IgE Inhalants – household and seasonal (Allergy Test)

Description

What this test will show

This assessment measures circulating IgE antibodies to 43 common indoor and outdoor inhalants. Analytes assessed include: alder tree, Australian pine tree, bahia grass, Bermuda grass, birch tree, brome grass, canary grass, cat dander, cocklebur, cockroach, common ragweed, cottonwood tree, cultivated oat grass, dandelion, dog dander, elm tree, English plantain, eucalyptus tree, giant ragweed, johnson grass, june grass, lamb’s quarters, maple tree, mesquite tree, generic mite, generic mould, mountain cedar tree, nettle, oak tree, olive tree, orchard grass, pecan tree, perennial rye grass, red top, rough marsh elder, rough pigweed, russian thistle, scale, sweet vernal grass, timothy grass, walnut tree, western ragweed, white mulberry tree,

Who is this test for

For those who suspect that they are reacting to an environmental stimulus. There is an immediate hypersensitivity to a substance, with symptoms including stuffy/itchy nose, sneezing, rhinitis, sinusitis; itchy, teary eyes, conjunctivitis; cough, wheezing, asthma, shortness of breath; skin rash or hives.

Sample type: Blood – you will need to arrange to attend one of our phlebotomy clinics to get a blood draw; click here to find your nearest clinic, surgery or hospital offering this service.

Turnaround time: 12 days

Before taking this test: It is important to conduct the test immediately after the patient has been exposed to the suspect substance and while the patient is experiencing symptoms. This is because IgE antibodies can not be detected in the blood after 1 – 2 days. IgE testing can be done at any age.

Conditions which may influence test results: Antibody testing may be inaccurate if the patient has liver disease, severe kidney disease, protein-losing enteropathy from gastrointestinal tract damage, HIV infection, or other immunodeficiencies. Results may be skewed in patients with rheumatological pathologies associated with the production of heterophilic antibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF).

Medications which may influence test results: glucocorticoids including oral prednisone, steroid metered-dose inhaler, cortisone cream; chemotherapy; other immunosuppressive agents (eg humira, rituxan); NSAIDS (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin); anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, valproate); omalizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody designed to bind to free serum IgE. Whilst stopping these medications will produce a more accurate result, we do not recommend stopping any prescription or over the counter medications without first consulting with your healthcare provider.