Poppy seed, f224

Poppy seeds are obtained from the plant Papaver somniferum and are commonly used in food products such as bakery and confectionery items. In some individuals, specific proteins found in poppy seeds may act as allergens and trigger allergic reactions. The Poppy Seeds (F224) test is a laboratory blood analysis that measures the presence of specific IgE antibodies directed against poppy seed allergens.

Role of the test

This test is used to identify allergic sensitization to poppy seeds by detecting allergen-specific IgE antibodies. It supports the diagnosis or exclusion of IgE-mediated food allergy and assists clinicians in establishing an appropriate medical management plan.

Advantages

• Safe and minimally invasive blood test
• No direct exposure of the patient to the allergen
• Suitable for patients of all ages
• Useful when skin prick testing is contraindicated
• Provides accurate identification of allergic sensitization

Indications

• Allergic symptoms occurring after consumption of foods containing poppy seeds (skin reactions, pruritus, urticaria, edema, gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms)
• Suspected food allergy
• Personal or family history of allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis)
• Assessment prior to dietary elimination
• Monitoring of known food allergies

Contraindications

• There are no absolute contraindications for this test
• Results must be interpreted exclusively by a physician in clinical context
• The test is not intended for self-diagnosis

Procedure

• A venous blood sample is collected
• The sample is analyzed using specific immunological methods to detect IgE antibodies against allergen F224
• Results are reported quantitatively or semi-quantitatively and compared with reference values

Interpretation of results

 * Positive result
A positive result indicates the presence of specific IgE antibodies against poppy seed allergens (F224). This suggests allergic sensitization and supports the diagnosis of an IgE-mediated allergy to poppy seeds. The result must be correlated with clinical symptoms, medical history, and other investigations to confirm a clinically relevant allergy.

 * Negative result
A negative result indicates the absence of detectable specific IgE antibodies to poppy seed allergens. This makes an IgE-mediated allergy unlikely, although it does not completely exclude non-IgE–mediated reactions or other forms of food intolerance. Clinical correlation remains essential.