Fire Ant Allergy Blood Test

Sample Report Test Code: 602893 Specimen Type: Blood

Description:

Fire Ant Allergy Blood Test (Labcorp)

This test measures a person's allergic reaction to Fire Ants.  Fire ants are a species of insect which is native to South America but commonly found in the southern part of the United States and other areas.  Fire ants are identifiable by their reddish color.  The most common cause of fire ant stings is from accidentally disturbing their nests which are marked by mounds of dirt which can be as high as 18 inches.  Their stings are painful and typically cause itching and swelling.  It is typical for a fluid-filled blister to develop at the site of the sting.  People who are allergic to Fire Ants may experience more severe reactions including hives, swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea.  In some cases, people with a serious allergy may experience anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.    

Allergies are caused by a reaction in the body's immune system.  The body identifies certain substances, such as the ant's venom, as harmful and produces IgE antibodies against them.  The severity of the allergy will vary from one person to the next.  Blood allergy testing provides numerical results for IgE antibody levels to help determine how severe a reaction a person will have.

Fire Ant allergy testing is often ordered if someone has had symptoms of an allergic reaction after being stung.  It may be ordered preemptively by people who live in areas where Fire Ants are prevalent.  For a comprehensive live of available allergy tests, see our Allergy Testing Category.

Turnaround for this test is typically 3-5 business days.

Where can I find a Fire Ant Allergy test near me?

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