Description

The Allergy/Respiratory, Inhalant Blood Test (Southeast Region) is a blood test designed to measure sensitivity to airborne allergens commonly found in the southeastern United States. These allergens include pollens from grasses, trees, and weeds, as well as mold spores and animal dander. This test helps identify potential triggers for respiratory allergies, such as hay fever, asthma, or allergic rhinitis, allowing for targeted treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Test:

This panel focuses on allergens that are prevalent in the Southeast region of the United States. By identifying the specific allergens a person is sensitive to, it can help guide decisions on how to manage and treat respiratory allergies.

Common Allergens Tested:

The test includes a wide range of airborne allergens, including:

Mold Spores:

  1. Alternaria (Alternata) IgE
  2. Aspergillus Fumigatus IgE
  3. Cladosporium Herbarum IgE
  4. Stemphylium Rostratum IgE
  5. Mucor Racemosus IgE
  6. Penicillium Chrysogenum IgE

Animal Dander:

  1. Cat Epithelium IgE
  2. Dog Dander IgE

Dust Mites:

  1. Dermatophagoides Farinae IgE
  2. Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus IgE

Weeds and Grasses:

  1. Pigweed/Careless Weed IgE
  2. Common Ragweed IgE
  3. Sheep Sorrel IgE
  4. Bahia Grass IgE
  5. Bermuda Grass IgE
  6. Timothy Grass IgE

Tree Pollens:

  1. Common Silver Birch IgE
  2. Maple/Box Elder IgE
  3. Oak Tree IgE
  4. Nettle IgE
  5. American Elm IgE
  6. Pecan/Hickory Tree IgE
  7. Mountain Cedar IgE

How the Test Works:

  • Blood Sample Collection:
  • A small blood sample is drawn, typically from a vein in the arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
  • IgE Measurement:
  • The test measures the amount of IgE antibodies in response to the allergens listed above. Elevated IgE levels suggest an allergic reaction to that specific allergen.
  • Result Interpretation:
  • Low or No IgE Levels: If IgE levels are low or absent for a particular allergen, it indicates that the individual is not allergic to that substance.
  • Elevated IgE Levels: High IgE levels suggest that the individual’s immune system is responding to that specific allergen, indicating an allergy.

Fasting Not Required:

  • There is no fasting required for this test, so the individual can eat and drink normally prior to the blood draw.

Conclusion:

The Allergy/Respiratory, Inhalant Blood Test (Southeast Region) is a valuable tool for identifying specific environmental allergens that may be causing allergic reactions in the southeastern United States. By measuring IgE antibodies in response to common regional allergens, this test helps diagnose respiratory allergies and supports the development of effective treatment strategies to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.