What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, or breathing trouble around pigeons or bird feathers. It's especially useful if you work with birds, keep pigeons, or spend time in places with feather dust and want to know if your symptoms could be an allergic reaction. The test checks whether your immune system reacts to pigeon feather proteins.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with an explanation of what your specific value means compared to the normal range. If your result is positive, a simple next step is reducing contact with pigeons and feather-filled items and watching whether symptoms improve. The full lab report can be downloaded from your account at any time, and you can use the trends feature to track your IgE levels if you retest down the road.

What are the symptoms of a pigeon feather allergy?

Common signs include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, skin rashes or hives, and coughing or wheezing after being near pigeons or their feathers. Some people also notice chest tightness or shortness of breath, especially with repeated or heavy exposure. If these symptoms show up mainly around birds or feather products, it's worth checking for sensitization.

How can I naturally reduce my exposure to pigeon feather allergens?

Keeping living spaces clean and well-ventilated, using an air purifier with a HEPA filter, and avoiding direct contact with pigeons or their feathers can help lower your exposure. Washing hands and changing clothes after being near birds also reduces the amount of allergen you carry indoors. Removing feather pillows or bedding and vacuuming regularly can further cut down on allergen buildup at home.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being tested at the lab. Once ready, they'll be posted directly to your secure online account. You'll be able to view, download, and revisit them anytime.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who develops sneezing, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or breathing issues around pigeons or feather-based products is a good candidate for this test. It's also useful for people who work outdoors, in warehouses, or in urban areas with heavy pigeon populations. Bird owners or handlers who suspect their symptoms are allergy-related may also benefit from checking.

What does a high IgE result mean?

A high pigeon feather IgE result means your immune system has built antibodies against pigeon feather proteins, indicating sensitization. This doesn't automatically mean you'll have severe symptoms, but it does raise the chance that exposure to pigeons could trigger allergic reactions. Reducing contact with pigeons and feather products is a reasonable first step if your number is elevated.

What does a low or negative IgE result mean?

A negative or low result means your immune system hasn't produced a meaningful antibody response to pigeon feathers, so an allergy to this specific allergen is unlikely. If you're still having symptoms around birds, other allergens or irritants in the environment might be the actual trigger. In that case, testing for other common allergens could help pinpoint the cause.

What causes a positive pigeon feather IgE result?

A positive result happens when your immune system has been exposed to pigeon feather proteins and mistakenly identifies them as a threat, producing IgE antibodies. Repeated or heavy exposure, such as regularly handling pigeons or living near roosting areas, can increase the likelihood of sensitization. Genetics and a personal history of other allergies can also make you more prone to developing this response.

How often should I retest for pigeon feather allergy?

If you've made changes to reduce exposure, retesting after a few months can help you see whether your IgE levels have gone down along with your symptoms. If your symptoms change or worsen, it's reasonable to retest sooner to reassess your sensitization status. Otherwise, annual retesting is a reasonable check-in if you continue to have regular pigeon exposure.

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.

Pigeon Feather Allergy Test - IgE Sensitization 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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