Environmental

Environmental Allergens, the IgE mediated, immediate reactions to airborne allergens

Pet/Animal Allergy Assessment

Exposure to animal allergens occurs in wide range of environments from home, office, work (laboratory, veterinary clinic, ranch, farm, zoo), public buildings, schools and public transportation. Animal allergens are mainly produced in the liver, or secretory glands and are localized in the skin and bodily fluids of the animal. The allergens adhere to fur, feathers and skin. Thus, as animals shed their hair, dander and skin cells, the allergens are released into the environment. Urine is another common source for animal allergens in the environment. The aerodynamics of animal allergens allows them to transfer across environments by adhering to dust particles or clothing.

Individuals with pet allergies tend to produce IgE antibodies to a large number of aeroallergens to which they are exposed. These people tend to have seasonal pollen allergies. Therefore, if one is allergic to animal allergens, follow up testing with regional allergen testing may be appropriate.

Did you know that you could be positive to the whole dog allergen, but may still be able to own a female or fixed dog? Check out our allergen component tests.

Comprehensive Health Exposure Panel

Included in the Comprehensive Health Exposure Panel are potential allergens that can impact an individual’s health and well-being. These allergens originate from a range of sources including insects, plants, chemicals, food additives and worms. Exposure to these allergens can occur in many settings through occupation, buildings, homes, hobbies, vocations, ingested food and liquid, or even the use of personal or hygiene products. Some allergens can be acquired through indoor and/or outdoor exposure.

Total IgE (only)

Measures the overall number of IgE antibodies in the patient’s blood. It can be used to detect an allergic response in the body and can complement allergen specific IgE testing.