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

Latex Allergy (IgE)

IgE antibodies to natural rubber latex, from one 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 blood test measures IgE antibodies to natural rubber latex, found in gloves, balloons, and medical products. People often check it after reactions to gloves, or when fruits such as banana, avocado, or kiwi seem to cause symptoms. A positive result shows sensitization, not necessarily an allergy.

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

Who should take this test?

For adults who have reacted to gloves, balloons, or other latex products, including people exposed at work in healthcare, who want to check for sensitization to latex.

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 result shows whether your blood has IgE to latex. An allergist reads it with your history of reactions to latex products and related fruits to decide on next steps.

Latex-specific IgE (k82)
Specific IgE is an antibody the immune system can make against one allergen. This marker measures IgE that recognizes natural rubber latex, found in gloves, balloons, and medical products. A level above the lab’s reference range shows sensitization.
Why it’s measured: Checks for IgE sensitization to latex after reactions to gloves, balloons, or related fruits.

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

Your result is reported as an IgE level in kU/L and compared with the lab’s reference range. A level above the range shows sensitization.

  • 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

Decisions about latex exposure, at work or in medical care, belong with an allergist or other healthcare provider who knows your history.

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.

No. This test is not for urgent reactions. If you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or you faint after contact with latex, call 911 or get emergency care right away. If you have a prescribed epinephrine auto-⁠injector, use it as directed.

Once a reaction has passed, an allergist or other healthcare provider can help you decide on next steps, including whether testing fits.

Not on its own. A positive result means your immune system has made IgE to latex, which is called sensitization. Many people who are sensitized have no symptoms when they are exposed.

A diagnosis of allergy is made by a healthcare provider who looks at your symptoms and history along with results like this one. A negative result also does not by itself mean you are not allergic.

Some fruits, including banana, avocado, and kiwi, share proteins with natural rubber latex. People sensitized to latex can also show IgE to these foods, and the reverse can happen too.

An allergist reads latex and food results together with your history. A positive result shows sensitization, not that you will react to any of them.

Yes. If you have reacted to latex, tell the staff at the lab before your blood draw, since gloves and other supplies can contain latex. Tell your other healthcare providers too.

A negative result does not clear a latex allergy, and decisions about latex exposure belong with an allergist.

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.