Cat and dog allergy – Lab Test – Sample Collection at Home

Check for IgE antibodies to cat and dog using a capillary blood sample you collect at home.

The test at a glance

• Collect your sample entirely at home
• Liquid capillary blood from a fingertip
• Quantitative laboratory values
• Medical laboratory accredited to ISO 15189
• Quality assurance in accordance with Rili-BÄK
• Digital results in your personal health portal

What is analysed?

Cat e1

Cat allergens spread easily through the air and remain for a long time in textiles and environments where cats have been.

Dog e5

Dog allergens are found in dander, saliva and urine and spread in a similar way to cat allergens.

What does sensitisation mean?

Detectable specific IgE indicates sensitisation, but does not automatically mean that exposure causes clinical allergy symptoms. The result must always be considered alongside symptoms and actual exposure.

Common allergy symptoms and when the test may be relevant

The test may be relevant for symptoms in homes with pets, before getting a pet or when symptoms occur while visiting others.

• sneezing, a runny or blocked nose
• itchy or watery eyes
• cough or other respiratory symptoms
• itching in the roof of the mouth or throat
• worsening asthma

Seek emergency medical care for difficulty breathing, swelling in the mouth or throat, dizziness or a suspected severe allergic reaction.

Who is the test for?

• People who develop symptoms around cats or dogs.
• People considering getting a pet.
• People who want to investigate whether symptoms relate to cats, dogs or both.

How the test works

1. Order the test and receive the sampling kit at home.
2. Read the instructions and complete any required preparation.
3. Prick your fingertip and collect liquid capillary blood in the supplied sample tube.
4. Label, package and send the sample to the laboratory.
5. The laboratory analyses the included markers.
6. View your digital laboratory report in your personal health portal.

Before collecting your sample

No special product-specific preparation is required according to the current product information. Always follow the instructions in the sampling kit.

Laboratory and quality

The sample is analysed at a medical laboratory accredited to ISO 15189. The laboratory's quality assurance also follows the Rili-BÄK guidelines for laboratory medical examinations.

• Sample material: liquid capillary blood
• Sampling location: at home
• Result: digital laboratory report
• Turnaround time: transport time and the scope of analysis affect the total time

Results and reference ranges

The report shows the analysed markers together with the laboratory's units and current reference ranges. Results should be interpreted in relation to age, sex, symptoms, medicines, lifestyle and medical history.

Important information about the result

A health test can identify abnormal laboratory values but does not provide a medical diagnosis or rule out disease. Contact a healthcare professional for clearly abnormal results, persistent symptoms or concerns.

Results and interpretation

The report provides the laboratory's findings for the included allergens. A positive result needs to be interpreted alongside symptoms and exposure and should not be used on its own to exclude foods or start treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Which allergens are included?

The analysis includes Cat e1, Dog e5.

What is specific IgE?

These are IgE antibodies directed against a particular allergen.

Does a positive result mean I have an allergy?

Not automatically. The result indicates sensitisation and needs to be consistent with symptoms and exposure.

Can the test diagnose food intolerance?

No. IgE-mediated allergy and food intolerance are different conditions.

What should I do if the result is positive?

Discuss the result with a healthcare professional, particularly before making major dietary changes or if you have had severe reactions.