What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, or breathing trouble after being around canaries or other pet birds. It measures whether your immune system reacts to canary feather proteins, which can help explain unexplained allergy-like symptoms at home or work. It's especially useful if you own birds, work in an aviary, or visit places where birds are kept.

How should I prepare for this test?

How can I naturally reduce my reaction to canary feather allergens? Keeping living areas clean and well-ventilated, using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, and washing hands after handling birds or cages can lower your exposure to feather allergens. Some people also find relief with saline nasal rinses to clear allergens from nasal passages. These steps won't change your IgE level, but they can reduce day-to-day symptoms while you decide on longer-term avoidance strategies.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the IgE antibody level explained alongside the normal reference range, so you can see exactly where you stand. If your level is elevated, practical next steps include reducing direct contact with canaries, improving room ventilation, and washing hands and clothing after exposure; if symptoms are severe or you have trouble breathing, seek medical care right away. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and the trends feature lets you track this IgE level over future tests to see if avoidance strategies are helping.

What is IgE and why does it matter?

IgE is an antibody your immune system makes when it mistakenly treats a harmless substance, like feather dust, as a threat. Higher levels of allergen-specific IgE usually mean your body is more likely to react with symptoms such as sneezing, hives, or watery eyes upon exposure. Understanding your IgE level helps you connect symptoms to a specific trigger so you can manage exposure more effectively.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Once complete, you'll receive a notification and can log into your account to view the full report. The report will include your IgE value, the reference range, and a plain-language explanation of what it means.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone who notices allergy symptoms—like sneezing, itchy skin, watery eyes, or coughing—specifically when around canaries or other caged birds. It's also useful for bird owners, breeders, pet store employees, or veterinary staff who want to check whether ongoing symptoms are linked to bird feather exposure. People who can't do traditional skin testing, such as those on antihistamines or with skin conditions, may also find this blood test a helpful alternative.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin hives or rashes, and coughing or wheezing when near canaries or their cages. Some people also notice symptoms worsen when cleaning a birdcage or handling feathers directly. If these symptoms consistently show up around birds and improve when you're away from them, this test can help confirm a feather allergy.

What does a high IgE result mean?

A high canary feather IgE result means your immune system has developed a specific sensitivity to proteins found in canary feathers and skin flakes (dander). This doesn't always mean you'll have severe symptoms, but it does suggest your body reacts to this allergen, and continued exposure may trigger or worsen respiratory or skin symptoms. Reducing contact with canaries and improving air quality at home are practical first steps.

What causes a high IgE reaction to feathers?

A high reaction usually develops after repeated exposure to canary feather or dander proteins, especially in homes or workplaces where birds are kept regularly. Genetics can also play a role — people with a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema are more likely to develop these sensitivities. Prolonged, close contact with birds, such as daily cage cleaning, can increase the chance of sensitization over time.

How often should I retest?

If you've made changes like reducing bird exposure or improving ventilation, retesting in 6 to 12 months can help show whether your IgE level has changed. If your symptoms are stable and mild, annual retesting is generally enough to keep track of any shifts. Retesting sooner may be worthwhile if new or worsening symptoms appear.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Canary Feather Allergy Test - IgE Antibody Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]