What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, a runny nose, coughing, or skin reactions when you're around cats. It measures your immune system's response to cat dander to help figure out if it's an actual allergy trigger for you. It's especially useful if you're unsure whether your symptoms are caused by cat exposure or something else, like a cold or seasonal allergies.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with your IgE value and an explanation of what the normal range means. If your level comes back elevated, simple next steps include limiting cat exposure, using air purifiers, washing hands after contact, and considering over-the-counter allergy relief. A full downloadable lab report is available in your account, and you can use the trends feature to track your IgE levels if you retest down the road.

What is IgE and why does it matter?

IgE is a type of antibody your immune system makes when it mistakenly identifies something harmless, like cat dander, as a threat. When IgE levels for a specific allergen are high, it means your body is primed to react to that substance, which can trigger sneezing, itching, or breathing trouble. Measuring allergen-specific IgE helps pinpoint whether cats specifically are behind your symptoms.

How can I naturally reduce cat allergy symptoms?

Keeping your cat out of the bedroom, using a HEPA air filter, and vacuuming frequently with a HEPA-filter vacuum can all cut down on dander in your living space. Washing your hands and changing clothes after handling a cat also helps reduce exposure. Some people find relief with saline nasal rinses or local honey, though results vary and these aren't a substitute for reducing actual exposure.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. You'll get a notification once they're posted to your account, where you can view the full report and biomarker explanation. If you need results sooner for an urgent situation, consider seeking care at an urgent care or emergency setting.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with recurring sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, or skin irritation around cats should consider this test, especially if they're thinking about getting a cat or already share a home with one. It's also helpful for people with skin conditions that make traditional skin-prick allergy testing difficult, or those taking antihistamines that could interfere with skin test results. Parents trying to figure out if a child's symptoms are cat-related may also find it useful.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, or hives and skin redness after contact with a cat. Some people also notice these symptoms flare up specifically at homes with cats but not elsewhere. If these symptoms show up consistently around cats, this test can help confirm the connection.

What does a high IgE result mean?

A high cat dander IgE result means your immune system has developed a specific sensitivity to proteins found in cat skin flakes, saliva, and urine. This suggests cats are a likely trigger for your allergy symptoms, and reducing exposure or managing your environment could help. It doesn't diagnose the severity of your reaction, just that a sensitivity exists.

What causes a high cat dander IgE level?

A high level develops when your immune system has been repeatedly exposed to cat allergens and starts overreacting to proteins that are otherwise harmless. Genetics play a role too — people with a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema are more likely to develop these sensitivities. Long-term or early-life exposure to cats can also influence whether this sensitivity develops.

How often should I retest?

If you're managing symptoms with lifestyle changes, retesting once a year can help you track whether your sensitivity is changing. If you get a new cat, move into a home with more cat exposure, or start noticing new symptoms, retesting sooner can help you reassess. Otherwise, there's no need to retest frequently unless your circumstances change.

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.

Cat Dander 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

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