Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP
Understanding Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP
What is Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP?
The Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP is a specialized allergy test that evaluates your Total IgE (antibodies produced by the immune system in response to allergens) as well as specific IgE against dust inhalant allergens using the ImmunoCAP technique. Based on the results the source of allergy/allergies is determined and the course of treatment is decided accordingly.
Dust allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to specific particles that commonly live in household dust. The immune system mistakenly recognizes these dust particles as harmful (allergens) and produces an inappropriate response by producing antibodies (specific proteins) called Immunoglobulin E (IgE).
The Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP is a comprehensive allergy panel that includes the Total IgE test, used to measure the total IgE levels in the blood. In addition, this test also detects the presence of specific IgE antibodies to a wide range of dust allergens, including house dust mites such as D Farinae and D Pteronsysinus, German cockroach and house dust (Greer Labs).
Your doctor may suggest the Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP if you exhibit symptoms associated with inhalant allergy such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, skin rashes, hives, etc. Doctors may also perform this test if there are no specific symptoms and cause of the allergy is not clear. Allergen detection through this panel will help your doctor guide appropriate management and treatment decisions and prevent severe complications.
Generally, no special preparation is required for the Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP. However, inform your doctor about any medications (such as antihistamines) you are taking, as they might influence your test results.
A positive test result signifies sensitivity to one or more common dust allergens, warranting further investigation through more specific allergy testing. Conversely, a negative result indicates no sensitization to the tested allergens, though it does not eliminate the possibility of allergies to other substances not covered in this panel.
Lab test results can vary depending on the specific test kit used, as different methods and the quality of allergens used can affect the quantification of IgE. Therefore, these results are intended to be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms.
What is Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP used for?
The Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP is done:
- If you experience allergy symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes, swelling, shortness of breath, skin rash, congestion, hives, eczema, or sneezing.
- If you have allergic asthma.
- To track and monitor treatment effectiveness.
- In individuals with a family history of allergies.
What does Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP measure?
Contains 5 testsThe Allergy - Dust Panel, ImmunoCAP measures total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood associated with allergic reactions to dust allergens. This comprehensive panel includes house dust mites such as D Farinae and D Pteronsysinus, German Cockroach and House Dust (Greer Labs). This panel utilized the ImmunoCAP assay, a highly accurate and sensitive procedure that provides quantitative measurement of IgE antibodies and helps diagnose dust allergies and assess their severity.
D Farinae
D Pteronsysinus
Cockroach
Total IgE
Immunoglobulins are antibodies (proteins) produced by plasma cells (specific immune cells) when the body recognizes bacteria, viruses, other microorganisms, or any other unknown substances as harmful foreign antigens (allergy-causing substances or allergens) to the immune system. There are five types of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgG, IgM, IgD, and IgE.
Unlike other antibodies, IgE is primarily associated with immune responses to allergenic substances, such as plant pollen, latex, pet dander, mold, eggs, peanuts, bee venom, and strawberries. Typically, IgE is present in tiny amounts in the blood. When the immune system encounters an allergen, it triggers the production of IgE antibodies. The Total IgE test measures the concentration of these IgE antibodies in the blood, providing insights into the presence and severity of allergies.
Know more about Total IgE