What should you know about IDEXX allergy testing?

A laboratory analyses a blood sample for allergen-specific immunoglobulin E, an antibody associated with immediate allergic reactions. The panel may include pollens, moulds, dust mites, animal dander, insect allergens or foods, depending on the clinical question. A positive result shows sensitisation; it does not by itself prove that exposure causes your symptoms. A negative result also does not explain every possible reaction, especially when the relevant allergen was not included or another condition has similar features.

Tell the clinician what happens, how soon it starts after exposure, how long it lasts and whether symptoms involve the nose, eyes, skin, chest or digestion. Bring a list of medicines and describe suspected triggers at home, work or during meals. The result can support a plan for reducing exposure, treating symptoms or arranging supervised testing. It may help investigate allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, pet allergy, house dust mite allergy or food allergy; it is not a substitute for a complete assessment.

Seek emergency help for sudden trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, widespread hives with vomiting, or rapidly worsening symptoms after a possible exposure. These features can signal anaphylaxis. Arrange medical review for repeated wheezing, persistent nasal blockage, recurring eye irritation or reactions that limit eating or daily activities, even if a test result is negative.

Which allergens were included, and do they match my exposure history? Does the result indicate sensitisation or a confirmed allergy? Could asthma, chronic sinusitis or another condition explain my symptoms? What should I do if symptoms return, and when would supervised testing be useful?