Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Direct access — order confidently without a physician referral
- Fast results — receive electronic results within 3–5 days
- Accurate detection — ImmunoCAP® technology measures allergen-specific IgE antibodies
- Convenient testing — Shedule an appointment for a blood draw at partner clinics nationwide
- Proactive insights — identify sensitization early to prevent severe reactions
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes around cows
- People with asthma symptoms worsening near barns or livestock areas
- Farmers and dairy workers with frequent cow contact exposure
- Veterinarians and animal handlers exposed to cattle regularly
- Anyone with unexplained allergic reactions in cow-present environments
- People with family allergy history suspecting cow dander sensitivity
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – No doctor's note required; select your test and preferred lab location
- Visit the lab – Quick blood draw at a lab location near you
- Get results – Receive confidential results within 3–5 days in your online account
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects specific IgE antibodies reacting to cow dander proteins (Bos taurus allergen E4) in your blood.
Is this test reliable compared to skin testing? Yes, specific IgE blood tests show comparable accuracy to skin prick tests for inhalant allergens (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2019).
Do I need to prepare for this test? No fasting needed; inform the lab if taking corticosteroids, as they may affect results.
How quickly will I receive results? Typical turnaround time is 1–2 business days after sample collection.
Can elevated IgE confirm I have a cow dander allergy? Elevated levels indicate sensitization; clinical correlation with symptoms is essential for diagnosis (Eurofins Viracor 2023).
What should I do after receiving my results? Consult an allergist or primary care physician to interpret findings and discuss treatment options.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Cow Dander Allergy IgE Blood Test detects specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood that react to cow dander. Cow dander consists of tiny skin flakes shed by cattle containing proteins that trigger allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. This test uses advanced immunoassay technology like ImmunoCAP® FEIA to accurately quantify allergen-specific IgE antibodies associated with cow dander exposure.
The test aids in diagnosing cow dander allergies by measuring your immune system's response to bovine proteins. Elevated IgE levels indicate sensitization, helping you and your healthcare provider understand whether cow dander contributes to symptoms like rhinitis, asthma, or skin irritation. This diagnostic tool supports personalized allergy management strategies.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals with suspected cow dander allergies experiencing symptoms upon cattle exposure. Farmers, dairy workers, veterinarians, and animal handlers who have frequent occupational contact with cows should consider testing, as approximately 10–15% of people occupationally exposed to bovine proteins develop respiratory allergies (Airaksinen et al. 2024).
People experiencing unexplained allergic symptoms in barns or livestock environments benefit from identifying cow dander as a potential trigger. Those with family histories of allergies or individuals managing multiple allergen sensitivities can use this test to pinpoint specific sensitivities. Early identification helps avoid allergen exposure and guides targeted treatment approaches.
When should I order a Cow Dander Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test when experiencing allergy-like symptoms around cows or in cow-present environments. Symptoms warranting testing include sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, skin rashes, or hives. If you have asthma that worsens near cattle or in barns, testing helps identify cow dander as a contributing factor.
Order this test if you work with cows regularly and develop unexplained respiratory or skin symptoms. Testing is also appropriate when planning occupational changes involving cattle exposure or when managing known allergies to determine if cow dander contributes to your symptom profile. Early testing supports proactive allergy management.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as specific IgE antibody levels measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter) and classified into classes indicating sensitization severity. Here's how to understand your results:
Class 0 (<0.10 kU/L)
- What it means: No detectable sensitization
- Typical action: Cow dander unlikely contributing to symptoms
Class 1 (0.10–0.34 kU/L)
- What it means: Very low sensitization
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms; minimal clinical significance
Class 2 (0.35–0.69 kU/L)
- What it means: Low sensitization
- Typical action: Consider avoidance; discuss with allergist
Class 3 (0.70–3.49 kU/L)
- What it means: Moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Implement avoidance strategies; treatment recommended
Class 4 (3.50–17.49 kU/L)
- What it means: High sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance; allergy management essential
Class 5 (17.50–49.99 kU/L)
- What it means: Very high sensitization
- Typical action: Comprehensive allergy treatment plan required
Class 6 (≥50.00 kU/L)
- What it means: Extremely high sensitization
- Typical action: Urgent allergy specialist consultation recommended
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting or special dietary preparation is required before this blood test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. However, inform the laboratory or your healthcare provider if you're taking corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications, as these may affect IgE antibody levels and potentially influence results.
The blood draw uses a standard serum separator tube (SST). The specimen remains stable at room temperature for up to 14 days, ensuring reliable results even with shipping delays. Continue taking any prescribed allergy medications unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise, as stopping medications isn't typically necessary for accurate testing.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and allergy management needs. Here are general guidelines:
- Initial diagnosis or first-time symptoms: Once to establish baseline sensitization
- Monitoring known cow dander allergy: Annually or as symptoms change
- During immunotherapy treatment: Every 6–12 months to assess progress
- After significant exposure change: 3–6 months after new environment or occupation
- Symptom changes despite treatment: As needed to reassess sensitization levels
Most individuals don't need repeated testing unless symptoms change, treatment adjustments are considered, or new exposures occur. Your allergist or healthcare provider will recommend appropriate testing intervals based on your symptom severity, treatment response, and occupational or environmental exposure patterns. Repeat testing helps monitor sensitization changes over time.
Why early detection matters
Early identification of cow dander sensitization can significantly reduce healthcare costs by preventing severe allergic reactions and complications (CDC 2023). Detecting sensitization before symptoms become severe allows you to implement avoidance strategies, reducing exposure and preventing progression to more serious conditions like chronic asthma or anaphylaxis.
Specific IgE testing provides objective evidence supporting diagnosis, enabling targeted treatment approaches. Early detection helps occupational workers make informed decisions about protective equipment or career modifications. For individuals with existing respiratory conditions, identifying cow dander as a trigger prevents unnecessary symptom escalation and improves quality of life through proactive management.
Related tests you may consider
Cat Hair and Dander IgE Test — Detects sensitization to cat allergens, useful for identifying multiple animal dander allergies.
Dog Dander IgE Test — Identifies dog allergen sensitivity, commonly tested alongside other animal dander allergies.
Horse Dander IgE Test — Evaluates sensitization to equine allergens for individuals with livestock exposure.
