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
- Pinpoint cockroach allergies fast — quantitative IgE results in 3-5 business days with FDA-cleared testing
- Improve asthma control — early detection reduces exacerbations and healthcare costs (AAAAI 2025)
- Guide immunotherapy decisions — precise IgE levels help personalize and monitor allergy treatment
- Convenient sample collection — simple blood draw, no fasting or medication changes required
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults or children with asthma or wheezing worsening in cockroach-infested environments
- Individuals with chronic nasal congestion, coughing, or sinus infections of unknown cause
- People experiencing skin rashes or eczema possibly triggered by indoor allergens
- Those considering allergy immunotherapy and need baseline IgE measurement
- Urban residents or workers exposed to cockroach allergens at home or workplace
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - select your test and schedule a convenient lab appointment
- Visit a local lab - quick blood draw, no fasting needed
- Get results fast - Received results in 3-5 business days via secure portal.
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies to German cockroach proteins indicating allergic sensitization.
Do I need to stop taking allergy medications before testing? No, blood allergy tests are unaffected by antihistamines or other medications.
How accurate is this test compared to skin prick testing? ImmunoCAP® shows high correlation with skin tests plus improved standardization (Frontiers Immunology 2019).
Can children take this test? Yes, blood testing is safe and effective for all ages.
What if my results are positive? Consult an allergist to discuss environmental control, medication, or immunotherapy options.
Will this test diagnose asthma? No, it identifies cockroach sensitization that may contribute to asthma symptoms.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects specific IgE antibodies in your blood that indicate an allergic immune response to German cockroach (Blattella germanica) proteins. German cockroaches produce allergens from their feces, saliva, and shed body parts that become airborne through everyday activities like vacuuming or sweeping. Using the FDA-cleared ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay method, this test quantitatively measures your sensitization level, helping identify whether cockroach exposure triggers your allergic symptoms (Eurofins Viracor).
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit if you experience allergic rhinitis, asthma, or dermatitis possibly linked to cockroach exposure. Up to 54% of urban asthma populations show German cockroach sensitization (NCBI 2013). This test is particularly valuable if you live or work in environments with cockroach infestations, have chronic respiratory symptoms without clear cause, or are considering immunotherapy. Symptoms commonly include wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing, ear or sinus infections, and skin rashes.
When should I order this test?
Order this test when you notice symptoms worsening in cockroach-prone environments, especially indoors near kitchens, bathrooms, or electronics where German cockroaches hide. Consider testing before starting allergy immunotherapy to establish baseline IgE levels, or during treatment to monitor response. You should also test if you have persistent respiratory or skin symptoms despite standard treatments, or if you're planning environmental modifications and need to confirm cockroach allergy.
How do I interpret the results?
IgE Level: <0.35 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – no sensitization detected
- Typical action: Cockroach allergy unlikely; explore other triggers
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive – mild sensitization
- Typical action: Consider environmental control measures
IgE Level: 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive – significant sensitization
- Typical action: Consult allergist; may benefit from treatment
IgE Level: 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High positive – strong sensitization
- Typical action: Allergy treatment likely beneficial
IgE Level: ≥17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high positive – very strong sensitization
- Typical action: Comprehensive allergy management recommended
Results ≥0.35 kU/L indicate sensitization, but clinical symptoms and exposure history determine whether you have clinically significant cockroach allergy.
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 special preparation is required. You do not need to fast or adjust medications before your blood draw. Antihistamines and other allergy medications do not affect blood IgE testing, unlike skin prick tests. Simply schedule your appointment and arrive at the lab. Blood is collected in a standard serum tube and shipped under routine conditions for analysis.
How often should I get tested?
Initial screening for allergy symptoms:
- Once, then as symptoms change
Before starting immunotherapy:
During immunotherapy treatment:
- Every 6–12 months to monitor response
After environmental interventions:
- 6–12 months to assess effectiveness
New or worsening symptoms:
Why early detection matters
Early identification of cockroach sensitization significantly reduces asthma exacerbations and associated healthcare costs through timely preventive interventions (AAAAI 2025). Knowing your allergen triggers empowers you to implement targeted environmental controls—sealing cracks, maintaining cleanliness, managing humidity, and using pest control—that can dramatically reduce exposure. For individuals with asthma, untreated cockroach allergy can lead to poorly controlled symptoms, emergency visits, and reduced quality of life. Early testing also guides treatment decisions, ensuring you receive appropriate immunotherapy or medication when clinically beneficial.
Related tests you may consider
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Eosinophil (EOS) Count Blood Test - Checks the number of eosinophils in your blood, which can indicate allergic reactions, asthma, parasitic infections, or inflammatory conditions, helping doctors diagnose and manage these health issues effectively.
IgE Mold Allergy Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit - Checks for allergic reactions to 13 common molds by measuring IgE antibody levels, helping people identify mold-related allergy triggers and symptoms like itchy eyes, stuffy nose, asthma, or skin rashes.
