Clinical Information

IgE antibodies to rJug r 1 (Walnut Storage Protein) are associated with systemic reactions to walnuts.

IgE antibodies to rJug r 3 (Walnut LTP) are associated with local as well as systemic reactions to walnuts.

Component testing for Walnut must be ordered as follow-up to whole allergen results. They are not available as reflex tests. Patient specimens are stored frozen for 30 days.

Component testing measures IgE antibodies to individual proteins unlike whole allergen testing which measures the presence of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) antibodies to a combination of allergenic and non-allergenic proteins.This next generation testing identifies the source of sensitization and helps the clinician assess the risk of systemic reaction.

Results of component testing can assist with patient selection for oral food challenge as well as possible management recommendations such as immunotherapy and/or allergen avoidance/food elimination. Because of the diagnostic and management complexities associated with food allergy, referral to an allergy and immunology specialist should be considered when evaluating a patient with suspected food allergies.