What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing hives that keep coming back for weeks or months without a clear trigger like food or allergies. Chronic hives can sometimes be caused by your own immune system attacking histamine-releasing cells, and this test helps identify whether that's happening. It's especially useful if standard allergy testing hasn't found an answer for your ongoing skin flare-ups.

What's included in this test?

This panel looks for autoantibodies that cause your own immune system to release histamine, which is the chemical behind hives and itching. It's a functional test, meaning it checks whether these antibodies actually trigger histamine release rather than just detecting their presence, giving a clearer picture of an autoimmune cause behind chronic hives.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a plain-language explanation of what's normal and what's not for each value tested. If your result is positive, a common next step is checking your thyroid, since thyroid problems show up in about 1 in 4 people with this autoimmune pattern of hives. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you retest down the road, the trends feature lets you see how your results change over time. Since this test doesn't require lifestyle prep, your next move mostly depends on whether your result comes back positive or negative.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with hives lasting six weeks or longer, especially if allergy testing has come back negative, is a good candidate for this panel. It's also worth considering if you have a family history of autoimmune conditions or if your hives seem to flare with stress rather than a specific allergen. People already diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease may also want to check for a connection to their skin symptoms.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Persistent hives, welts, or itchy skin patches that last more than six weeks are the main red flag. Other signs include hives that come and go unpredictably, swelling around the eyes or lips, and skin reactions that don't seem tied to any food, medication, or environmental trigger. If antihistamines only partially help or stop working over time, that's another reason to consider testing.

How can I naturally support my skin and immune health?

Reducing stress through activities like walking, stretching, or breathing exercises can help since stress is a known trigger for hive flare-ups. Keeping a simple food and symptom diary can help you spot patterns even when a single trigger isn't obvious. Staying hydrated, avoiding known irritants like tight clothing or extreme temperatures, and getting consistent sleep can also calm an overactive immune response over time.

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 when they're ready to view in your secure account. If your results come back positive, you'll have clear information on what it means and what a reasonable next step looks like.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means your immune system is likely producing antibodies that cause histamine-releasing cells to fire off, leading to hives. It doesn't tell you exactly which antibody is involved, but it does confirm an autoimmune process is behind your symptoms rather than a typical allergy. This information can guide decisions like checking thyroid function, since the two conditions often overlap.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is negative but symptoms continue, retesting after a few months can be helpful since autoimmune activity can change over time. If you've started new treatments or lifestyle changes to manage your hives, retesting can help you track whether your immune activity is settling down. Use the trends feature in your account to compare results side by side over time.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is positive, it's reasonable to also check your thyroid given how often the two conditions occur together. Keep track of your hive patterns, triggers, and severity in a journal to share alongside your lab report. If your hives are severe, spreading quickly, or come with swelling in your throat or trouble breathing, seek medical care right away since that can be an emergency.

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.

Chronic Urticaria Panel - Autoimmune Hives Test

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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