An allergy is an immune system reaction to substances that are usually harmless to most people. These substances, known as allergens, can come from certain foods, pollen, pet dander, or in this case, house dust mites and cockroaches. The Allergy Screening Panel for House Dust, Dust Mite, and Cockroach is a test that helps identify whether you're allergic to these common household allergens.
This test is essentially a form of blood test that measures the amount of specific antibodies - known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE) - in your blood. When you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to an allergen by producing these antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.Reactions can range from mild symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose or hives, to more severe and life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis. By detecting the presence of specific allergen IgE in the blood, this test can help confirm or rule out allergies to house dust, dust mites, and cockroaches.
Preparation for this test is straightforward. No fasting is required before the test. However, it's important that you inform your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, or supplements that you are taking, as some medicines might influence the test results. For instance, antihistamines or certain antidepressants can affect the outcomes.
Avoid exposure to allergens before the test if possible. Remember, if you are already on any immunotherapy or taking any anti-allergy medications, do not stop them without consulting your doctor. Do inform your doctor about any past severe allergic reactions.
Note: Home Sample Collection is only for Pathology lab tests.
A healthcare professional will collect a small blood sample from a vein in your arm, which is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
This test is significant for diagnosing allergies to house dust, dust mites, and cockroaches, common indoor allergens. The results can guide your doctor in formulating an effective treatment plan.
Individuals who have symptoms of an allergic reaction such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, a runny or blocked nose, red, itchy, or watery eyes, or those who have a family history of allergies should consider this test.
The frequency of testing depends on your symptoms and whether you are undergoing treatment for allergies. Your doctor will guide you based on your condition.
Avoid exposure to known allergens and inform your doctor about your medication history. Do not discontinue any prescribed medications without your doctor's advice.
In general, a result is considered negative if the IgE levels are below a certain threshold. However, these ranges can vary among different labs. Your doctor will interpret your results.
Medications, exposure to allergens, and the sensitivity of the test can affect results.
If your test results are abnormal, you should consult an allergist or immunologist.
A high level of specific IgE antibodies in your blood can indicate an allergic reaction to the tested allergens.
Yes, avoiding exposure to allergens, improving indoor air quality, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage allergy symptoms.
Knowing whether you are allergic to common indoor allergens like house dust, dust mites, and cockroaches can help you prevent unnecessary discomfort or life-threatening situations. This test is a step towards better managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. If you suspect you have an allergy, it's always best to consult your doctor, who can advise you based on your symptoms and medical history.