Cat Allergy Test with Reflex to Components

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 or the person you are purchasing this test is experiencing 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
• Anaphylaxis (a potentially life-threatening reaction that can cause itching, hives, and skin rash; swelling of the throat, lips or tongue; and difficulty breathing, potentially causing the body to go into shock)

Most allergic reactions occur within minutes, but some may develop hours after exposure. The reaction to an allergen can vary from a stuffy nose to anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic shock occurs when a person's blood pressure drops so severely that the body's cells and tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Due to the severity of a possible allergic reaction, it's crucial to work with your healthcare provider to determine an optimal treatment and prevention plan.

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

 

Patient: This test can be performed on patients between 10 and 100 years old. If this test will be performed on someone less than 18 years old:

• The appropriate age bracket needs to be selected during purchase
• Both parent/guardian (hereinafter "parent") and patient information will need to be provided during test registration
• Both parent and patient must be present for sample collection, the parent will need to have their identification available at collection
• Results will be provided to the listed parent

 

Sample collection: This test requires sample collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile^TM where available, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection is not available in AK, AZ or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, testing may not be available in all locations. Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

 

Please note: Laboratory testing for children under 18 years of age should always be conducted with the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Our tests are designed to support continuity of care, ease of access, and empower families with accessible health information. They are not a substitute for medical evaluation or ongoing care from a pediatrician. Parents should review test results with their child's healthcare provider to ensure appropriate interpretation, follow-up, and treatment in the context of the rest of your child's care. If your child is experiencing symptoms or you have concerns about their health, please contact your pediatrician or seek other medical care immediately.

 

No special preparation is required.

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 you have or create a MyQuest® account, you may be able to review your new results there with your other Quest results. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent healthcare providers are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

 

If this test is performed on someone less than 18 years old, the results will be provided to the registered parent.

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.