A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

Cochineal Extract (Dactylopius coccus) Allergy (IgE)

Checks IgE sensitization to cochineal from a single blood draw.

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  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
None
Nothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
Results
3 to 5 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

This test checks your blood for IgE antibodies to cochineal extract (carmine). Cochineal extract, also called carmine, is a red dye made from insects and used in foods and cosmetics. Sensitization is not the same as allergy, so the result is read with your history.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

Adults often choose it after a reaction to red-colored foods or cosmetics, or to bring a result to an allergist, when they want to check for sensitization to cochineal.

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

Your cochineal result can help you and an allergist see whether you are sensitized, one piece of information read alongside your symptoms and history.

Cochineal-specific IgE
IgE is the antibody involved in allergic reactions. This marker is the amount of IgE in your blood that recognizes cochineal extract (carmine), reported in kU/L. A level above the lab’s reference range means sensitization, not necessarily allergy.
Why it’s measured: To see whether you are sensitized to cochineal, read with your history by an allergist.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 3 to 5 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

The lab reports an IgE level in kU/L and compares it with its reference range. A level above that range means you are sensitized.

  • Your number next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

An allergist or other healthcare provider reads this result with your history before any change to foods or cosmetics you use.

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

Cochineal extract, also called carmine, is a red dye made from insects. It is used in some red-⁠colored foods and in cosmetics.

This test measures IgE to cochineal extract. A positive result shows sensitization, not that the dye caused your symptoms. An allergist reads it with what happened and when.

No. Sensitization means your body has made IgE to cochineal extract (carmine). An allergy means that exposure causes symptoms. Many people are sensitized without having symptoms, so a positive result alone does not mean you are allergic.

A negative result does not clear an allergy either. An allergist or other healthcare provider reads your result with what happens when you are exposed.

Get emergency care. If you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or you feel faint or pass out after eating any food, call 911 right away. If you have a prescribed epinephrine auto-⁠injector, use it as directed. This blood test is not for urgent reactions.

After a serious reaction, an allergist can talk with you about what happened and which tests make sense.

Lab tests are informational and don’t diagnose conditions on their own. Available to adults 18 and older; test availability varies by lab location. A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test. All testing is performed at CLIA-certified laboratories. Not for emergencies: if you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.