What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, or breathing trouble around gerbils or other small pets. It helps you find out if your immune system is sensitized to gerbil allergens, which is often the trigger behind allergy-like symptoms after contact with these animals. It's especially useful if you work with, or are considering bringing home, a pet gerbil and want to check for a hidden sensitivity first.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the specific IgE value and a simple explanation of what's considered a normal versus elevated range. If your result comes back positive, a practical next step is reducing direct contact with gerbils and watching whether your symptoms improve. If it's negative but you're still having symptoms around animals, it may be worth testing for other common allergens. You can download the full lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track any future retests over time.

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 after being near a gerbil. Some people also notice these symptoms getting worse in rooms where a gerbil is kept, like a bedroom or office. If symptoms show up consistently around the animal or its bedding, that's a good reason to check for sensitization.

How can I naturally support my allergy symptoms?

Keeping the gerbil's cage clean and well-ventilated, and washing your hands after handling it, can cut down on allergen exposure. Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter in the room where the animal is kept may also help reduce airborne dander. Simple habits like not touching your face after contact and washing bedding or clothing that's been near the cage can lower your overall exposure too.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Once available, you'll be notified and can log into your account to view them right away. The report includes an easy-to-read breakdown so you understand exactly what your value means.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who gets allergy symptoms around gerbils, or who is thinking about getting one as a pet and wants to check for sensitivity beforehand, should consider this test. It's also useful for people who already own gerbils and want to confirm whether the animal is causing their symptoms rather than something else in the environment. Parents of children with unexplained allergy symptoms near small pets may find it helpful too.

What is IgE sensitization and why does it matter?

IgE is an antibody your immune system makes when it identifies something, like gerbil dander or proteins, as a threat. When you have specific IgE against gerbils, your body can overreact the next time you're exposed, causing allergy symptoms. Knowing you're sensitized helps you make informed choices about pet ownership and exposure to lower your risk of reactions.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means your immune system has produced antibodies against gerbil allergens, so you're sensitized and potentially allergic. It doesn't automatically mean you'll have severe symptoms every time you're exposed, but it does mean your body reacts to this allergen. Reducing contact with gerbils and monitoring your symptoms is a sensible next step.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result is positive, try limiting close contact with gerbils and see if your symptoms improve over the following weeks. Keep a simple log of when symptoms occur to see if there's a clear pattern tied to exposure. If symptoms are severe, such as difficulty breathing or swelling, seek medical care right away rather than waiting.

How often should I retest?

There's usually no need to retest unless your symptoms change significantly or you've had a long period without exposure to gerbils and want to recheck your sensitization status. Retesting after a year or more of avoiding the allergen can show whether your sensitivity has changed. Otherwise, this is typically a one-time test 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.

Gerbil Allergy IgE Test - Pet Sensitivity 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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