Cat Allergy Test for Humans | Cat Dander Allergy Test

Cat Allergy Test with Reflex to Components

Measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to cat dander allergens. This test may help you and your healthcare provider determine whether you have an allergy. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

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$41.60 ~~$52.00~~

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

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About the Test

The Cat Allergy Test with Reflex to Components measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies produced in the blood in response to cat dander allergens.

PLEASE NOTE
This test reports the presence of lgE antibodies to cat dander allergens, but the result by itself cannot confirm the diagnosis of the allergy. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider. They will review your results along with your medical history, signs and symptoms, medications, and any other test results. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose an allergy and prescribe medication, if needed.

An allergic reaction to common allergens can range from uncomfortable to severe. These symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to a few hours of being exposed. It is important to identify which allergens may trigger an allergic response. This panel may be helpful in identifying whether you have had or currently have an allergic reaction to cat allergens. Please review the Signs & Symptoms section below to help determine if this test may be right for you.

This test measures the level of IgE antibodies in your blood made by your immune system in response to a general cat dander (e1) allergen. If you are positive for this antibody, additional testing will occur to test for antibodies to the following feline dander allergens:

Fel d 1 - major allergen in cat skin and saliva. Primarily sensitized to cat.
Fel d 2 / Fel d 4 / Fel d 7 - cross reactive allergens that may be caused by other animals. Not primarily sensitized to cat; consider other allergens if Fel d 1 is negative.

IgE antibodies are normally found in small amounts in the blood, but larger amounts can be a sign that the body overreacts to allergens. This overreaction can cause your body to produce histamine and trigger an allergic reaction.

Allergies to cat dander may be the cause of the following signs and symptoms, but you should discuss with your doctor to confirm. If you have any of the following, this test may be right for you:

Sneezing
Irritated eyes (swelling, redness, watering, scratchiness, and/or puffiness)
Congestion
Stuffy or runny nose
Itchy nose, ears, or mouth
Headache
Fatigue
Rash, welts, hives, or eczema
Nasal congestion, wheezing or slight trouble breathing
Increased asthma symptoms

This test may not be right for you if you experience the following more severe symptoms. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION during your reaction. Seeing a specialist is recommend for more appropriate evaluation:

Chest tightness
Shortness of breath/constriction and tightening of the airways
A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe
A severe drop in blood pressure
Rapid pulse
Feeling faint, dizziness or lightheadedness
Loss of consciousness

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

If your cat dander lab result is abnormal or out of expected range, the lab will perform additional tests (cat dander components) on the sample you have already provided at no extra cost to you. This additional testing can provide additional diagnostic information to help with care.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

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Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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+ in-home sample collection

If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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After you make a purchase, Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

View results

In-home sample collection is not available in all locations.
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Certain cat foods on the market are specifically designed to neutralize an allergy component found in cat saliva, meaning that by changing your cat’s diet, you may be able to reduce exposure to this allergen.¹

Cats and dogs fill millions of American homes with their love and companionship, adding joy, comfort, and loyalty to our daily lives. But for some, these furry friends can also trigger allergies.

FAQs

Does a positive result mean that I have an allergy?

The results of this test alone should not be used to determine if you have an allergy. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider. Only a healthcare provider can diagnose or rule out an allergy and help determine next steps.

How can I reduce allergy exposure in my home?

Air quality is one contributing factor in exposure to cat dander allergens. Cat dander can cause a variety of health problems, especially for those with asthma or allergies. You may be able to minimize cat dander allergens by making a few of the following changes:

Keeping areas and surfaces clean and uncluttered
Ventilating indoor areas well
Avoiding wall-to-wall carpeting and heavy drapery, if possible
Using a vacuum that prevents allergens from returning into the air
Consider using special allergen-reducing cat food to reduce allergen (dander) levels in cats
Upgrading the air filter in your furnace or central heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system

Is it true that changing my cat’s food might impact my allergy symptoms?

One of the cat-specific allergen components that can be tested with a specific IgE blood test is the Fel d 1 cat allergen component. There is cat food on the market that can help reduce this allergen by an average of 47% by the 3rd week of feeding.1 Meaning, by simply changing your cat's diet, you can reduce exposure to allergens, snuggle up with your feline friend, and breathe easier.¹

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

Quest Diagnostics. Component Testing for Furry Animal Allergies. Access January 30, 2024. https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-guides/TB_CompTest_FurryAllergy/component-testing-for-furry-animal-allergies?p=td
Dramburg S. et al. EAACI Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0. Pediatric Allergy Immunol. 2023 Mar;34 Suppl 28:e13854; pg. 242-248. innovation/managing-cat-allergens. Accessed 14 Aug. 2023.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Cat Allergy Test with Reflex to Components