How does the imutest cat allergy test work.
Cat allergy test uk.
Referral to an allergy specialist may be needed.
It works by detecting the levels of ige allergy antibodies in the blood.
People who have an allergy to cats will have a positive result if certain antibodies are in the above normal range.
In fact cat allergies is caused by a protein produced in a cat s saliva and sebaceous oil glands which is then spread onto the cat s hair and skin during grooming.
Whenever a cat sheds their fur hair and dander dead skin cells the sticky protein attached is transferred into the environment.
There are two types of skin allergy tests a skin prick test and an intradermal skin test.
Currently there are three common methods used to determine what your cat is allergic to.
Below are the 3 types of allergy tests in cats.
The test of choice is an intradermal skin test as blood allergy tests are not considered as reliable.
Imutest cat allergy test can be used to check if you have an allergy to cats.
Skin testing and blood tests.
The only way to diagnose a food allergy is to feed your cat a prescription or hydrolyzed protein diet exclusively for 12 weeks that means no flavored medications or treats.
There are two ways to test for any allergy including to cats.
If the allergy is caused by part of your cat s diet an elimination diet trial will usually reveal the culprit food.
This can be done by a blood test for specific ige to the suspected animal and or by skin prick testing.
According to allergy uk an individual rarely has a single allergy.
The use of commercial allergy testing kits isn t recommended.
There is no cure for allergy to cats yet but immunotherapy may help increase your tolerance.
Immunotherapy involves getting allergy shots once or twice weekly for up to six months then monthly boosters for three to five years.
And challenge testing is always carried out in a clinic where a severe reaction can be treated if it does develop.
Imutest cat allergy test kit.
The test which takes 30.
For around 79 you can skip the doctor s visit and have your blood drawn at a quest diagnostics lab where the sample is tested for immunoglobulin e ige antibodies in response to.
This test is riskier than other forms of testing as it could cause a severe reaction but is the most accurate way to diagnose food allergies.
The great thing about the imutest cat allergy kit is that anybody can use it safely.
