The 88 Antigen IgE Environmental Panel by Infinite Allergy Labs provides a comprehensive and less invasive alternative to traditional skin prick allergy testing. Unlike skin prick tests, which can be uncomfortable and expose patients directly to potential allergens, serum allergy testing requires only one blood sample to test multiple allergens.
Infinite Allergy Labs' Environmental Allergy Panel covers 88 common allergens, offering a thorough assessment of environmental triggers that may contribute to allergic reactions. Understanding the distinction between seasonal and perennial allergies is crucial, as seasonal allergies are typically triggered by outdoor allergens like pollen and mold spores, whereas perennial allergies are often caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, fabrics, and animal dander.
By identifying specific allergens through serum testing, patients and healthcare providers can develop targeted strategies to manage allergic symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
IgE serum testing for allergens offers a comprehensive approach to identify specific allergens triggering allergic reactions in individuals. By testing for both seasonal and perennial allergens, healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into the patient's allergic sensitivities throughout the year.
Seasonal allergens, such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, typically cause allergic symptoms during specific times of the year. In contrast, perennial allergens, including dust mites, pet dander, and mold, can trigger symptoms year-round. Differentiating between seasonal and perennial allergens allows for targeted treatment and management strategies tailored to the patient's specific sensitivities and environmental exposures.
For instance, while seasonal allergies may require seasonal avoidance measures or short-term medication use, perennial allergies necessitate ongoing allergen avoidance strategies and long-term management plans to address chronic health problems caused by perennial allergen exposure. [5.]
If patients are exhibiting allergy symptoms or have tested positive for allergens like Aspergillus, Yeast, and Candida on food allergy and sensitivity tests, it may be prudent to extend testing to include environmental allergens.
This approach enables healthcare providers to comprehensively assess the patient's allergic sensitivities, as exposure to environmental allergens can exacerbate existing symptoms or contribute to overall allergic burden. Identifying and addressing environmental allergens alongside food sensitivities can lead to more effective management and treatment strategies tailored to the individual patient's needs, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Research supports the importance of comprehensive allergy testing to guide personalized treatment approaches and minimize allergic reactions. [10.]
Testing for IgE-mediated immune responses to molds, such as through the 88 Antigen IgE Environmental Panel, provides valuable clinical information about a patient's immediate hypersensitivity to specific mold allergens. Serum IgE has been correlated with IgE-mediated sensitization and inflammatory markers in response to mold exposure, making serum IgE a reliable marker for immune response to mold exposure. [4.]
This type of testing helps identify individuals who are sensitized to molds and at risk of developing allergic reactions upon exposure. By pinpointing the specific molds triggering allergic responses, healthcare providers can tailor treatment strategies, such as avoidance measures or allergen immunotherapy, to effectively manage symptoms and improve patient outcomes.
In contrast, urine mycotoxin testing aims to detect mycotoxins, toxic substances produced by molds, in the body. [9.] While urine mycotoxin testing may provide insights into mold exposure, it has limitations in assessing allergic sensitization and immediate immune responses. Furthermore, the clinical relevance and interpretation of mycotoxin levels in urine remain debated within the medical community.
Therefore, for evaluating IgE-mediated immune responses to molds and guiding allergy management, testing for mold-specific IgE antibodies is a more established and clinically relevant approach.
Allergy sufferers: Individuals experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, or wheezing, which may indicate allergic reactions to environmental allergens, can benefit from the Environmental Allergy Test. Identifying specific allergens can guide personalized treatment plans, including avoidance strategies, medication management, or allergen immunotherapy, leading to symptom relief and improved quality of life. [1., 2.]
Patients with chronic respiratory conditions: Individuals with conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may benefit from the Environmental Allergy Test to identify triggers exacerbating their symptoms. Avoiding exposure to specific allergens can help reduce respiratory inflammation. [1., 2., 3.]
Individuals with suspected allergic reactions: Patients experiencing unexplained symptoms such as skin rashes, hives, or gastrointestinal distress may benefit from allergen testing to identify potential triggers in their environment. Allergies and sensitivities can manifest in troubling dermatological and/or gastrointestinal symptoms, and identifying and avoiding specific allergens can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future allergic reactions, promoting overall health and well-being. [6.]
Those seeking to improve indoor air quality: Individuals concerned about indoor air quality, particularly in homes or workplaces, can benefit from allergen testing to identify potential sources of allergen exposure, such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Taking proactive measures to reduce allergen levels can help create a healthier indoor environment and reduce the risk of allergic symptoms. [7.]
People suffering from unexplained symptoms including fatigue, brain fog, pain, infertility:
Individuals experiencing unexplained fatigue, brain fog, pain, infertility, and other systemic symptoms may benefit from the Environmental Allergy Test by Infinite Allergy Labs to uncover potential underlying allergens contributing to their health issues.
Allergic reactions to environmental allergens can manifest in various ways, including systemic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress, which may exacerbate symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. Identifying and addressing specific allergens through avoidance strategies or immunotherapy can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health and well-being.
Additionally, allergic reactions have been associated with chronic pain conditions and infertility, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental triggers in comprehensive treatment approaches. [8., 11.]
Sample collection must be performed by a phlebotomist, Monday - Thursday only.
A separate fee for phlebotomy may apply.
It is ideal to avoid steroids such as prednisone for at least one week before sample collection; if you are taking steroids for any reason, discuss the ideal timing for your blood draw with your ordering provider before stopping your medication.
Sample collection must be performed by a phlebotomist, Monday - Thursday only.
Freeze the provided ice pack for at least 4 hours before your blood draw.
It is ideal to avoid steroids such as prednisone for at least one week before sample collection; if you are taking steroids for any reason, discuss the ideal timing for your blood draw with your ordering provider before stopping your medication.
Complete the test requisition and bring it along with the test kit and frozen ice pack to your blood draw appointment.
The phlebotomist will collect, prepare, and ship your sample for you.
Your kit has been prepaid; however, a separate fee for phlebotomy may apply.
Complete the requisition form and send it back with your samples. Click here for more information on completing your requisition form.
Make a note of the tracking number on the return mailer for tracking purposes.
The phlebotomist will ship your sample using the provided materials. Samples must be shipped Monday - Thursday only.
Results should be released to your provider approximately 14 business days after samples are received at the lab.
[1.] Ansotegui IJ, Melioli G, Canonica GW, Caraballo L, Villa E, Ebisawa M, Passalacqua G, Savi E, Ebo D, Gómez RM, Luengo Sánchez O, Oppenheimer JJ, Jensen-Jarolim E, Fischer DA, Haahtela T, Antila M, Bousquet JJ, Cardona V, Chiang WC, Demoly PM, DuBuske LM, Ferrer Puga M, Gerth van Wijk R, González Díaz SN, Gonzalez-Estrada A, Jares E, Kalpaklioğlu AF, Kase Tanno L, Kowalski ML, Ledford DK, Monge Ortega OP, Morais Almeida M, Pfaar O, Poulsen LK, Pawankar R, Renz HE, Romano AG, Rosário Filho NA, Rosenwasser L, Sánchez Borges MA, Scala E, Senna GE, Sisul JC, Tang MLK, Thong BY, Valenta R, Wood RA, Zuberbier T. IgE allergy diagnostics and other relevant tests in allergy, a World Allergy Organization position paper. World Allergy Organ J. 2020 Feb 25;13(2):100080. doi: 10.1016/j.waojou.2019.100080. Erratum in: World Allergy Organ J. 2021 Jun 17;14(7):100557. PMID: 32128023; PMCID: PMC7044795.
[2.] Birch K, Pearson-Shaver AL. Allergy Testing. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537020/
[3.] Froidure A, Mouthuy J, Durham SR, Chanez P, Sibille Y, Pilette C. Asthma phenotypes and IgE responses. European Respiratory Journal. 2015;47(1):304-319. doi:https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01824-2014
[4.] Kespohl S, Liebers V, Maryska S, Meurer U, Litzenberger C, Merget R, Raulf M. What should be tested in patients with suspected mold exposure? Usefulness of serological markers for the diagnosis. Allergol Select. 2022 Mar 29;6:118-132. doi: 10.5414/ALX02298E. PMID: 35392215; PMCID: PMC8982061.
[5.] Rosenstreich DL, Eggleston P, Kattan M, Baker D, Slavin RG, Gergen P, Mitchell H, McNiff-Mortimer K, Lynn H, Ownby D, Malveaux F. The role of cockroach allergy and exposure to cockroach allergen in causing morbidity among inner-city children with asthma. N Engl J Med. 1997 May 8;336(19):1356-63. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199705083361904. PMID: 9134876.
[6.] van Splunter M, Liu L, van Neerven RJJ, Wichers HJ, Hettinga KA, de Jong NW. Mechanisms Underlying the Skin-Gut Cross Talk in the Development of IgE-Mediated Food Allergy. Nutrients. 2020 Dec 15;12(12):3830. doi: 10.3390/nu12123830. PMID: 33333859; PMCID: PMC7765270.
[7.] Wang H, Li XB, Chu XJ, Cao NW, Wu H, Huang RG, Li BZ, Ye DQ. Ambient air pollutants increase the risk of immunoglobulin E-mediated allergic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jul;29(33):49534-49552. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-20447-z. Epub 2022 May 20. PMID: 35595897; PMCID: PMC9122555.
[8.] Wasilewska E, Małgorzewicz S. Impact of allergic diseases on fertility. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2019 Oct;36(5):507-512. doi: 10.5114/ada.2019.89501. Epub 2019 Nov 12. PMID: 31839765; PMCID: PMC6906954.
[9.] World Health Organization. Mycotoxins. Who.int. Published May 9, 2018. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins
[10.] Xing H, Wang J, Sun Y, Wang H. Recent Advances in the Allergic Cross-Reactivity between Fungi and Foods. J Immunol Res. 2022 Oct 7;2022:7583400. doi: 10.1155/2022/7583400. PMID: 36249419; PMCID: PMC9568318.
[11.] Yang TY, Kuo HT, Chen HJ, Chen CS, Lin WM, Tsai SY, Kuo CN, Kao CH. Increased Risk of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Following Atopy: A Population-Based Study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Jul;94(29):e1211. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000001211. PMID: 26200644; PMCID: PMC4603016.
The 88 Antigen IgE Environmental Allergy Test measures IgE reactions to 88 environmental allergens, including molds, pet dander, and pollens.
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