Dog Allergy Test for Humans | Dog Dander Allergy Test

Dog Allergy Test with Reflex to Components

Measure immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to dog 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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$52.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

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

PLEASE NOTE
This test reports the presence of lgE antibodies to dog 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 dog 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 dog dander (e5) allergen. If you are positive for this antibody, additional testing will occur to test for antibodies to the following canine dander allergens:

Can f 1, Can f 2, Can f 4 - major allergens in dog saliva. Primarily sensitized to dog.
Can f 5 - major allergen in male dog urine. Primarily sensitized to male dogs. May tolerate female dogs if all Can f 1/2/4 are negative.
Can f 3 / Can f 6 - cross reactive allergens that may be caused by other animals. Not primarily sensitized to dog; consider other allergens if all Can f 1/2/4/5 are 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 dog 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 dog dander lab result is abnormal or out of expected range, the lab will perform additional tests (dog 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.

In-person
In-home sample collection

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Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available.

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Get physician support

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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Schedule an appointment

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.
Is in-home sample collection available near me?

This test has the potential to help you uncover if you are allergic to an allergy component found only in male dogs, meaning you might have lesser allergic reactions to a female dog.¹⁻³

Dogs and cats 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 dog dander allergens. Dog dander can cause a variety of health problems, especially for those with asthma or allergies. You may be able to minimize dog 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
Upgrading the air filter in your furnace or central heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system

Could I be allergic to a male dog but not a female dog?

This test has the potential to help someone uncover if they are allergic to an allergy component found only in male dogs. For example, the "Can f 5" dog-allergen component is only produced in male dogs, meaning that if you are only allergic to that specific component, you may have lesser allergic reactions to a female dog.^1-3

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.
Dávila I. et al. Consensus document on dog and cat allergy. Allergy. 2018 Jun;73(6):1206-1222.
Schoos AM, Nwaru BI, Borres MP. Component-resolved diagnostics in pet allergy: Current perspectives and future directions. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021 Apr;147(4):1164-1173.

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.

Dog Allergy Test with Reflex to Components