Question 1

What is Allergies?

Accepted Answer

Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or certain foods. They are caused by elevated levels of IgE antibodies and immune cells called eosinophils that trigger inflammatory responses when exposed to allergens. The Complete Blood Count with Differential is the most important test for diagnosing allergies because it measures eosinophil levels, which are elevated during allergic reactions.

Question 2

What causes allergies?

Accepted Answer

Allergies are caused by your immune system mistakenly identifying harmless substances as dangerous threats and launching an aggressive defense response. When you encounter an allergen like pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold, or certain foods, your body produces IgE antibodies that trigger immune cells called mast cells and eosinophils to release inflammatory chemicals like histamine. This cascade of immune reactions causes the classic allergy symptoms you experience, from sneezing and itchy eyes to hives and digestive problems, depending on where in your body the allergic reaction occurs.

Question 3

What is the best test for allergies?

Accepted Answer

The Complete Blood Count with Differential is the most important test for allergies because it measures eosinophil levels, which are specialized white blood cells that increase dramatically during allergic reactions. Elevated eosinophils directly indicate your immune system is responding to allergens. For a comprehensive evaluation, the Histamine Release test is also essential as it measures the primary chemical that causes allergy symptoms like itching, hives, and swelling when mast cells react to allergens. The Interleukin-4 test can provide deeper insight by measuring IL-4, a key immune regulator that stimulates IgE antibody production and drives the allergic inflammatory response.

Question 4

When should I get tested for allergies?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience recurring symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, skin rashes, hives, or digestive issues that seem to appear after exposure to certain foods, environments, or seasons. Testing is particularly important if over-the-counter allergy medications are not providing relief, if your symptoms are interfering with your daily activities or sleep, or if you have frequent sinus infections or asthma that might be triggered by allergies. Getting tested helps identify what you are allergic to so you can avoid triggers and find the right treatment approach.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Accepted Answer

Allergy symptoms vary depending on what you are allergic to and how your body reacts, but common signs include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, scratchy throat, coughing, and sinus pressure. Skin allergies can cause hives, rashes, itching, or swelling, while food allergies might trigger nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or in severe cases, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. Some people experience fatigue, headaches, or brain fog from chronic allergic inflammation. Respiratory allergies can worsen asthma symptoms, causing wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Question 6

Who is at risk for allergies?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can develop allergies, but you are at higher risk if you have a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema, as these conditions have a strong genetic component. Children with one allergic parent have about a 30-40% chance of developing allergies, and this increases to 60-80% if both parents have allergies. People with existing allergic conditions like hay fever or food allergies are more likely to develop additional allergies over time. Environmental factors also play a role, with increased risk for those exposed to secondhand smoke, air pollution, or who had limited exposure to diverse microbes in early childhood.

Question 7

What happens if allergies are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated allergies can significantly impact your quality of life and lead to serious complications over time. Chronic nasal allergies often progress to sinus infections, nasal polyps, and can worsen or trigger asthma, potentially causing permanent lung damage. Persistent allergic inflammation can cause chronic fatigue, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, and reduced productivity at work or school. Skin allergies that go untreated may lead to chronic eczema, skin infections from scratching, and permanent skin changes. Most seriously, undiagnosed food allergies put you at risk for severe anaphylactic reactions that can be life-threatening without immediate treatment.

Question 8

Can allergies be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are highly effective for diagnosing allergies and offer several advantages over traditional skin prick tests. The Complete Blood Count can detect elevated eosinophils that indicate allergic responses, while the Histamine Release test measures the actual inflammatory chemicals your body produces during allergic reactions. Blood tests are safer for people with severe allergies or skin conditions, do not require you to stop taking antihistamines beforehand, and can be done with a single blood draw. While skin tests are still commonly used, blood tests provide objective measurements of your immune response and can detect both immediate and delayed allergic reactions.

Question 9

How are allergies treated?

Accepted Answer

Allergy treatment starts with identifying and avoiding your specific triggers whenever possible, which is where blood testing becomes invaluable. Antihistamines like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine can block histamine and relieve symptoms like sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation for nasal allergies, while eye drops help with itchy, watery eyes. For more severe allergies, your doctor might prescribe immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) that gradually desensitize your immune system to specific allergens. People with severe allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis.

Question 10

How can I prevent allergies?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot completely prevent allergies, you can significantly reduce symptoms by minimizing exposure to your known triggers. Keep windows closed during high pollen days, use HEPA air filters in your home, wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites, and use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows. If you are allergic to pets, keep them out of bedrooms and bathe them regularly. For food allergies, carefully read ingredient labels and inform restaurants about your allergies when eating out. Regular cleaning to reduce mold, dust, and pet dander, along with maintaining indoor humidity between 30-50%, creates an environment less likely to trigger allergic reactions.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with allergies?

Accepted Answer

Several natural approaches can help manage allergy symptoms alongside medical treatment. Nasal saline rinses or neti pots flush out allergens and mucus from nasal passages, providing immediate relief. Local honey may help build tolerance to local pollens, though scientific evidence is mixed. Quercetin, a natural plant compound found in onions, apples, and berries, has antihistamine properties and may reduce allergic inflammation. Probiotics support immune system balance and may reduce allergic responses over time. Butterbur extract has shown promise for hay fever symptoms, though you should only use products certified free of toxic compounds. Always discuss natural remedies with your healthcare provider, as they can interact with medications.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Allergies Blood Test

What is Allergies?

What causes allergies?

What is the best test for allergies?

When should I get tested for allergies?

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