Sesame Seed

Phadia’s F10 test is used to detect blood levels of IgE (antibodies) responsible for allergic reactions to sesame seeds or sesame oil. Sesame is the ninth leading cause of food allergies in children after milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, nuts, wheat and soy. The interpretation chart accompanying the result expresses the probability of an allergic reaction to sesame, but not necessarily the severity of the reaction. Case history (symptoms, relation to meals, snacks etc.) and clinical examination by the physician are essential for a reliable interpretation of the results.

A negative anti-sesame seed IgE result (< 0.35 kU/L) indicates that sesame (seed or oil) is probably not responsible for the reported symptoms, but it does not COMPLETELY RULE OUT THIS POSSIBILITY. Cross allergies have been reported with hazelnuts, barley, kiwi, poppy seeds, peanuts, black walnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts and pistachios. All negative and positive results must be interpreted in light of the case history. The double-blind oral food challenge remains the definitive technique for confirming a food allergy.