Cashew Nut-Specific IgE Antibody, RAST — Qualitative
A blood test that checks for IgE antibodies to cashew protein. A positive result suggests an immune sensitivity to cashew.
["A positive result indicates cashew-specific IgE sensitization, which must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and exposure history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82540-6
- Short code
- Deprecated Cashew nut (rAna o) 3 IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Cashew nut (rAna o) 3 IgE RAST Ql
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This qualitative blood test checks for IgE antibodies directed against cashew proteins. These antibodies are part of the immune response associated with food allergy.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to evaluate a possible cashew allergy, especially after symptoms such as hives, swelling, wheezing, vomiting, or other reactions after eating cashews.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory for cashew-specific IgE using a RAST-style method. The result is reported qualitatively as positive or negative.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required, but follow any instructions provided by the ordering clinician. Tell the clinic about your symptoms, suspected reactions, and current allergy medications before testing.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result indicates that IgE antibodies to cashew are present and supports cashew sensitization. When combined with a convincing reaction history, it may support a diagnosis of cashew allergy, but sensitization does not always mean a clinically important allergy. A negative result makes cashew IgE-mediated allergy less likely but does not completely exclude it.
Short name
Cashew nut-specific IgE (RAST)
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I am allergic to cashews?
Can I eat cashews if the test is negative?
Do I need to stop antihistamines before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy