INHALANTS ALLERGY SCREENING TESTS (BY IMMUNO - EIA)

Allergy

Report in 72Hrs

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No Fasting Required

Details

Detects inhalant allergen sensitivity.

₹2,072₹2,960

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INHALANTS ALLERGY SCREENING TESTS (BY IMMUNO-EIA)

Why is it done?
- Detects specific IgE antibodies against common inhaled allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other airborne particles
- Diagnoses allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma, and other respiratory allergic conditions
- Identifies specific triggers for allergic symptoms to guide avoidance strategies and treatment planning
- Performed when patients present with chronic sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, watery eyes, coughing, or wheezing
- Used to evaluate environmental allergy exposure and assist in immunotherapy (allergy shot) candidate selection
- Ordered when skin prick testing is contraindicated or inconclusive, or when patient is on medications that interfere with skin testing
Normal Range
- Units of Measurement: kU/L (kilounits per liter) or IU/mL (International Units per milliliter)
- Negative/Normal Result: < 0.35 kU/L (or negative by semiquantitative scoring) - Indicates no clinically significant IgE antibodies to the tested allergen
- Class 1 (Low Positive): 0.35 to < 0.70 kU/L - Borderline sensitivity; clinical relevance uncertain
- Class 2 (Moderate Positive): 0.70 to < 3.5 kU/L - Mild allergic sensitization; likely clinically significant
- Class 3 (Strong Positive): 3.5 to < 17.5 kU/L - Moderate allergic sensitization; clinically significant
- Class 4 (Very Strong Positive): 17.5 to < 50 kU/L - High allergic sensitization; strongly suggestive of clinical allergy
- Class 5 (Very High): ≥ 50 kU/L - Very high allergic sensitization; definitive clinical significance
- Reference Range Interpretation: Results must be correlated with clinical presentation; positive results indicate sensitization but do not always confirm clinical allergy. Some asymptomatic individuals may show positive results.
Interpretation
- Negative Result (< 0.35 kU/L): No detectable IgE antibodies to the specific allergen tested; patient is unlikely to have allergic reaction to this particular inhalant allergen. Does not exclude allergy to other allergens.
- Positive Result (≥ 0.35 kU/L): Detectable IgE antibodies present; indicates sensitization to the specific allergen. Higher values suggest stronger sensitization and increased likelihood of clinical symptoms.
- Class-Specific Interpretation: Higher class numbers indicate increasingly stronger allergic sensitization. Class 1-2 may represent subclinical sensitization or mild allergy. Class 3-5 generally correlate well with clinical allergic symptoms.
- Clinical Correlation Essential: Test results must be interpreted in context of patient history, symptom timing, and exposure patterns. Positive results in absence of symptoms may represent sensitization without clinical disease.
- Multiple Allergen Panel: When multiple allergens tested, results help identify primary triggers. Pattern of results (e.g., seasonal vs. perennial allergens) aids in diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Factors Affecting Results: Recent allergen exposure may elevate levels; immunocompromised states may reduce antibody production; certain medications (antihistamines) do not interfere with IgE testing; concurrent infections may temporarily affect results.
- Common Inhalant Allergens Tested: Dust mites, tree pollen (birch, oak), grass pollen (timothy), ragweed, mold spores (Alternaria, Aspergillus), cat dander, dog dander, cockroach allergen, feathers.
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems: Respiratory system (nose, sinuses, lungs); Integumentary system (skin); Immune system (lymphocytes, mast cells); Eyes and tear ducts
- Associated Conditions - Allergic Rhinitis: Chronic nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal itching, post-nasal drip, reduced sense of smell and taste
- Associated Conditions - Allergic Asthma: Reversible airway obstruction, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing (especially nocturnal), exercise-induced symptoms
- Associated Conditions - Allergic Conjunctivitis: Ocular itching, tearing, redness, foreign body sensation, photophobia
- Associated Conditions - Atopic Dermatitis: Pruritic skin lesions, eczematous changes, xerosis (dry skin), lichenification, heightened skin reactivity to environmental triggers
- Complications of Untreated Inhalant Allergies: Chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, sleep disturbances, reduced quality of life, asthma exacerbations and severe bronchospasm, anaphylaxis (rare with inhalants)
- Systemic Effects: Increased IgE production; systemic inflammatory response; activation of mast cells and basophils; potential for cross-reactivity between similar allergens
Follow-up Tests
- Confirmatory Tests: Skin prick testing (SPT) for confirmation and assessment of skin reactivity; intradermal testing for weakly positive IgE results
- Pulmonary Function Tests: Spirometry to assess lung function in patients with suspected allergic asthma; methacholine challenge test for airway hyperresponsiveness assessment
- Additional Immunological Tests: Total IgE level; specific IgG antibodies (for assessment of prior exposure); allergen component testing for precise allergen identification
- Imaging Studies: Sinus CT for complicated rhinosinusitis; chest X-ray for asthma complications; nasal endoscopy to rule out obstructive lesions
- Extended Allergen Panels: If initial screening positive, expanded panel testing for additional allergens; occupational allergen testing if workplace exposure suspected
- Baseline Testing Before Immunotherapy: Repeat allergen-specific IgE testing before initiating allergy shots; baseline pulmonary function testing; assessment for contraindications
- Monitoring During Treatment: Serial allergen-specific IgE testing every 1-2 years during immunotherapy; assessment of therapy efficacy through symptom scoring; measurement of blocking IgG antibodies
- Monitoring Frequency: Initial testing at presentation; repeat annually if symptoms persist; additional testing if symptoms worsen or new triggers suspected; reassessment every 2-3 years in stable patients
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: NO
- Patient Preparation: No fasting required; patient may eat and drink normally before blood collection; patient may take regular medications unless otherwise instructed
- Medication Instructions: Continue regular medications; antihistamines do NOT interfere with IgE testing (unlike skin prick testing); corticosteroids do not affect results; H2-blockers do not affect IgE measurements
- Timing Considerations: Test can be performed at any time of day; no specific scheduling requirements; results same regardless of timing; recommend collection at least 4 weeks after acute allergic reaction for accurate baseline
- Special Instructions: Avoid excessive stress before collection; maintain normal fluid intake; inform phlebotomist of current medications; report recent infections or immunizations; notify of immunocompromised status if applicable
- Collection Method: Standard venipuncture; blood serum collection in SST (serum separator) tube; approximately 3-5 mL required; specimen stable at room temperature for transportation
- Turn-Around Time: Typically 3-7 business days; expedited testing available at some laboratories; immunological assay requires specific equipment and trained personnel

How our test process works!