Garlic /Onion

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Garlic /Onion

What is Garlic /Onion?

The Garlic /Onion test is a blood test tailored to detect specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to garlic and onion proteins (antigens). This test helps identify allergies to garlic, and onion based food allergies.

Garlic and onion are essential ingredients in many cuisines around the world, known for their strong flavors and numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties, heart health support, and immune system boosts. However, some individuals may develop allergic reactions after consuming these foods, causing stomach problems, skin rashes, or more serious reactions. The Garlic /Onion test helps diagnose a garlic and onion allergy by checking for specific antibodies (IgE) that the body makes against proteins present in garlic and onion. This test helps determine whether the immune system is mistakenly identifying these foods as harmful, triggering an allergic response.

The Garlic /Onion test is recommended when individuals experience symptoms such as itching, swelling, or discomfort in the mouth or throat, skin rashes, nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea after consuming food containing garlic and onion. It can help distinguish garlic/onion allergies from other conditions like oral allergy syndrome (OAS), a type of food allergy that causes allergic reactions in the lips, mouth, and throat upon eating certain raw fruits and vegetables.

A positive result for garlic or onion-specific IgE antibodies indicates an allergy, meaning individuals should avoid consuming these foods to prevent allergic reactions. If the result is negative, more tests may be needed to find other causes for the symptoms, such as food sensitivities that don’t involve IgE antibodies.

No special preparation is required for the Garlic /Onion test. However, it is important to inform the doctor about any medications (such as antihistamines) or supplements being taken, as these may affect the test results. Lab test results can vary depending on the specific test method and allergens used, so they should be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms.

What is Garlic /Onion used for?

The Garlic /Onion test is done:

To confirm an allergy to garlic or onion in individuals who experience allergic reactions after eating these foods.
To find out the cause of symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, itching, swelling, or stomach issues that happen after eating garlic and onion.
To help formulate treatment plans, including dietary modifications and medication for managing allergies.
To monitor the effectiveness of ongoing garlic allergy treatments.
To identify individuals at risk of developing food allergies, especially those with a family history of allergies.

What does Garlic /Onion measure?

The Garlic /Onion test measures the amount of specific antibodies (IgE) in the body that react to proteins found in onion and garlic. This test is important for diagnosing garlic and onion allergies and distinguishing them from other conditions like food sensitivities or oral allergy syndrome (OAS). By identifying the severity of the allergic response, the test helps doctors determine the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment.