Allergy, Cat Dander Test
About Allergy, Cat Dander Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Cat Allergy Blood Test, Cat IgE Test, Cat Dander IgE Antibody Test, Cat Epithelium Allergy Test, Cat Dander (E1) IgE |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 4 to 6 working days |
| Recommended For | All ages, both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,300 |
What Is an Allergy, Cat Dander Test?
The allergy cat dander test is a blood test that checks whether your immune system produces allergy-causing antibodies in response to cat dander. It is also called the Cat IgE test or Cat Dander IgE Antibody test. A small blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Doctors typically order this test when a patient reports sneezing, itchy eyes, or breathing difficulties after contact with cats.
What Does an Allergy, Cat Dander Test Measure?
This test measures the level of specific IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies your body has produced against proteins found in cat skin flakes, saliva, and urine. The primary protein responsible for most cat allergic reactions is Fel d 1, a secretoglobin produced by all cats regardless of breed, age, or coat length.
The test assesses the following:
| Parameter | What It Indicates |
|---|---|
| Cat Dander-Specific IgE Antibodies | Overall level of allergy-related antibodies triggered by exposure to cat dander |
| Fel d 1 | The major cat allergen is responsible for the majority of allergic reactions to cats |
| Fel d 2, Fel d 4, Fel d 7 | Additional cat proteins assessed when IgE antibodies are detected, to better understand the pattern of sensitisation |
Why is an Allergy, Cat Dander Test Done?
This test helps determine whether cat dander is causing your allergic symptoms. Here is a closer look at when it is typically ordered.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend a cat allergy blood test if you experience any of the following:
- Runny or blocked nose after being near cats
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Persistent nasal congestion
- Itchy nose, roof of the mouth, or throat
- Mucus dripping down the back of the throat (postnasal drip)
- Difficulty breathing or chest tightness
- Wheezing
- Facial pain
- Frequent sleep disturbances
- Rashes or redness of the skin where a cat has licked
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify or support the diagnosis of several conditions:
- Cat allergy with associated nasal inflammation (rhinitis)
- Cat dander-triggered asthma
- Atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin condition linked to cat exposure
- Allergic rhinitis linked to sensitisation to Fel d 2, a specific cat serum protein
- Pork-cat syndrome, a condition where cross-reactive antibodies cause both cat dander allergy and pork meat allergy
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward. No special steps are needed beforehand, but the tips below will help ensure a smooth experience.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. You can eat and drink normally before the test and schedule it at any convenient time of day.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before your appointment:
- Drink enough water beforehand to stay well hydrated, as this makes the blood draw easier.
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top so the phlebotomist can access your arm easily.
- Unlike skin prick tests, this blood test is not affected by antihistamine medications. However, always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are currently taking, including anti-allergy tablets, corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during sample collection:
- Arrive at your collection centre, or wait for the phlebotomist to visit your home at your chosen time.
- The phlebotomist places an elastic band (tourniquet) around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
- You will be asked to make a fist briefly to help blood fill the vein.
- The skin over the vein is cleaned with a disinfectant, and a small needle is gently inserted to draw a few millilitres of blood.
- The sample is collected in a special tube (vacutainer), and the needle is removed. A small cotton pad is placed over the site.
- The labelled sample is dispatched to the laboratory, where it is analysed using iandmmunoassay techniques.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence your test result. These include:
- Dehydration at the time of sample collection
- Use of immunosuppressant medications
- Timing of the test relative to recent cat exposure
- Improper sample handling or storage during transport
- The specific laboratory method used for analysis
Understanding Your Allergy, Cat Dander Test Results
Your results will show the level of cat dander-specific IgE antibodies in your blood, expressed in kU/L (kilounits per litre). The table below shows how these levels are classified.
| Class | IgE Level (kU/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Less than 0.10 | Negative |
| 0/1 | 0.10 to 0.31 | Low/Equivocal |
| 1 | 0.32 to 0.55 | Low Level |
| 2 | 0.56 to 1.40 | Moderate Level |
| 3 | 1.41 to 3.90 | High Level |
| 4 | 3.91 to 19.0 | Very High Level |
| 5 | 19.1 to 100 | Very High Level |
| 6 | Greater than 100 | Very High Level |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Levels below 0.31 kU/L generally suggest that you are not sensitised to cat dander. Levels of 1.40 kU/L or above (Class 2 and higher) are considered abnormally elevated and may point to an allergic response. Higher levels tend to be associated with a greater likelihood of experiencing symptoms on cat exposure.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness tips may help reduce allergen exposure in everyday life:
- If you are sensitised to cat dander, limiting direct contact with cats is the most practical step to reduce symptom triggers.
- Running a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter continuously at home can reduce airborne allergen levels over time, as can using a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner regularly.
- Bear in mind that cat allergen can persist in carpets, upholstery, and soft furnishings for at least six months after a cat has left the home, so cleaning these surfaces thoroughly is worthwhile.
Lupin Diagnostics Allergy, Cat Dander Test Price and Home Collection
The cat dander allergy test is available at Lupin Diagnostics, with home sample collection across major Indian cities. Approximate prices are listed below.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1,300 |
| Bhopal | ₹1,300 |
| Bangalore | ₹1,300 |
| Chennai | ₹1,300 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,300 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,300 |
| Pune | ₹1,300 |
| Guwahati | ₹1,300 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the cat IgE test across cities in India, making it easy to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered directly to your email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
No fasting is needed. This is a simple blood test that can be done at any time of day, regardless of whether you have eaten. There are no dietary restrictions before the cat allergy blood test.
Yes, in most cases. Unlike skin prick tests, blood tests for cat allergy are not affected by antihistamines. That said, always let your doctor or phlebotomist know about all medications you are taking before the test.
Not on its own. A positive Cat Dander IgE Antibody test indicates that your body has produced allergy-related antibodies, which suggests a higher likelihood of allergy. However, results must be reviewed alongside your symptoms and exposure history by a doctor or allergist for a proper diagnosis.
Not necessarily. It is possible to be allergic to cats but not to dogs or other animals. If you notice symptoms around multiple pets, it is a good idea to get tested for all relevant animals to understand your specific sensitivities.
Cat dander is persistent. It can remain in carpets, upholstery, and soft furnishings for up to six months after a cat has left the home. Thorough cleaning and HEPA filtration can help reduce lingering allergen levels.
Fel d 1 is the primary protein responsible for most allergic reactions to cats. It is produced by all cats, regardless of breed, sex, age, coat length, or body weight. The cat IgE test measures your body's antibody response to this and other cat proteins.
No. All cats produce allergens, including Fel d 1. No breed is truly hypoallergenic. Some breeds may shed less fur, but this does not mean they produce fewer allergens or are safe for people with cat allergies.
Allergy, Cat Dander Test
