Question 1

What is Peanut Allergy?

Accepted Answer

Peanut allergy is an immune system overreaction to peanut proteins that can cause severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms. It is caused by the body producing IgE antibodies against specific peanut proteins like Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3. The Food Allergen Profile IgE With Component Reflexes is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures peanut-specific IgE antibodies and component proteins to confirm allergy and predict reaction severity.

Question 2

What causes peanut allergy?

Accepted Answer

Peanut allergy is caused by an abnormal immune system response to proteins found in peanuts, particularly Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3. When someone with a peanut allergy is exposed to these proteins, their immune system mistakenly identifies them as harmful invaders and produces IgE antibodies to fight them off. This immune response triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms ranging from mild skin reactions to severe anaphylaxis.

Question 3

What is the best test for peanut allergy?

Accepted Answer

The Food Allergen Profile IgE With Component Reflexes is the most important test for peanut allergy because it measures both total peanut-specific IgE antibodies and individual peanut protein components like Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3. This component testing helps predict the severity of allergic reactions and distinguishes between true peanut allergy and cross-reactivity with other allergens. For children, the Food Specific IgG Allergy Pediatric Panel can also be valuable as it measures IgG antibodies that may indicate immune responses contributing to various symptoms from skin reactions to digestive problems.

Question 4

When should I get tested for peanut allergy?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you or your child experiences symptoms like hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, digestive problems, or tingling in the mouth after eating peanuts or peanut-containing foods. Testing is especially important if there is a family history of food allergies, if you have other allergic conditions like eczema or asthma, or if you have experienced any concerning reaction to peanuts even if it seemed mild. Early diagnosis is critical because peanut allergy can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis, and knowing your status helps you avoid exposure and prepare for emergency situations.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of peanut allergy?

Accepted Answer

Peanut allergy symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and typically appear within minutes to two hours after exposure. Common symptoms include skin reactions like hives, redness, or swelling, digestive problems such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, respiratory issues including runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, and tingling or itching in the mouth and throat. In severe cases, peanut allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal reaction characterized by throat swelling, a severe drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

Question 6

Who is at risk for peanut allergy?

Accepted Answer

Children are at higher risk for peanut allergy, particularly those with a family history of food allergies or other allergic conditions like eczema, asthma, or hay fever. Having other food allergies increases the likelihood of developing a peanut allergy. Age is also a factor, as peanut allergy most commonly develops in early childhood, though it can occur at any age. Additionally, individuals who have previously had mild reactions to peanuts are at risk for more severe reactions upon subsequent exposure.

Question 7

What happens if peanut allergy is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If peanut allergy is left undiagnosed or untreated, you remain at risk for severe and potentially fatal allergic reactions with each exposure. Without proper diagnosis, you may unknowingly consume peanuts in processed foods where they are not obvious ingredients, leading to unexpected reactions. Repeated exposure without treatment can lead to increasingly severe reactions over time. Most critically, being unaware of your peanut allergy means you will not have emergency medication like epinephrine available, which could be life-saving during an anaphylactic reaction.

Question 8

Can peanut allergy be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, peanut allergy can be effectively diagnosed with blood tests that measure IgE and IgG antibodies specific to peanut proteins. Blood tests are particularly useful because they are safe, do not involve exposing the patient to allergens, and can measure antibody levels to help predict the severity of reactions. These tests measure both total peanut-specific antibodies and individual peanut protein components, providing detailed information about the type and severity of the allergy. Blood test results are typically combined with medical history and symptoms to confirm a peanut allergy diagnosis.

Question 9

How is peanut allergy treated?

Accepted Answer

The primary treatment for peanut allergy is strict avoidance of peanuts and all peanut-containing products. Individuals with diagnosed peanut allergy should carry an epinephrine auto-injector at all times for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. Antihistamines can help manage mild allergic symptoms but are not sufficient for severe reactions. Recently, oral immunotherapy has emerged as a treatment option for some patients, involving gradual exposure to small amounts of peanut protein under medical supervision to build tolerance, though this is not appropriate for everyone and must be done under strict medical guidance.

Question 10

How can I prevent peanut allergy?

Accepted Answer

Recent research suggests that early introduction of peanut-containing foods to infants between 4 and 6 months of age, particularly those at high risk for allergies, may actually help prevent peanut allergy development. However, this should be done under medical guidance, especially for high-risk infants. If you already have a peanut allergy, prevention means strict avoidance by carefully reading food labels, asking about ingredients at restaurants, avoiding cross-contamination in the kitchen, and educating family members and caregivers about your allergy. Always inform schools, workplaces, and social settings about your allergy to ensure a safe environment.

Question 11

What can I do at home for peanut allergy?

Accepted Answer

At home, create a peanut-free environment by removing all peanut products from your kitchen and carefully reading labels on all packaged foods for hidden peanut ingredients. Always keep your epinephrine auto-injector accessible and ensure all family members know how to use it in an emergency. Wear medical alert jewelry identifying your peanut allergy and develop an emergency action plan that you share with everyone in your household. Educate yourself about alternative names for peanuts on ingredient labels and be aware of cross-contamination risks when preparing meals.

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.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                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.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            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.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

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.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            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).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Peanut Allergy Blood Test

What is Peanut Allergy?

What causes peanut allergy?

What is the best test for peanut allergy?

When should I get tested for peanut allergy?

References

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