Inhalant allergens panel
The Inhalant Allergen Panel is a serological allergy test designed for the initial assessment of IgE-mediated sensitization to the major environmental allergens. The panel includes tree, grass and weed pollens, house dust mites, animal and bird allergens, as well as molds commonly associated with the development of respiratory allergic diseases.
The test determines the presence of specific IgE antibodies to individual allergens and serves as a valuable tool in the evaluation of patients with symptoms suggestive of allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, or allergic asthma. The results contribute to guiding further allergy investigations and establishing the appropriate diagnostic approach based on the patient's clinical manifestations and medical history.
Included allergens
| Code | Allergen | Description |
|---|---|---|
| g6 | Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) | Grass pollen |
| g12 | Cultivated rye (Secale cereale) | Grass pollen |
| t2 | Alder (Alnus spp.) | Tree pollen |
| t3 | Birch (Betula spp.) | Tree pollen |
| t4 | Common hazel (Corylus avellana) | Tree pollen |
| w6 | Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) | Weed pollen |
| w9 | Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) | Weed pollen |
| d1 | Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus | House dust mite |
| d2 | Dermatophagoides farinae | House dust mite |
| e1 | Cat epithelium/dander | Epidermal allergen |
| e2 | Dog epithelium/dander | Epidermal allergen |
| e3 | Horse epithelium/hair | Epidermal allergen |
| e6 | Guinea pig hair/epithelium | Epidermal allergen |
| e82 | Rabbit epithelium/hair | Epidermal allergen |
| e84 | Hamster epithelium/hair | Epidermal allergen |
| es4 | Cage bird mix | Bird feathers and epithelium |
| m1 | Penicillium notatum / Penicillium chrysogenum | Mold |
| m2 | Cladosporium herbarum | Mold |
| m3 | Aspergillus fumigatus | Mold |
| m6 | Alternaria alternata | Mold |
Indications
- recurrent sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, or nasal itching without signs of infection;
- respiratory symptoms that occur seasonally or after exposure to dust, pollen, animals, or molds;
- itchy eyes, excessive tearing, or symptoms suggestive of allergic conjunctivitis;
- persistent cough, wheezing, or symptoms suggestive of allergic asthma;
- suspected seasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis;
- initial evaluation of patients with suspected sensitization to inhalant allergens.
Procedure
The analysis is performed using a venous blood sample collected from the elbow crease. The procedure takes only a few minutes and is carried out by qualified medical personnel.
Test method
Determination of serum-specific IgE antibodies to individual allergens using an automated immunological method.
Interpretation of results
The test result provides an initial assessment of sensitization to the major categories of inhalant allergens included in this panel.
In the case of a positive result, an allergist may recommend additional investigations, including the determination of specific IgE antibodies to individual allergens or molecular allergy diagnostics, depending on the patient's clinical presentation and medical history.
The results should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's symptoms, history of allergen exposure, and other relevant clinical findings.
Preparation:
- No special preparation is required before sample collection.
- The test can be performed at any time and does not require discontinuation of antihistamine treatment, as these medications do not affect the determination of specific IgE antibodies in the blood.
- Patients are advised to inform the medical staff about any ongoing treatments and known allergic reactions to ensure accurate interpretation of the results.