foods with precautionary allergen statements like manufactured in a facility that processes tree nuts or may contain cashews. When dining out, inform your server and request to speak with the chef about your allergy, avoiding cuisines that commonly use cashews like Thai, Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese food. Always carry your epinephrine auto-injector and wear medical alert identification jewelry. Teach family members, friends, coworkers, and teachers how to recognize allergic reactions and administer emergency medication. Be cautious with non-food items like lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics that may contain cashew oil or extracts.

Question 11

What can I do at home for cashew nut allergy?

Accepted Answer

At home, create a cashew-free environment by carefully checking all food products in your pantry and eliminating those containing cashews or manufactured in facilities that process tree nuts. Designate separate preparation areas, cutting boards, and utensils if anyone in your household consumes cashews to prevent cross-contamination. Keep your epinephrine auto-injector in an easily accessible location that everyone in your household knows about, and ensure it is not expired. Post emergency contact numbers and your allergy action plan in visible areas like the refrigerator. Educate all household members and frequent visitors about your allergy and how to recognize symptoms of a reaction. Consider cooking more meals at home where you have complete control over ingredients, and explore safe alternative nuts like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds that are not tree nuts. Keep antihistamines on hand for mild reactions, but always use epinephrine first for severe symptoms.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Cashew Nut Allergy Blood Test

What is Cashew Nut Allergy?

What causes cashew nut allergy?

What is the best test for cashew nut allergy?

When should I get tested for cashew nut allergy?

References

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