Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify hidden sensitivities – Detect IgE antibodies to cat, dog, cow, horse, guinea pig, rat, and mouse allergens in one test
- No doctor visit required – Order online and get physician-reviewed results confidentially
- Reduce asthma flare-ups – Early detection helps you avoid triggers and cut exacerbations by up to 40% (CDC 2023)
- Fast, convenient testing – Simple blood draw with results in 3–5 days
- ImmunoCAP precision – Uses technology with over 90% sensitivity and specificity (AAAAI 2024)
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes, or skin rashes around animals
- People with respiratory symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath near pets
- Those considering pet adoption who want to screen for allergies first
- Anyone with a family history of allergies seeking proactive health insights
- Parents monitoring children's allergic reactions to animals at home or school
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — select your test without a physician referral and choose a convenient lab location
- Visit the lab — a trained phlebotomist collects a small blood sample during a quick appointment
- Access your results — review secure, confidential results online within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What allergens does this test detect? Cat dander, dog dander, cow, horse, guinea pig, rat, and mouse epithelial allergens.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines before this test? No restrictions for blood tests; antihistamines don't affect IgE antibody levels in serum.
Can this test diagnose an allergy? It detects sensitization; your provider correlates results with symptoms to confirm clinical allergy.
Is a positive result dangerous? It indicates sensitization, not severity; discuss with a healthcare provider for personalized management.
How accurate is this test? ImmunoCAP technology offers over 90% sensitivity and specificity for IgE detection.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This blood test measures allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your serum to identify sensitization to common animal allergens. IgE antibodies are produced when your immune system mistakes harmless animal proteins—like dander or epithelial cells—for dangerous invaders. By detecting these antibodies, the test helps pinpoint which animal exposures may trigger your allergic symptoms, from mild sneezing and itchy eyes to more serious reactions like asthma or eczema (Mayo Clinic 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit if you experience allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes, hives, or respiratory issues around animals. It's particularly useful for individuals considering pet adoption, those with unexplained allergic symptoms at home or work, people with known allergies seeking to identify specific triggers, or parents monitoring children's reactions. Approximately 10–20% of people in developed countries are sensitized to pet dander, making this a common concern (Mayo Clinic 2024).
When should I order this test?
Order this test when you experience allergy symptoms after contact with animals, before adopting a pet if you suspect allergies, when symptoms worsen in certain environments like homes with pets, or if you have a family history of allergies and want proactive screening. Early identification allows you to avoid allergens and prevent symptom escalation before they interfere with daily life or require medication.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported qualitatively as positive or negative, indicating whether allergen-specific IgE antibodies were detected. Some labs provide semi-quantitative levels for additional context.
Negative
- No detectable IgE antibodies; sensitization unlikely
- Symptoms may be non-allergic; discuss with provider
Positive (low)
- IgE detected; mild sensitization present
- Monitor symptoms; consider allergen avoidance strategies
Positive (moderate–high)
- Significant IgE levels; higher sensitization
- Discuss avoidance, medication, or further testing with provider
A positive result indicates sensitization but doesn't always predict symptom severity—clinical correlation with your history is essential for diagnosis.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting or special preparation is required. Continue your regular medications, including antihistamines, as they do not affect blood IgE levels. The test requires a simple blood draw (approximately 0.5–1 mL of serum) performed via venipuncture, with minimal risk and no downtime.
How often should I get tested?
Retesting frequency depends on your symptoms, exposure changes, and treatment progress.
- Initial screening for suspected allergies: Once, then as symptoms change
- Monitoring known allergies during treatment: Every 1–2 years or as advised by your provider
- Before significant exposure (e.g., pet adoption): One-time test before making a decision
- After allergy immunotherapy: Annually to evaluate treatment response
Why early detection matters
Early identification of animal allergies enables proactive management that can significantly improve your quality of life. Avoiding identified allergens reduces asthma exacerbations and hospitalizations by 30–40% (CDC 2023). You can implement environmental controls like air filters, minimize exposure, and work with your provider on symptom management before reactions become severe. Up to 15% of otherwise healthy individuals show detectable IgE to animal allergens, making screening valuable even without obvious symptoms.
Related tests you may consider
Total IgE Test – Measures overall IgE levels to assess your general allergic tendency
Cat Hair and Dander Allergy IgE Blood Test – Measures IgE sensitization to cat allergens, one of the most common animal-related allergy triggers.
Dog Dander Allergy IgE Blood Test – Detects IgE antibodies to dog dander, frequently tested alongside animal mix results.
