What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing hives, itching, flushing, or other reactions after eating foods or drinks with yellow dye, and you suspect a sensitivity to tartrazine (also called Yellow 5). It's especially useful if skin testing or standard IgE blood testing hasn't given clear answers or isn't an option for you. The test looks at how your immune cells react when exposed to tartrazine in a lab setting.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with each value's normal range explained in plain language so you know exactly what it means. If your results suggest a sensitivity, simple next steps include avoiding foods and drinks with tartrazine (often labeled as Yellow 5 or FD&C Yellow No. 5) and watching for symptom improvement. If reactions have been severe, such as difficulty breathing or swelling, seek medical care right away rather than waiting on lab results. You can download a standard lab report from your account anytime, and if you retest in the future, you'll be able to track changes over time using the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who notices symptoms like skin rashes, itching, or stomach upset after consuming foods, drinks, or medications with yellow food coloring should consider this test. It's also a good option for people who've had inconclusive or unavailable skin allergy testing and want another way to check for tartrazine sensitivity. People managing chronic hives or unexplained flare-ups tied to certain foods may also benefit.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include hives, itchy skin, flushing, swelling, stomach cramps, or headaches that show up after eating processed foods, candy, sodas, or medications with yellow dye. Some people also notice worsening asthma symptoms or nasal congestion after exposure. If these symptoms keep happening after specific foods or drinks, it may be worth checking for a tartrazine sensitivity.

How can I naturally support my body if I have a tartrazine sensitivity?

The most effective step is simply avoiding foods, drinks, and medications that contain tartrazine or other artificial yellow dyes—check ingredient labels for "Yellow 5" or "FD&C Yellow No. 5." Eating more whole, unprocessed foods naturally lowers your exposure to synthetic dyes. Staying hydrated and keeping a symptom diary can also help you spot patterns and triggers over time. Some people find that reducing overall processed food intake calms down skin and digestive symptoms.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification once they're posted to your account, where you can view and download your full report.

What does a high reactivity result mean?

A high or positive result means your basophils (a type of immune cell) reacted strongly to tartrazine in the lab test, suggesting your body may be sensitive to this dye. This means avoiding tartrazine-containing products is a reasonable next step to see if your symptoms improve. Keep in mind this is one piece of information, and tracking your symptoms after eliminating the dye can help confirm the connection.

What causes a sensitivity to tartrazine?

Tartrazine sensitivity is thought to involve an overactive immune response to this synthetic dye, though the exact reason some people react and others don't isn't fully understood. It's more commonly seen in people who already have other sensitivities, asthma, or chronic hives. Genetics and overall immune system reactivity may also play a role.

How often should I retest?

If you've eliminated tartrazine from your diet and your symptoms have improved, you likely don't need to retest unless symptoms return. If you're still having reactions after avoiding known sources, retesting or looking into other potential triggers within a few months can help clarify what's going on. Tracking your results over time in your account makes it easy to compare if you do retest.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

Start by removing foods, beverages, and medications that contain tartrazine or other yellow dyes from your routine and see if your symptoms ease up. Keeping a simple log of what you eat and any symptoms can help you spot other possible triggers too. If symptoms are severe or don't improve with dietary changes, seek medical care to explore other causes.

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.

How do I know which test to get?

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.

When will my lab results be available?

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.

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?

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.

Do you accept health insurance?

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.

Can I cancel my order?

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.

How can I find a lab location near me?

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.

Tartrazine Sensitivity Test - Yellow Dye Allergy Check

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!

754-799-7833

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