Understanding Lab Tests for Occupational Asthma
Written by Private MD Labs Medical Writing Team • Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Occupational asthma is a respiratory condition triggered by exposure to specific substances in the workplace. While the diagnosis is primarily made through clinical evaluation, work history assessment, and pulmonary function testing, blood tests play a crucial supporting role in identifying specific allergens responsible for triggering symptoms.
Top Recommended Test
Chicken Droppings (e218) IgE
This test measures IgE antibodies specific to chicken droppings, which is important for individuals working in poultry farms, laboratories, or other environments with exposure to avian waste. Elevated IgE levels indicate sensitization that may contribute to occupational asthma symptoms in workers with consistent exposure to chicken droppings.
2907 reviews
The Role of Blood Testing in Occupational Asthma
Blood tests cannot directly diagnose occupational asthma, but they are fundamental for identifying specific workplace allergens that may be causing the immune system response. Testing for IgE antibodies helps confirm sensitization to particular occupational allergens and supports the clinical diagnosis by establishing a connection between workplace exposures and symptoms.
Other Relevant Tests
Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XVIII: Alaska
This comprehensive allergy panel includes testing for mouse urine proteins and other regional allergens that may be encountered in specific work environments. Workers in laboratories, research facilities, or pest control may develop occupational asthma from exposure to rodent allergens, making this test valuable for identifying sensitization patterns.
2907 reviews
Understanding Your Results
Positive IgE antibody results indicate that your immune system has become sensitized to specific workplace allergens. However, sensitization alone does not confirm occupational asthma - clinical correlation with symptoms, timing of exposure, and pulmonary function changes is essential for proper diagnosis and management.
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 diagnosis and treatment. Occupational asthma requires comprehensive evaluation including detailed occupational history, symptom timing, and specialized testing.
