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
- Pinpoint your allergy trigger - Identify guinea pig sensitization with ImmunoCAP® gold-standard technology (Thermo Fisher 2024)
- Fast, convenient results - Receive confidential findings in 3-5 business days to guide next steps
- Support treatment decisions - Use results to plan avoidance strategies or immunotherapy eligibility
- Affordable peace of mind - Direct-access testing saves time and empowers personalized allergy management
Who Is This Test For?
- Guinea pig owners experiencing unexplained respiratory or skin symptoms
- Laboratory workers or veterinary staff exposed to rodents regularly
- Individuals considering guinea pig ownership who have allergy history
- People evaluating immunotherapy options for animal allergies
- Anyone seeking to confirm or rule out guinea pig as allergen source
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Select your test and complete checkout with no doctor referral required
- Visit a local lab - Get your blood drawn at any convenient walk-in location near you
- Receive results fast - Access secure findings in 3-5 business days online.
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies to guinea pig epithelium proteins using ImmunoCAP® fluorescence enzyme immunoassay technology.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting or medication changes are required before your blood draw.
How accurate is this test? ImmunoCAP® is the gold standard for allergy testing, offering high sensitivity and specificity for detecting guinea pig allergies (Thermo Fisher 2024).
Can children take this test? Yes, this blood test is safe for all ages and may be preferred over skin testing in young children.
What if my results are positive? Discuss findings with your doctor to create an avoidance plan or explore immunotherapy options for long-term relief.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects specific IgE antibodies against guinea pig epithelium proteins in your blood serum to diagnose allergic sensitization. Guinea pigs produce allergenic proteins in their saliva, urine, fur, skin, and dander that become airborne when urine dries. Using ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay technology, this test quantifies your immune response to these allergens (Mayo Clinic 2024). The results help identify whether guinea pig exposure contributes to your respiratory symptoms, rhinitis, or dermatitis, enabling targeted allergy management.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for guinea pig owners experiencing allergy symptoms, laboratory animal workers with occupational exposure, and individuals considering pet ownership who want to assess risk. Sensitization to guinea pig allergens affects up to 30% of laboratory workers regularly exposed to rodents (Mayo Clinic 2024). If you have unexplained congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, or skin reactions after guinea pig contact, this test provides clear diagnostic information. It's also useful before starting immunotherapy or when evaluating multiple potential allergen sources.
When should I order Guinea Pig Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience allergic symptoms minutes to hours after guinea pig exposure. Common signs include congestion, runny nose, sneezing, red or watery eyes, itching, hives, sore throat, or wheezing. You may also consider testing before adopting a guinea pig if you have a history of animal allergies. Additionally, order this test when planning immunotherapy treatment, monitoring allergy management progress, or experiencing work-related respiratory symptoms in laboratory or veterinary settings. Early identification reduces long-term healthcare costs and improves quality of life (AAAAI 2025).
How do I interpret the results?
Your results report IgE antibody levels in kU/L (kilounits per liter):
IgE Level: Below 0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative — no sensitization detected
- Typical action: Guinea pig allergy unlikely; consider other allergens
IgE Level: 0.10–0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline — possible mild sensitization
- Typical action: Correlate with symptoms; may retest or consult allergist
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive — sensitization present
- Typical action: Avoid exposure; discuss management with physician
IgE Level: 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive — significant sensitization
- Typical action: Implement avoidance strategies; consider immunotherapy
IgE Level: 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High positive — strong sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance recommended; allergist consultation advised
IgE Level: 17.50 or higher kU/L
- What it means: Very high positive — very strong sensitization
- Typical action: Complete avoidance essential; immunotherapy evaluation
Positive results (≥0.35 kU/L) indicate allergic sensitization but must be interpreted alongside your clinical history and symptoms (Eurofins Viracor 2002).
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 special preparation is needed for this test. You don't need to fast, stop medications, or avoid guinea pig exposure beforehand. Simply visit your chosen lab location during operating hours for a standard blood draw. A minimum of 0.5 mL serum is collected in a serum separator tube, then refrigerated and sent for analysis. Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arm is recommended for the blood draw.
How often should I get tested?
Initial allergy evaluation:
Monitoring immunotherapy progress:
- Every 6–12 months during treatment
Confirming allergy resolution:
- 1–2 years after avoidance or treatment
New or worsening symptoms:
- As needed with physician guidance
Pre-adoption screening:
- One-time before acquiring guinea pig
Why early detection matters
Identifying guinea pig allergy early prevents progression to chronic respiratory conditions like occupational asthma, which affects laboratory workers with prolonged rodent exposure. Early intervention through avoidance strategies or immunotherapy significantly improves quality of life and reduces long-term healthcare costs (AAAAI 2025). For pet owners, knowing your allergy status helps make informed decisions about keeping guinea pigs or implementing environmental controls. Laboratory workers can use protective equipment and request role modifications to prevent severe reactions. Untreated animal allergies can worsen over time, making early testing a proactive health investment.
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.
Gerbil Epithelium Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to help detect an allergy to gerbils.
IgE Inhalants Blood Test- Genova Test Kit - Evaluate serum IgE antibody levels to 14 region-specific common pollens and environmental inhalants. This is an ideal test for patients with suspected environmental and/or seasonal allergies.
