Question 1

What is Anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure to an allergen. It is caused by an overreaction of the immune system, which releases massive amounts of histamine and other chemicals through IgE antibodies. The IgE Blood Test is the most important test for identifying your risk of anaphylaxis because it measures the antibodies directly responsible for triggering severe allergic reactions.

Question 2

What causes anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Anaphylaxis is caused by an extreme overreaction of your immune system to specific allergens such as foods (peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts), insect stings (bees, wasps), medications (penicillin, aspirin), or latex. When you encounter these triggers, your immune system releases massive amounts of histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream, causing blood pressure to drop suddenly and airways to narrow. This reaction happens rapidly, usually within minutes of exposure, and can affect multiple body systems simultaneously including your skin, breathing, heart rate, and digestive system.

Question 3

What is the best test for anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

The IgE Blood Test is the most important test for anaphylaxis because it measures immunoglobulin E antibodies that directly trigger severe allergic reactions. This test helps assess your overall risk of anaphylaxis and identifies how reactive your immune system is to allergens. For pinpointing specific triggers, allergen-specific IgE tests are essential, such as the Allergy-Shellfish Panel for seafood allergies or the Allergen Specific IgG Latex test for latex sensitivity. The Histamine, Plasma test is also valuable as it measures histamine levels that spike during anaphylactic reactions, helping confirm episodes and assess their severity. Together, these tests create a comprehensive picture of your allergy profile and help you avoid life-threatening reactions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have experienced a severe allergic reaction with symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, rapid pulse, dizziness, or loss of consciousness after eating certain foods, getting stung by an insect, or taking medication. Testing is also important if you have had unexplained hives, facial swelling, or digestive distress that came on suddenly and severely. Anyone with a family history of severe allergies, people who work in healthcare settings with latex exposure, or those scheduled for surgery should consider testing to identify potential triggers before a life-threatening situation occurs.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Anaphylaxis symptoms appear suddenly and progress rapidly, usually within minutes of allergen exposure. You might experience skin reactions like hives, itching, or flushed skin, along with swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Breathing becomes difficult with wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Your heart may race and you could feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Digestive symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. A feeling of impending doom or anxiety is also common as your body goes into shock.

Question 6

Who is at risk for anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

People with existing allergies to foods, insect venom, or medications are at the highest risk for anaphylaxis. Those with asthma or other allergic conditions like eczema or hay fever have increased susceptibility. Family history plays a significant role, as allergic tendencies run in families. Healthcare workers, laboratory technicians, and people who frequently use latex gloves face higher risk of latex-induced anaphylaxis. Children and teenagers are more likely to have food-related anaphylaxis, while adults more commonly experience reactions to medications and insect stings. Anyone who has had a previous anaphylactic reaction is at risk for future episodes.

Question 7

What happens if anaphylaxis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated anaphylaxis is life-threatening and can lead to death within minutes to hours. Without immediate epinephrine treatment, your blood pressure can drop to dangerously low levels, causing shock and loss of consciousness. Your airways can swell shut, making breathing impossible and leading to respiratory arrest. Your heart may develop irregular rhythms or stop beating altogether. Even if you survive the initial reaction, prolonged oxygen deprivation can cause permanent brain damage. Some people experience biphasic anaphylaxis, where symptoms return hours after the initial reaction seems to resolve, making immediate medical attention and monitoring absolutely critical.

Question 8

Can anaphylaxis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Anaphylaxis itself is diagnosed clinically based on symptoms during an emergency and cannot be diagnosed with blood tests alone. However, blood testing plays a crucial supporting role by identifying specific allergen triggers and measuring your allergic response potential. The IgE Blood Test measures antibodies responsible for allergic reactions, while allergen-specific IgE tests identify exactly what you are allergic to. The Histamine, Plasma test can confirm an anaphylactic episode if measured during or shortly after a reaction. These tests help create an allergen avoidance plan to prevent future life-threatening reactions.

Question 9

How is anaphylaxis treated?

Accepted Answer

Anaphylaxis requires immediate treatment with epinephrine (adrenaline) injected into your thigh muscle, typically using an auto-injector like an EpiPen. Epinephrine quickly reverses symptoms by opening airways, raising blood pressure, and reducing swelling. After epinephrine, you must go to the emergency room for observation and additional treatment, which may include oxygen, intravenous fluids, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. Long-term management involves identifying and avoiding your specific triggers through allergy testing, carrying epinephrine auto-injectors at all times, wearing medical alert identification, and educating family and friends about your condition and how to use your emergency medication.

Question 10

How can I prevent anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Prevention starts with identifying your specific allergen triggers through comprehensive allergy testing. Once you know what causes your reactions, strictly avoid those allergens by carefully reading food labels, informing restaurants about your allergies, and avoiding insect-prone areas if you are allergic to stings. Always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors with you and ensure they have not expired. Wear medical alert jewelry that identifies your allergies. Educate family, friends, coworkers, and teachers about your condition and how to recognize symptoms and administer epinephrine. If you have medication allergies, inform all healthcare providers and consider wearing a medical alert bracelet with this information.

Question 11

What can I do at home for anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that cannot be safely managed at home without immediate epinephrine administration and emergency medical care. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, immediately use your epinephrine auto-injector and call 911, even if symptoms seem to improve. Lie down with your legs elevated to help maintain blood pressure, unless you are vomiting or having trouble breathing, in which case sit up. Never attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. While waiting for emergency responders, have someone stay with you to monitor your condition. After the emergency, work with an allergist to identify your triggers through blood testing and develop a comprehensive management plan.

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.

Anaphylaxis Blood Test & Allergy Testing

What is Anaphylaxis?

What causes anaphylaxis?

What is the best test for anaphylaxis?

When should I get tested for anaphylaxis?

References

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