Question 1

What's this test for?

Accepted Answer

This test is ideal if you're experiencing recurring hives (raised, itchy welts on your skin) that keep coming back for weeks or months without an obvious cause. It helps identify whether your chronic urticaria is caused by autoimmune antibodies that trigger your immune cells to release histamine, causing the itching and skin reactions. Many people use this test when antihistamines aren't fully controlling their hives and they want to understand the underlying trigger.

Question 2

What happens after I get my results?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining whether autoimmune antibodies were detected and what this means for your chronic hives. These notes include personalized recommendations like treatment options, lifestyle modifications to reduce flare-ups, or whether you should consult an allergist or immunologist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your results over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful if you're trying different treatments.

Question 3

What's included in this test?

Accepted Answer

This test measures Histamine Release (Chronic Urticaria), which detects functional IgG antibodies to the high-affinity IgE receptor and anti-IgE antibodies in your blood. These autoimmune antibodies are found in 30-40% and 5-10% of chronic urticaria patients respectively, and they cause your mast cells and basophils to release histamine, triggering the hives and itching. Identifying these antibodies helps determine if your chronic urticaria has an autoimmune cause, which can guide more targeted treatment approaches beyond standard antihistamines.

Question 4

Who should consider getting this test?

Accepted Answer

This test is ideal for people who have experienced recurring hives (urticaria) for six weeks or longer without identifying a clear trigger like food or medication allergies. It's especially useful if standard antihistamine treatments aren't providing adequate relief, or if you want to understand whether your hives have an autoimmune cause. Your doctor may recommend this test to help guide more targeted treatment strategies.

Question 5

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Accepted Answer

You may benefit from this test if you experience raised, red, itchy welts on your skin that appear repeatedly and last for more than six weeks. Other signs include hives that come and go unpredictably, swelling of the skin (angioedema), intense itching that disrupts sleep or daily activities, and hives that don't respond well to standard antihistamine medications. If your hives appear without exposure to known allergens, this test can help identify an autoimmune trigger.

Question 6

How can I naturally support my skin and reduce hive flare-ups?

Accepted Answer

Managing chronic urticaria involves identifying and avoiding triggers like stress, extreme temperatures, tight clothing, and certain foods that may worsen symptoms. Keeping your skin cool with cold compresses, wearing loose cotton clothing, and taking lukewarm showers can help reduce irritation. Stress management through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises may help since stress can trigger histamine release, and maintaining a symptom diary can help identify personal patterns and triggers.

Question 7

What is chronic urticaria and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Chronic urticaria is a condition where you develop recurring hives (raised, itchy welts) that last for six weeks or longer. It affects 1-6% of people and can significantly impact quality of life through constant itching, disrupted sleep, and unpredictable flare-ups. In 30-50% of cases, chronic urticaria has an autoimmune cause where your immune system produces antibodies that trigger your own cells to release histamine, causing the hives.

Question 8

What does a positive result mean?

Accepted Answer

A positive result means that functional autoimmune antibodies were detected in your blood, indicating that your chronic hives are likely caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking your own cells. This is called autoimmune urticaria and explains why your hives keep recurring. This information helps your doctor develop a more targeted treatment plan, which may include immunosuppressive therapies, biologic medications like omalizumab, or other specialized treatments beyond standard antihistamines.

Question 9

What does a negative result mean?

Accepted Answer

A negative result means that the autoimmune antibodies associated with chronic urticaria were not detected in your blood. This suggests your hives may be caused by other factors such as physical triggers (pressure, temperature changes), infections, medications, or idiopathic causes (unknown origin). Your doctor can then focus on identifying other potential triggers and may recommend alternative treatment approaches or additional testing.

Question 10

How often should I get retested?

Accepted Answer

Retesting is typically not necessary unless your treatment plan changes significantly or your symptoms evolve in a way that suggests your condition may have shifted. If you're undergoing treatment for autoimmune urticaria, your doctor may order follow-up testing to monitor treatment effectiveness, usually every 6-12 months. If your symptoms resolve completely, retesting may be considered if hives return after a period of remission.

Question 11

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Blood Test for Recurring Hives and Itchy Skin

Histamine Release (Chronic Urticaria)

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Recurring Hives and Itchy Skin

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

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