Understanding Lab Tests for Allergic Rhinitis
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is a condition where the immune system overreacts to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. While the diagnosis is often made based on symptoms and medical history, specific blood tests are essential for identifying the exact allergens responsible for triggering your symptoms.
Top Recommended Test
IgE
This comprehensive test measures total IgE antibodies in your blood. Allergic rhinitis triggered by environmental allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander causes your immune system to produce elevated levels of IgE antibodies, which directly lead to the release of histamines causing classic hay fever symptoms.
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How Blood Tests Help Diagnose Allergic Rhinitis
Blood tests for allergic rhinitis work by measuring specific IgE antibodies that your immune system produces in response to particular allergens. When you're exposed to substances you're allergic to, your body creates these antibodies, which then trigger the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.
Other Relevant Tests
Respiratory Allergy Profile Region I: CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
This regional panel tests for specific allergens common in the northeastern United States, including major triggers like ragweed, oak pollen, timothy grass, dust mites, cottonwood, elm, and various molds like Alternaria alternata. Each of these allergens is a well-known cause of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis in this geographic area.
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Respiratory Allergy Profile Region II: DC, DE, MD, NC, VA
Designed for the Mid-Atlantic region, this panel identifies sensitivities to local allergens including Bermuda grass, birch pollen, oak, mountain cedar, cat dander, and common ragweed. These allergens are prevalent triggers of allergic rhinitis characterized by runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing in this geographic area.
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Sweet Vernal Grass (g1) IgE
This specific test measures IgE antibodies to sweet vernal grass pollen. Elevated levels indicate an allergic sensitivity that can cause classic allergic rhinitis symptoms including sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes, particularly during grass pollen season.
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Bermuda Grass (g2) IgE
This test specifically identifies allergic reactions to Bermuda grass, a common trigger for hay fever. High levels of these IgE antibodies indicate your immune system is reacting to this particular allergen, helping explain seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms.
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Understanding Regional Allergy Profiles
Different geographic regions have distinct allergen profiles based on local flora and environmental factors. Regional allergy panels test for the most common triggers in specific areas, making them highly effective for identifying the likely causes of your allergic rhinitis. These comprehensive panels can detect sensitivities to tree pollens, grasses, weeds, molds, and indoor allergens prevalent in your location.
Benefits of Allergy Testing
Identifying your specific allergen triggers through blood testing allows for targeted treatment approaches, including allergen avoidance strategies, appropriate medications, and potentially allergen immunotherapy. This personalized approach can significantly improve symptom management and quality of life for those suffering from allergic rhinitis.
Important Considerations
The information here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis.
