Allergy - Animal Panel

• An animal allergy panel is done in cases where animal sources are suspected as the exact source of the allergy.
• This allergy test is used to determine vulnerability to five different animal sources.

Animal allergy test measures the IgE-mediated response to 5 different animal sources. These include Cat dander, Dog dander, Horse dander, Cow dander, and Guinea pig epithelium.

Total IgE levels are also measured.

Animal allergy test requires a blood sample post exposure to the allergens. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

Positive result to an allergen indicates that the person is allergic to it. Increased allergen-specific IgE levels further confirms that. Very often the test may be positive for more than one allergen as well. The further treatment course is decided based on the results. Based on the symptom, age, environmental allergens, and region wise allergens further testing may be required for specific diagnosis. 
Negative result may require other tests for differential diagnosis. 

People with the following symptoms should do the Animal Allergy Panel:

• Itching
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Diarrhoea
• Hives

If the allergen test result comes back positive, it means that it is a trigger factor causing the allergic. Allergists can test for specific allergens (through IgE levels). This is to get a more accurate diagnosis. But sometimes the results may be positive for more than one allergen. 

Negative results may require other tests for a differential diagnosis.

The best thing to do if you are allergic to a particular animal source is to avoid it as much as possible. You could also take anti-allergen medication to neutralise the effect of the animal agent.

IgE stands for Immunoglobin E. It is an antibody. It helps the body fight against particular allergens.

ImmunoCAP is a reliable and accurate technique. It is used for evaluating allergen-specific IgE levels. This makes it an ideal choice for determining whether or not a person is allergic to certain substances. ImmunoCAP offers fast and easy results, so you can get back to your day-to-day life more quickly. It offers ideal reliability and reproducibility.

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction. It can happen very quickly. It can also lead to several dangerous symptoms including a rapid heart rate; a skin rash; vomiting and nausea. If you or someone you know is having any type of reaction where the airways close up, seek medical help immediately!

Pets can cause allergies in some people. Beyond cats and dogs, any warm-blooded pet can be a potential allergen for someone who suffers from this type of allergy. This includes rodents, birds, rabbits, cows, and horses.