What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining whether you have an IgE-mediated allergy to meadow fescue grass and what that means for your symptoms. These notes include personalized recommendations like environmental control strategies, when to take antihistamines, and whether immunotherapy might be helpful. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your IgE levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially useful for monitoring seasonal patterns or treatment effectiveness.

When will I get my results?

Most allergy blood test results are available within 3-5 business days after the lab receives your sample. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account. The turnaround time may vary slightly depending on the lab location and testing volume, but most people receive their results within one week.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is ideal for anyone experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms during grass pollen season, typically late spring through summer. It's particularly useful if you've tried general allergy treatments without success and need to identify your specific triggers. People who work outdoors, participate in outdoor sports, or are considering allergy immunotherapy should also consider this test to guide their treatment plan.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include sneezing fits, runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, throat irritation, and coughing that worsen when you're around grass or during certain times of year. You might also notice breathing difficulties, wheezing, or worsening asthma symptoms after mowing the lawn or spending time in grassy areas. If you find yourself avoiding outdoor activities during late spring and summer due to these symptoms, this test can help confirm the cause.

How can I reduce my exposure to meadow fescue pollen?

Stay indoors during peak pollen hours, typically early morning and late afternoon, and keep windows closed during grass pollen season. Shower and change clothes after being outdoors to remove pollen from your body and hair, and use air conditioning with HEPA filters to clean indoor air. Check daily pollen counts and plan outdoor activities on low-pollen days, and consider wearing wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from airborne pollen.

What is IgE and why does it matter for allergies?

IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody your immune system produces when it mistakenly identifies a harmless substance like grass pollen as a threat. When you're exposed to meadow fescue pollen, these IgE antibodies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Measuring specific IgE levels helps confirm if your immune system is sensitized to this particular allergen and indicates how likely you are to have allergic reactions upon exposure.

What does a high IgE level to meadow fescue mean?

A high IgE level indicates you're sensitized to meadow fescue grass and likely to experience allergic symptoms when exposed to its pollen. The higher the level, the stronger your immune reaction may be, though symptom severity doesn't always correlate perfectly with IgE levels. This result helps explain why you experience allergy symptoms during grass season and supports treatment decisions like starting antihistamines before pollen season or considering immunotherapy.

How often should I retest for grass allergies?

Most people don't need frequent retesting once a grass allergy is confirmed, as sensitivities tend to remain relatively stable over time. However, you might consider retesting after completing immunotherapy to assess if your IgE levels have decreased, or if your symptoms significantly change over the years. Your allergist may recommend retesting every few years if you're monitoring treatment progress or if new allergy symptoms develop.