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Cat and Dog Allergy Panel with Component Reflex

Feline Allergy, Canine Allergy

Test Code: 607021
Specimen Type: Blood
Online Pet Allergy Blood Test

Description:

Pet (Cat and Dog) Allergy Panel with Component Reflex (Labcorp)

The cat and dog allergy profile blood test looks for an allergic reaction to cats (felines) or dogs (canines.)  Blood allergy testing measures the level of IgE antibodies to specific allergens.  These antibodies trigger the release of histamine which causes the symptoms commonly associated with allergies.

Depending on the severity of their symptoms, people with an allergy may not be able to keep cats and/or dogs as pets and may have to avoid places where these animals are present.  Common symptoms of a pet allergy include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, nasal congestion which may cause facial pain, coughing, watery red or itchy eyes, skin rash or hives, difficulty breathing, or wheezing.  In some cases, a severe allergic reaction can trigger anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening.  Seek immediate medical care if you experience symptoms including shortness of breath, lightheadedness, tightness in the chest, or difficulty breathing.

This test initially looks for an allergic reaction to cat and dog dander.  In the event of a positive result, additional reflex testing for specific protein allergens will be performed at no extra cost.  These additional tests can help to determine the severity of a person’s allergy and how likely they are to be allergic to other animals.

The additional cat protein allergy testing includes:

  • Fel D 1: Fel D 1 is found in the saliva of cats.  This protein is typically found in large quantities on the skin and fur of cats due to their grooming behavior. About 95% of people who have an allergic reaction to cat dander will show positive IgE values for Fel D 1.  Around 40-70% of people who test positive for IgE antibodies to Fel D 1 will not show an allergic sensitivity to any other feline protein allergens.  The Fel D 1 protein has no significant cross-reactivity with proteins from other mammals so a positive allergic reaction is usually specific to cats.
  • Fel D 2: Fel D 2 is cat albumin.  Serum albumins are an uncommon source of allergic reactions.  It is interesting to note that studies have shown a cross-reactivity between Fel D 2 and albumins found in pork.  As a result, some people who are allergic to cats find that they are also allergic to pork.  This condition is commonly called pork-cat syndrome.  There is a significant level of cross-reactivity between Fel D 2 and other animal allergens.  Someone who has a positive IgE antibody value for Fel D 2 but not to other feline allergens may not actually have a primary allergy to cats.
  • Fel D 4: Fel D 4 is a lipocalin protein found in cat dander and the 2nd most common source of cat allergies.  About 30-60% of people with a cat allergy will show positive IgE antibodies to Fel D 4.  Most people who have an allergic reaction to Fel D 4 will also show a reaction to Fel D 1.  There is a high level of cross-reactivity between Fel D 4 and dander from other mammals, including dogs, horses, mice, rabbits, and rats.  People who test positive for IgE antibodies to Fel D 4 but negative to Fel D 1 may have a primary allergy to an animal other than cats.  

The additional dog protein allergy testing includes:

  • Can F 1: Can F 1 is a protein produced by the salivary glands of dogs.  There is some degree of cross-reactivity between Can F 1 and allergens from cats.  This means that people who have positive levels of IgE antibodies to Can F 1 may also be allergic to cats.  Studies have shown that young people who test positive for antibodies to Can F 1 are likely to develop a more severe dog allergy later in life, even if they currently have no allergy symptoms around dogs.
  • Can F 2: Can F 2 is very similar to Can F1.  It is very rare for someone to have an allergic reaction to one and not the other.  Can F 1 has little cross-reactivity with proteins from other animals.  Positive results for IgE antibodies to Can F 2 are usually indicative of a specific allergy to dogs.  People with asthma who have an allergy to Can F 2 are more likely to develop severe symptoms.
  • Can F 3: Can F 3 is found in dog albumin.  It is a minor allergen and is usually found in 15-35% of people with dog allergies.   There is a high level of cross-reactivity between Can F 3 and allergens from other animals.  People who test positive for IgE antibodies to Can F 3 are likely to be allergic to other types of furry mammals.
  • Can F 5: Can F 5 is a protein primarily found in the urine of dogs, in particular male non-neutered dogs.  Studies have suggested that IgE antibodies to Can F 5 may indicate an allergy to male but not female dogs.  About 70% of people with dog allergies will show IgE antibodies to Can F 5.  There is little cross-reactivity between Can F 5 and allergens from other furry animals.

Test results should be interpreted along with a person’s clinical symptoms.  For example, a positive result for dog allergens in a person who shows no allergy symptoms around dogs may be due to cross-reactivity with allergens from another type of animal.

Request A Test also offers separate allergy profiles for Cats and Dogs Allergy Blood Tests.  Please see our Allergy Testing Category for more testing options.

Should I Get Tested?

Testing is recommended for people who think they have had symptoms of an allergic reaction after exposure to certain environmental allergens. Allergic symptoms differ from person to person. If you are not sure, it is best to follow up with a physician or allergy specialist before testing.

This test is right for you if you’ve had any of the following symptoms:

  • Tingling or itching of your face, lips, tongue, throat, or other body parts
  • Hives or eczema
  • Wheezing or slight trouble breathing
  • Runny nose or watery eyes

This test is not right for you if you’ve had any of the following serious symptoms:

  • Constriction and tightening of the airways
  • Swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe
  • Severe drop in blood pressure
  • Rapid pulse
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness
  • Loss of consciousness

If you believe you have experienced any of the above symptoms, we recommend that you follow up with your physician or an allergy specialist before testing.

What will my results tell me?

Your results will only tell you if you have antibodies to the allergens that were tested. Having a positive result does not necessarily mean that you will have allergy symptoms, and this is not sufficient to diagnose an environmental allergy. Additionally, there is a chance that an allergic reaction to an allergen can occur even if the results are negative.

Turnaround for this test is typically 2-5 business days.  Additional time may be necessary if reflex testing is performed.

Where can I find a Pet Allergy Panel test near me?

Check our lab finder to locate a collection site in your area.

Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.

This package includes:

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Cat and Dog Allergy Panel with Component Reflex

This test is not available at Lab QD

Note: Result turn around times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. Our reference lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.

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