Understanding Lab Tests for Oral Allergy Syndrome
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome, is a condition where individuals with pollen allergies experience allergic reactions in the mouth and throat when eating certain raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts. This occurs due to cross-reactivity between proteins in pollen and similar proteins found in these foods.
Top Recommended Test
IgG4 Food Panel IV
This comprehensive panel helps identify immune responses to multiple foods commonly associated with oral allergy syndrome, including peaches and lettuce. It's particularly useful for detecting cross-reactivity between birch or ragweed pollen allergies and related foods that may trigger mouth and throat symptoms.
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How Blood Tests Help Diagnose Oral Allergy Syndrome
While OAS is often diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history, blood tests are fundamental for identifying specific allergens that trigger reactions. These tests measure antibodies (IgE and IgG) that your immune system produces in response to specific food and pollen proteins, helping to confirm cross-reactivity patterns and guide dietary management.
Other Relevant Tests
IgG4 Food Panel VI
This panel tests for immune reactions to various raw fruits and vegetables, including kiwi, that are frequently involved in oral allergy syndrome. It helps identify which specific food proteins your immune system recognizes as harmful, causing localized allergic reactions in the mouth.
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Respiratory Allergy Panel Region III: GA, northern FL, SC
This regional pollen panel is essential for identifying underlying birch pollen sensitivity, which is strongly linked to oral allergy syndrome. Understanding your pollen allergies helps predict which foods may cause cross-reactive symptoms in your mouth and throat.
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Cashew Nut (f202) IgG
This specific test measures immune response to cashew proteins, which can trigger oral allergy syndrome symptoms. Elevated IgG levels indicate that your immune system recognizes cashew proteins as harmful, potentially leading to mouth and throat irritation when consuming this nut.
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Walnut (f256) IgG
This test detects antibodies against walnut proteins and helps confirm cross-reactivity patterns typical of oral allergy syndrome. People with tree pollen allergies often react to walnuts due to similar protein structures, and this test can help establish that connection.
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Avocado (f96) IgG
Elevated avocado IgG levels may indicate oral allergy syndrome, particularly in individuals with underlying pollen sensitivities. This test helps identify if avocados are contributing to your mouth and throat symptoms through cross-reactivity mechanisms.
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Fig (Ficus carica) (f328) IgE
This IgE test specifically measures immediate allergic responses to fig proteins. High levels of fig-specific IgE antibodies are characteristic of oral allergy syndrome and can help explain symptoms like itching or inflammation of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat that occur immediately after eating fresh figs.
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Coriander/Cilantro (f317) IgE
This test identifies IgE antibodies specific to coriander/cilantro, which can trigger oral allergy syndrome symptoms. Positive results help explain mouth and throat discomfort experienced when consuming these herbs, particularly in their fresh, raw form.
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Allergen Specific IgG Western Ragweed
This test measures immune response to western ragweed pollen, which is crucial for understanding oral allergy syndrome patterns. High levels indicate a predisposition to cross-reactive symptoms with certain foods that share similar protein structures with ragweed pollen.
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Mint (Mentha piperita) (f332) IgE
Elevated mint-specific IgE levels can indicate oral allergy syndrome involving mint and related plants. This test helps identify if mint is triggering your mouth and throat allergic reactions, which is characteristic of pollen-food allergy syndrome.
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Understanding Your Results
Blood test results showing elevated IgE or IgG levels to specific foods and pollens can help confirm oral allergy syndrome and identify your personal trigger foods. These results, combined with your symptom history, guide dietary modifications and help you understand which raw foods to avoid or prepare differently to minimize reactions.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider or allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment of oral allergy syndrome.
