Anyone experiencing symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, shortness of breath, watery or itchy eyes, coughing, skin rashes, fatigue, or headaches should consider this test. Many people suffer from allergies without knowing it, and allergy symptoms can be similar to common cold symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell them apart. In fact, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, with more than 50 million Americans experiencing various types of allergies a year. Although pollen and pet dander tend to be among the most well-known and prevalent allergy triggers, there are many other allergens to watch out for—including molds and household pests. If you have a known allergy and are on an immunotherapy treatment plan, retesting for allergies can also help you see if your IgE levels have decreased over time.

If you’re experiencing severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as hives, fever, or vomiting, we recommend you speak with your healthcare provider right away.

When your body is exposed to something it recognizes as threatening, such as a virus or bacteria, (also known as an offender) IgE antibodies in your body will bind to cells that contain histamine. Histamine is a chemical that gets released from your cells when there is continued exposure to a virus or bacteria, and it can cause symptoms of an allergic response—such as sneezing, coughing, and watery or itchy eyes.

Sometimes, your body can mistake substances like pollen or pet dander as an “offender,” which will then trigger the same chemical reaction that releases histamine.

Allergies can be mild or severe, seasonal, or year-round, all depending on the frequency and amount of your exposure to the allergens.

There are two standard ways to test for allergies: a skin prick test or a blood test. For a skin prick test, an allergist pricks your skin with allergens in different places to see how you react to each allergen. One kind of allergy blood test, known as a RAST (Radio-Allergo-Sorbent Test), measures the IgE antibody concentrations in your blood.

The skin prick test is generally known to be less expensive than a blood sample test, but the expense may depend on your health insurance coverage. Allergy skin testing can cost between $300–$600, while an allergy blood test can cost up to $1,000.

Traditionally, both a skin prick and blood testing have required a visit to a physician’s office. The skin prick testing cannot be done without a physician because an immediate allergic reaction could occur if you’re allergic to any of the allergens included on the test. Another limitation of an allergy skin test is that you can’t be on antihistamines prior to testing because antihistamines block the physical response that occurs when you’re exposed to an allergen, which is ultimately what an allergy skin test is trying to measure. This type of testing also isn’t ideal if you have skin issues, such as eczema, because it limits where your skin can be pricked.

Blood testing is a great alternative if you routinely take medications to alleviate allergy symptoms or want to avoid the discomfort that can come with skin prick testing. Our test offers an added convenience; you can measure your IgE levels without having to go to your doctor’s office. The laboratory will test your blood sample against different allergens and measure the amount (or concentration) of antibodies produced. Taking antihistamines won’t affect your test results because the test measures antibodies levels, not how your body physically reacts. A blood test is also less invasive compared to the skin testing because you won’t be directly exposed to the allergens. Although reactivity level can’t predict how you will respond to the allergen, this information is a good step toward understanding which allergens may be causing unwanted symptoms, so you can better prepare for the season and reduce allergen exposure in your home.

Our at-home test is comparable to the standard RAST blood allergy testing described above. This is a great option if you would want to test your IgE levels from the convenience of your own home. Many of the allergens included on this panel are among the most common indoor and outdoor allergens in the United States.

This indoor & outdoor allergy test kit measures your immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactivity to certain indoor and outdoor allergens. This test does not measure your response to foods. The immune response associated with these allergens is known to cause cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, cough, or headaches. Although reactivity level can’t predict how you will respond to the allergen, this information is a good step toward understanding which allergens may be causing unwanted symptoms, so you can better prepare for the season or make improvements to your home.

Tests for food sensitivity measure your immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivity to certain foods. IgG reactivity is a type of immune response that typically causes delayed, non-life-threatening symptoms. Food sensitivity testing with IgG antibodies can help you identify foods to target in a temporary elimination diet.

Food allergy testing kits measure your immunoglobulin E (IgE) reactivity to certain foods. The immune response associated with food allergens can be life-threatening because symptoms are typically associated with the digestive system. Symptoms can include swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, trouble breathing, or even anaphylactic shock. This type of testing is typically performed under the care of a physician due to the serious nature of the immune responses that can occur. In severe allergic reaction cases, treatment options may require a prescription.

Testing for food intolerance can involve an elimination diet and/or breath tests. An intolerance occurs when your body doesn't have enough of the right enzymes needed to break down a particular food.

Your results will show your level of IgE reactivity to each of the 40 allergens tested on this panel. Your results will be categorized from very low to very high, with helpful information about each allergen included in the test and advice about possible next steps. Although reactivity level can’t predict how you will respond to the allergen, this information is a good step toward understanding which allergens may be causing unwanted symptoms, so you can better prepare for the season or make improvements to your home.

This test alone cannot diagnose an allergy. All allergy tests must be interpreted in conjunction with symptoms and clinical history. This test is a great way to start a conversation with your allergy specialist or healthcare provider to discuss next steps.

• Different Allergy Testing Methods
• Indoor Allergen Exposure
• Seasonal or Outdoor Allergies
• Understanding Dust Mite Allergies
• Understanding Mold Allergies
• Understanding Pet Allergies