What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sneezing, itchy eyes, skin rashes, or breathing trouble around rats or other rodents. It's especially useful for people who work in labs, pet stores, or homes with pet rodents and suspect an allergy. The test checks whether your immune system reacts to rat epithelia, which is the skin, hair, and dander that rats shed.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the normal range clearly explained next to your value. If your result is positive, simple next steps include reducing contact with rats or rodent environments, using air filters, and washing hands after any exposure. You can download a standard lab report anytime from your account, and if you get tested again in the future, you can track changes over time using the trends feature.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin hives, or wheezing that happens specifically when you're around rats or rodent dander. Some people also notice these symptoms worsen at work if they handle lab animals or in homes with pet rodents. If symptoms show up consistently around these animals but not otherwise, this test can help confirm a rat allergy is the cause.

How can I naturally support my body if I have a rat allergy?

Reducing exposure is the most effective natural step: keep living or work spaces well-ventilated, use HEPA air filters, and wash hands and clothes after handling rodents. Nasal saline rinses can help clear allergens from your nose, and keeping humidity low can reduce dander buildup in a space. Simple habits like changing clothes after exposure and vacuuming regularly also lower your overall allergen load.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once ready, they'll be posted directly to your online account where you can view and download them at your convenience.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who gets allergy-like symptoms around rats, whether at home, work, or in a lab setting, should consider this test. It's also useful for people who handle rodents professionally, such as lab technicians or pet store workers, and want to confirm whether their symptoms are allergy-related. Parents of children with unexplained respiratory or skin symptoms near pet rodents may also find this test helpful.

What is an IgE allergy test and why does it matter?

IgE is an antibody your immune system makes when it identifies something as a threat, even if that something (like rat dander) is harmless to most people. Measuring IgE specific to rat epithelia shows whether your body has become sensitized to it. This matters because knowing your sensitization status helps you make informed choices about exposure and symptom management, even though a positive result alone doesn't confirm you'll have symptoms.

What does a high IgE result mean?

A higher IgE level means your immune system has become sensitized to rat epithelia and is more likely to react when you're exposed. It doesn't automatically mean you'll have obvious symptoms every time, but it does raise the chances. If your number is high and you notice symptoms around rats, reducing exposure and using allergy-friendly habits like air filtration can help manage things day to day.

What causes a high rat epithelia IgE result?

Repeated or prolonged exposure to rats, whether through pet ownership, pest issues, or handling lab animals, is the most common reason for a high result. Some people are simply more prone to developing sensitivities based on their personal or family history of allergies. Occupational exposure, like working in a lab or veterinary setting, can also increase the likelihood of a higher reading.

How often should I retest?

If you've reduced your exposure to rats and want to see if your sensitization has changed, retesting after 6-12 months is reasonable. If you continue working closely with rodents and your symptoms change or worsen, retesting sooner can help you track your status. Otherwise, there's no need to retest frequently unless your circumstances or exposure levels shift.

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.

Rat Epithelia IgE Test - Rodent 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

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