Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood serum
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around Time: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Fast allergy answers - Get results in 2-5 days without waiting for a doctor's referral
- Pinpoint your trigger - Identifies IgE antibodies specific to gerbil epithelium proteins
- Convenient walk-in service - No appointment needed; visit any partner lab location
- No fasting required - Simple blood draw with zero preparation hassle
- Severity scoring included - Class-based results help gauge your allergic response strength
Who Is This Test For?
- Gerbil owners experiencing unexplained respiratory or skin symptoms around their pets
- Laboratory animal workers exposed to gerbils in research or educational settings
- Individuals with hay fever or asthma-like reactions after handling gerbils or cleaning cages
- People seeking to confirm allergy triggers before adopting a gerbil as a pet
- Anyone with persistent nasal congestion, sneezing, or itchy eyes in gerbil-exposed environments
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Select your test and complete checkout; no doctor's visit required
- Visit a lab - Walk into any partner location for a quick blood draw
- Get your results - findings delivered securely within 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It measures IgE antibodies your immune system produces in response to gerbil epithelium proteins.
Will this test diagnose my allergy symptoms? The test detects allergic sensitization; clinical correlation with your symptoms is essential for diagnosis.
Can I take antihistamines before testing? Yes—blood IgE tests are not affected by antihistamines or other allergy medications.
How accurate is this test? Fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) provides highly sensitive and specific IgE detection (Mayo Clinic 2019).
What if my results are positive? Discuss findings with an allergist to confirm clinical allergy and explore avoidance strategies or immunotherapy.
Do I need a doctor's order? No—this direct-access test allows you to order and test without a physician referral.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects IgE antibodies specific to gerbil epithelium, helping identify allergic sensitization to proteins found in gerbil skin cells. When you're exposed to gerbil dander or saliva, your immune system may mistakenly recognize these proteins as harmful. In response, it produces IgE antibodies that trigger histamine release, causing respiratory or skin allergy symptoms. The test uses fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA) technology to quantify allergen-specific IgE levels in your blood serum, expressed in kU/L with severity class scoring (Mayo Clinic 2019). This measurement helps you and your healthcare provider determine whether gerbil exposure is contributing to your allergic symptoms.
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit from this test if you're experiencing unexplained respiratory, nasal, or skin symptoms related to gerbil exposure. Pet owners who develop congestion, sneezing, or itchy eyes around their gerbils can use this test to confirm their allergy trigger. Laboratory animal workers face occupational allergy risk—about one-third of lab workers develop allergies to rodent dander (Bush 1998). If you're considering adopting a gerbil but have a history of pet allergies, this test can help you make an informed decision. The test is also valuable for individuals monitoring chronic allergy symptoms or seeking personalized allergy management plans.
When should I order a Gerbil Epithelium Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you suspect gerbil exposure is triggering allergic symptoms. Common signs include congestion, runny nose, sneezing, red or watery eyes, itching, hives, sore throat, or wheezing. Symptoms typically appear within minutes to a few hours after handling gerbils, cleaning cages, or being in environments where gerbil dander circulates. You may experience reactions even without direct physical contact, as airborne particles settle on clothing, furniture, and bedding. If you work with laboratory animals and develop respiratory symptoms at work, testing can identify occupational allergens. Early testing enables prompt allergen identification, reducing chronic symptoms and healthcare burden related to uncontrolled allergies (AAAAI 2025).
How do I interpret the results?
Your results are reported in kU/L (kilounits per liter) and classified by severity level:
< 0.35 (Class 0)
- Interpretation: Negative — no detectable IgE antibodies
0.35–0.69 (Class 1)
- Interpretation: Equivocal — borderline sensitization
0.70–3.49 (Class 2)
- Interpretation: Positive — low allergic sensitization
3.50–17.49 (Class 3)
- Interpretation: Positive — moderate allergic sensitization
17.50–49.99 (Class 4)
- Interpretation: Positive — high allergic sensitization
50.00–99.99 (Class 5)
- Interpretation: Positive — very high allergic sensitization
≥ 100.00 (Class 6)
- Interpretation: Positive — extremely high allergic sensitization
IgE levels ≥0.70 kU/L (class 2 or higher) suggest allergy, but clinical correlation with your symptoms is essential for meaningful diagnosis.
Values of 0.70 kU/L or higher indicate positive allergic sensitization. Higher classes suggest stronger allergic responses, though test results alone don't predict symptom severity. Your healthcare provider will interpret findings alongside your medical history and symptoms.
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 preparation is required. Continue taking your regular medications, including antihistamines—blood IgE testing is not affected by allergy medications (Labcorp). Simply visit your chosen lab location for a standard blood draw. The lab will collect approximately 0.5 mL of blood serum, separate the serum, and send it for analysis.
How often should I get tested?
Initial allergy screening
- Once to establish baseline sensitization
Monitoring immunotherapy progress
- Annually or as directed by your allergist
New or worsening symptoms
- Retest if exposure patterns or symptoms change significantly
Occupational exposure assessment
- Periodically if working with laboratory animals
Most individuals only need testing once to identify their allergy trigger. Repeat testing may be appropriate if you undergo immunotherapy treatment or experience significant changes in symptoms or exposure.
Why early detection matters
Early allergen identification through IgE testing enables you to take proactive steps before chronic symptoms develop. Uncontrolled allergies can progress from mild nasal congestion to persistent asthma-like symptoms, reducing your quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. Accurate testing helps you implement targeted avoidance strategies—such as minimizing gerbil contact, improving ventilation, using air purifiers, or relocating pets to outdoor enclosures. For laboratory workers, early detection supports occupational health decisions and workplace accommodations. Timely diagnosis also allows your healthcare provider to recommend appropriate treatments, including antihistamines or immunotherapy, preventing symptom escalation (AAAAI 2025).
Related tests you may consider
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Guinea Pig Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to guinea pigs.
IgE Inhalant Allergy Test, Serum - Mosaic Diagnostics Test Kit - Checks for allergic reactions to common airborne substances like pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites by measuring IgE antibodies in the blood, helping people understand and manage their allergy symptoms
