Understanding Lab Tests for Hay Fever
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic condition that causes symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and nasal congestion. While hay fever is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history, specific blood tests can identify the exact allergens triggering your reactions, enabling more targeted treatment and avoidance strategies.
Top Recommended Test
Allergy Evaluation 6, South Central
This comprehensive panel tests for common ragweed, a widespread allergen that frequently triggers hay fever symptoms including runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing, particularly prevalent in the South Central United States.
2907 reviews
Why Blood Testing is Important for Hay Fever
Blood tests for hay fever measure specific IgE antibodies that your immune system produces in response to particular allergens. By identifying which specific pollens, grasses, weeds, or trees trigger your symptoms, you can better manage your condition through targeted avoidance, medication timing, and potential immunotherapy options.
Other Relevant Tests
Respiratory Allergy Panel Region III: GA, northern FL, SC
Specifically designed for residents of Georgia, northern Florida, and South Carolina, this panel includes Timothy grass pollen testing, which commonly causes hay fever symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes in this geographic region.
2907 reviews
Respiratory Allergy Panel Region IV: FL, south of Orlando
Tailored for South Florida residents, this panel tests for Bahia grass and Bermuda grass allergens, both common triggers for hay fever in this region, causing symptoms like itchy eyes, sneezing, and runny nose.
2907 reviews
Respiratory Allergy Profile Region VI: AL, AR, LA, MS
Designed for residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, this profile includes Bermuda grass pollen testing, a common cause of nasal inflammation and hay fever symptoms in the southeastern United States.
2907 reviews
Respiratory Allergy Profile Region IX: KS, NE, ND, SD
Specifically formulated for the Great Plains states, this profile tests for Bermuda grass pollen sensitivity, helping identify this common hay fever trigger in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
2907 reviews
Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XI: AZ (mountains), CO, ID (mountains), MT, NM, UT, WY
Comprehensive testing for mountain and western states, this profile identifies sensitivity to multiple common hay fever triggers including Bermuda grass, common ragweed, and Timothy grass, all of which cause seasonal sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
2907 reviews
Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XV: ID (south), NV
Designed for southern Idaho and Nevada residents, this profile tests for tree pollens including elm and oak, which commonly trigger allergic reactions leading to hay fever symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
2907 reviews
Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XVIII: Alaska
Specifically created for Alaska's unique environment, this profile includes Timothy grass allergen testing, which commonly causes hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose even in northern climates.
2907 reviews
Choosing the Right Test
Regional allergy panels are specifically designed to test for the most common allergens in your geographic area. The pollens and allergens that trigger hay fever vary significantly by location and season, making region-specific testing more accurate and relevant to your environment.
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, treatment recommendations, and to determine which allergy test is most appropriate for your specific symptoms and location.
