Lab test
Cat & Dog Allergy Test: Pet Allergy Testing
Cat & Dog Allergy Test: Pet Allergy Testing is a laboratory test you can request directly. Cat and dog allergy testing uses a small blood sample to check for sensitivity to pet dander. It can help explain symptoms that appear around animals.
Lab requirements in Cat & Dog Allergy Test: Pet Allergy Testing
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Cat & Dog Allergy Test: Pet Allergy Testing. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Some tests require fasting or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. You will be informed when you order — confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Preparation
- Preparation is generally minimal, but you should follow the instructions provided by the collection laboratory. Ask the lab if any medications or timing considerations apply to your…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
This test measures specific antibodies in the blood that may indicate an allergic response to cat or dog allergens. It is a laboratory test, not a diagnosis on its own, and results are interpreted by a clinician alongside your history and symptoms.
What it measures
- Cat dander-specific IgE — reflects immune sensitivity to cat allergens
- Dog dander-specific IgE — reflects immune sensitivity to dog allergens
- Total IgE — reflects overall allergic antibody level, though it is not specific to pets
- Cat albumin-specific IgE — reflects sensitivity to a protein found in cat saliva and dander
- Dog albumin-specific IgE — reflects sensitivity to a protein found in dog saliva and dander
What the test involves
A healthcare professional collects a small blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm, using a standard blood draw. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this test when someone reports nasal, eye, or breathing symptoms that seem to worsen around cats or dogs. It can also be used to help clarify which pet allergens might be contributing to ongoing allergy symptoms.
Preparation
Preparation is generally minimal, but you should follow the instructions provided by the collection laboratory. Ask the lab if any medications or timing considerations apply to your situation.
How results are reported
Results are typically reported as a level or class for each allergen tested, along with the laboratory's reference range. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, so results should always be interpreted in the context of the specific lab's report and your clinician's evaluation.
Before you go
- Whether any medications you take could affect the test
- How and when you will receive your results
- Whether the lab needs any special paperwork or identification
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does this test tell me if I am allergic to cats or dogs?
The test measures antibodies that can be associated with allergy to cat or dog allergens. A positive result suggests sensitivity, but it does not by itself confirm an allergy. Your clinician will combine the result with your symptoms and history.
How long does it take to get results?
Typical turnaround is a few business days after the sample reaches the laboratory. Timing can vary depending on the lab and any additional testing requested.
Do I need to avoid my pets before the test?
Usually no special avoidance is needed for a blood test. Follow any instructions from the collection laboratory, and tell your clinician about your typical exposure to pets.
Can this test distinguish between cat and dog allergy?
Yes, the test typically reports separate results for cat and dog allergens. That can help your clinician see whether one or both may be relevant to your symptoms.
Related
Related tests
Locations
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