Allergy
Allergy Test – Birch Pollen
Allergy
This blood test measures IgE antibodies against birch pollen to confirm whether your spring allergy symptoms are caused by a birch pollen allergy.
VAT-exempt medical service
Birch pollen is one of the most common causes of seasonal allergies in Sweden, with the main pollen season running from April to June. The allergen Bet v 1 is responsible for most birch pollen reactions and is also linked to cross-reactions with certain foods such as apples, carrots, and nuts (oral allergy syndrome). This IgE blood test helps confirm whether your immune system reacts to birch pollen.
This test is relevant if you experience sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, nasal congestion, or a runny nose during spring. It can confirm a birch pollen allergy, guide treatment decisions such as antihistamines or nasal sprays, and evaluate the need for allergy immunotherapy (allergen-specific vaccination).
What a high value can mean
High IgE levels suggest a birch pollen allergy. This may also be linked to cross-reactions with foods such as apples, carrots, hazelnuts, or celery (oral allergy syndrome), where the immune system mistakes similar food proteins for birch pollen.
What a low value can mean
Low IgE levels make birch pollen allergy less likely. However, other tree pollens such as alder, hazel, or oak may still be causing your spring symptoms and should be tested separately.
No special preparation is required. No fasting needed. Bring your ID to the sampling location. Bring valid ID to your appointment.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) is a cross-reaction where birch pollen-allergic individuals experience tingling, itching, or swelling when eating certain raw fruits, vegetables, or nuts — such as apples, carrots, or hazelnuts — because these foods contain proteins similar to Bet v 1.
Birch pollen season typically runs from mid-April to early June, with peak levels in late April to May depending on the region.
Yes. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) can desensitise the immune system to birch pollen over time and may also reduce oral allergy syndrome symptoms.