What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny or stuffy nose, or scratchy throat during late summer and fall when ragweed pollen is high. It checks whether your immune system reacts to giant (tall) ragweed pollen, a common trigger for seasonal allergy symptoms. It's a simple way to find out if ragweed could be behind your seasonal discomfort without needing a skin prick test.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal versus elevated IgE range means for this allergen. If your result is positive, practical next steps include tracking pollen counts, limiting outdoor time on high-pollen days, keeping windows closed, and considering over-the-counter allergy relief. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and if you retest in the future you'll be able to see how your levels change over time using the trends feature.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include sneezing, watery or itchy eyes, nasal congestion, an itchy throat, or coughing that flares up specifically in late summer through fall. Some people also notice their symptoms worsen outdoors on windy, dry days when pollen counts are high. If over-the-counter allergy medicine seems to help during this season but not at other times of year, ragweed could be a factor worth checking.

How can I naturally support seasonal allergy symptoms?

Rinsing your nasal passages with a saline rinse can help clear pollen from your sinuses after being outdoors. Showering and changing clothes after spending time outside during ragweed season can reduce how much pollen you carry indoors. Keeping windows closed and using an air purifier with a HEPA filter at home can also lower your everyday exposure.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with recurring sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes that shows up around the same time each year, especially between August and October, may want to consider this test. It's also useful if you already know you have seasonal allergies but want to confirm ragweed specifically is a trigger. People who've noticed their symptoms overlap with high pollen forecasts are good candidates too.

What is IgE and why does it matter?

IgE is an antibody your immune system makes when it mistakenly treats a harmless substance, like pollen, as a threat. When your body has ragweed-specific IgE, exposure to that pollen can trigger classic allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes. Measuring this antibody helps identify whether ragweed specifically is contributing to your symptoms, separate from other possible triggers.

What does a high result mean?

A higher ragweed IgE result means your immune system is sensitized to this pollen, which makes it more likely that ragweed exposure could be triggering your symptoms. It doesn't automatically mean you'll have a strong reaction every time you're exposed, since sensitization and actual symptoms don't always match up perfectly. If your result is high and you have symptoms during ragweed season, reducing outdoor exposure and using allergy relief methods during that time can help.

What causes a high ragweed IgE result?

A high result typically happens when your immune system has previously encountered ragweed pollen and built up a sensitized response to it. Repeated seasonal exposure over the years is the most common reason people develop this sensitization. Family history of allergies or asthma can also make someone more likely to become sensitized to common outdoor allergens like ragweed.

How often should I retest?

There's usually no need to retest every year unless your symptoms change significantly or you want to confirm whether sensitization has increased. Retesting every few years, or if you notice new or worsening seasonal symptoms, can help you track whether your allergy profile has shifted. Using the trends feature in your account makes it easy to compare results over time.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your ragweed IgE comes back elevated, start with practical steps like avoiding outdoor activity during high pollen hours, keeping windows closed, and using saline rinses after being outside. Over-the-counter antihistamines can also help manage day-to-day symptoms during ragweed season. If symptoms are severe, such as difficulty breathing or significant swelling, seek medical care right away.

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.

Giant Ragweed IgE Test - Seasonal Allergy 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]