## Laboratory Test: ALLERGY 18 PC NUTS
The **ALLERGY 18 PC NUTS** test is a comprehensive blood test that measures specific antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to 18 common types of nuts. These nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.
### Test Overview
The ALLERGY 18 PC NUTS test is used to diagnose **nut allergies**, which are a type of food allergy. When a person with a nut allergy eats nuts, their immune system mistakenly identifies the nut proteins as harmful and produces IgE antibodies to neutralize them. These antibodies can trigger an allergic reaction when they come into contact with nut proteins again.
### Conditions and Diseases Detected
The ALLERGY 18 PC NUTS test can help diagnose the following conditions:
– **Nut allergies**: Immediate or delayed allergic reactions to one or more types of nuts.
– **Food allergies**: Allergic reactions to nuts that are part of a broader food allergy panel.
– **Hypersensitivity**: A general term for an exaggerated immune response to specific substances, including nuts.
### Preparation Guidelines
No special preparation is required for the ALLERGY 18 PC NUTS test. However, it is important to inform your healthcare provider if you have recently received any immunizations or if you are taking any medications, as these can affect the test results.
### Procedure
The ALLERGY 18 PC NUTS test is a simple blood test. A small sample of blood will be drawn from your vein and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test is safe and typically takes less than 5 minutes to complete.
### Duration and Waiting Time
The ALLERGY 18 PC NUTS test takes several days to process. Your healthcare provider will notify you when your results are ready.
### Additional Tests
In addition to the ALLERGY 18 PC NUTS test, your healthcare provider may also recommend other tests to assess your overall health and identify the root cause of your symptoms. These tests may include:
– **Skin prick test**: A skin test that involves pricking the skin with small amounts of different allergens to observe the reaction.
– **Patch test**: A skin test that involves applying patches of potential allergens to the skin for 24-48 hours to see if a reaction occurs.
– **Complete blood count (CBC)**: A blood test that measures the number and type of blood cells in your body.
### Conclusion
The ALLERGY 18 PC NUTS test is a valuable tool for diagnosing nut allergies and other types of food hypersensitivity. If you experience symptoms such as rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating nuts, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested.
**Remember, you are not alone in your health journey. Be sure to discuss your test results with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.**
