What is an Allergy Blood Test?
Immunoglobulin E (IgE), a component found in your blood, is measured during an allergy blood test. Your body produces the antibody IgE. You could have higher levels of IgE in your blood than usual if you have allergies.
Common Allergy Symptoms
- The immune system is prone to allergies, which are a prevalent disorder.
- It mistakenly perceives harmless substances, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain foods, as threats.
- Consequently, the immune system generates Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to these allergens.
- The release of histamine and other chemicals is triggered by IgE antibodies, resulting in allergy symptoms.
- Sneezing, itching, a runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, hives, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis are common allergy symptoms.
- Allergies can either be seasonal, occurring during specific times of the year due to pollen, or perennial, persisting year-round due to indoor allergens.
- Specific allergens can be identified through allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or blood tests.
- Treatment options for allergies encompass avoiding allergens, utilizing medications like antihistamines and decongestants, receiving allergy shots (immunotherapy), and in severe cases, administering emergency epinephrine injections for anaphylaxis.
Other names: other names of this test are Quantitative IgE, IgE allergy test, Immunoglobulin E, Total IgE, Specific IgE, RAST, CAP, ELISA.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionWhat is the Use of Allergy Tests?
Blood tests for allergies are performed to determine whether you have an allergy. The two main categories of allergy blood testing are:
- A total IgE test: To determine the overall concentration of IgE antibodies in your blood, a total IgE test is done.
- A specific IgE test: How much IgE your body produces in reaction to a particular allergen is determined by a specific IgE test. Each allergen that could be the source of your allergies is subjected to a separate test.
Why do I require a Blood Test for Allergies?
If you experience allergy symptoms, your doctor may ask for allergy testing. These consist of the following:
If you cannot have allergy skin testing, your doctor may request a blood test for skin allergy. A skin test includes injecting or applying allergens directly to your skin. Skin testing might not be an option for you if you:
- I have some skin conditions.
- Take certain medications that might affect the test results.
- Are suspected to have a severe allergic reaction to the allergens used in skin testing.
Young children may require allergy blood tests in some circumstances since skin testing may be too unpleasant for them.
What happens during a Blood Test for Allergies?
A medical practitioner will use a tiny needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm. A small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial once the needle has been placed. The needle may hurt somewhat when it enters or exits your body. Usually, this only takes a few minutes.
How do you Prepare for the Allergy Blood Test?
An allergy blood test requires no extra preparation on your part.
Is there any Risk associated with the Allergy Blood Test?
An allergy blood test carries relatively no risk or danger. The needle can cause some discomfort or bruising where it was inserted, but it vanishes soon.
What do the findings imply?
- You may have an allergy if your total IgE test result is high. A total IgE test, however, does not reveal what you are allergic to or the potential severity of your allergy.
- A high IgE test result for a particular allergen indicates that you could be allergic to that allergy. The quantity of IgE cannot predict the severity of your allergy detected.
- Your healthcare practitioner may suggest a course of therapy or send you to an allergy expert if the findings of either type of test indicate that you may have an allergy. Your allergy triggers and the severity of your symptoms will determine your treatment plan.
- You must be very careful to avoid the substances you are allergic to if you are at risk for anaphylactic shock. An epinephrine auto-injector, an emergency treatment, may need to be carried by you at all times. The most frequent causes of anaphylactic shock include allergies to specific foods, medications, insect bites, and latex.
- Ask your doctor if you have any concerns about your test findings or your allergy treatment Plan and whether you are in danger of anaphylactic shock.
What important information is needed to know about an Allergy Blood Test?
Blood testing for allergies might not always be reliable. When you don't have an allergy, the findings can indicate that you do (also known as a false positive). This could occur if you ate particular meals before the test and your body reacts mildly to certain ingredients. Rarely will a blood test reveal that you don't truly have an allergy when you do (also known as a false negative).
Depending on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an allergy skin test along with an allergy blood test or only a skin test.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Allergy triggers, such as dust, pet dander, trees, grasses, weeds, and molds specific to your area of residence, are often screened for in allergy blood testing. They are very beneficial in identifying food sensitivities.
Allergies are caused when the immune system reacts to common inhalants like pollen, dust mites, medications, certain foods, latex, venom, and other substances.
Blood and skin allergy tests both can reveal a patient's susceptibility to allergies but skin testing is mostly used by skilled allergists for accurate results.
An IgE test is a blood examination that assesses a person's blood levels of various IgE antibodies, IgE tests are also used to identify and treat food allergies. In rare circumstances, they can also be useful for identifying environmental allergies.
The lgE level can range between 150 to 1,000 UI/ml, but the usual level above 150 and 300 UI/ml is considered high.
The symptoms that indicate allergies are eczema, itching, or hives. swelling of the neck, lips, cheeks, or other body parts, breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, or wheezing.
No, Allergy Tests are not always accurate, it may show false negatives or false positives sometimes.
The cost of an Allergy Panel Test (Comprehensive) is Rs. 4000 to Rs. 5000. However, it can vary from place to place.
The report of allergy tests might take one to two weeks to come.
You can get Allergy Test at Medicover Hospitals, along with other diagnostic tests.
