Indoor Respiratory Allergy Panel

The Indoor Respiratory Allergy Panel panel contains 12 tests with 12 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Indoor Respiratory Allergy Panel is a comprehensive test designed to identify specific allergic sensitivities to common indoor allergens. This panel measures the level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood for various allergens typically found in indoor environments. IgE is a type of antibody that the immune system produces in response to a perceived threat, which, in the case of allergies, are harmless substances like dust or pet dander.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the Indoor Respiratory Allergy Panel May Be Ordered

The Indoor Respiratory Allergy Panel is typically ordered for individuals who exhibit symptoms of allergic reactions when indoors. These symptoms may include persistent sneezing, coughing, itchy or watery eyes, runny nose, and respiratory distress. It is particularly helpful for individuals whose symptoms are chronic or seem to worsen in specific indoor environments, like their homes or workplaces.

This panel is crucial for:

1. Diagnosing Specific Allergies: By identifying specific allergen sensitivities, healthcare providers can pinpoint the exact cause of a patient’s allergic reactions.
2. Guiding Allergy Management: Understanding which allergens affect a patient can lead to more targeted and effective management strategies, including allergen avoidance, environmental control measures, and possibly immunotherapy.
3. Developing Treatment Plans: For patients with severe allergies, identifying the specific triggers is essential for creating personalized treatment plans, which may include medications or lifestyle modifications.

What the Indoor Respiratory Allergy Panel Checks For

The Indoor Respiratory Allergy Panel checks for sensitivities to a range of common indoor allergens by measuring specific IgE antibodies in the blood. These antibodies indicate an immune response to particular allergens. The presence of elevated IgE levels against these allergens suggests that the individual’s immune system is sensitized and reacts abnormally to these otherwise harmless substances.

The Indoor Respiratory Allergy panel tests for the following allergens:

• Alternaria Alternata (M6 IgE Antibody): A common mold found in many environments, particularly in damp areas.
• Aspergillus Fumigatus (M3 IgE): A type of mold often present in soil and decaying organic matter, and can be found in household dust.
• Blomia Tropicalis (D201 IgE Antibody): A species of dust mite prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Cat Dander (E1 IgE Antibody): Allergens from cats, one of the most common pet allergies.
• Cladosporium Herbarum (M2 IgE Antibody): Another widespread mold found both indoors and outdoors.
• Cockroach (I6 IgE Antibody): Allergic sensitivities to proteins found in cockroaches.
• Dermatophagoides Farinae (D2 IgE Antibody): A common type of dust mite found in household dust.
• Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus IgE Antibody: Another prevalent dust mite species.
• Dog Dander (E5 IgE Antibody): Similar to cat dander, this tests for allergies to dogs.
• Goose Feathers (E70 IgE Antibody): Allergies to goose feathers, which are often used in bedding.
• House Dust (H1 IgE Antibody): A general test for allergies to common components of house dust.
• Penicillium Notatum (M1 IgE Antibody): A mold that can be found in various environments, including indoor spaces.

Each allergen included in the panel represents a common source of indoor allergies. Molds like Alternaria and Aspergillus are ubiquitous in damp environments, dust mites are a major component of household dust, and pet allergens from cats and dogs are common in homes with these animals. Understanding the specific allergen allows for targeted interventions to reduce exposure and alleviate symptoms.

The Indoor Respiratory Allergy Panel is a diagnostic tool used to identify specific allergic reactions to common indoor allergens, providing valuable information for the effective management and treatment of allergy symptoms.