Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum, 0.3 mL minimum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify allergen triggers – pinpoint Japanese cedar pollen sensitization with clinical-grade accuracy
- Skip the doctor visit – order online and collect samples at local labs nationwide
- Support treatment decisions – confirm allergy before starting immunotherapy or medication plans
- Fast turnaround – receive actionable results within 3-5 business days of sample collection
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms during cedar pollen season (spring months)
- People with persistent hay fever, congestion, or asthma-like symptoms in cedar-growing regions
- Those considering allergen immunotherapy who need confirmation of specific sensitization
- Anyone with family history of allergic rhinitis seeking proactive allergy identification
- Individuals monitoring chronic pollen allergies for treatment effectiveness
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive a lab requisition form instantly
- Visit a local lab - Walk into any participating collection site for a quick blood draw
- Get your results - Receive confidential findings within 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It quantifies allergen-specific IgE antibodies to Japanese cedar pollen (Cryptomeria japonica) using ImmunoCAP® technology (Thermo Fisher 2024).
Do I need to prepare for this test? No fasting or medication changes required before your blood draw.
Can I have the allergy without symptoms? Yes, sensitization doesn't always cause symptoms—clinical evaluation confirms true allergy (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
How accurate is this test compared to skin testing? ImmunoCAP IgE testing correlates highly with skin prick tests and nasal IgE measurements (PubMed 2014).
Will this test diagnose my seasonal allergies? It detects sensitization; your provider combines results with symptoms for diagnosis (AAAAI 2025).
What if my results are positive? Consult an allergist to discuss treatment options including immunotherapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects and quantifies IgE antibodies specific to Japanese cedar pollen, a leading cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis in East Asia and areas where these ornamental trees grow (Mayo Clinic 2019). Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) releases highly allergenic pollen that triggers hay fever symptoms including congestion, sneezing, and watery eyes. By measuring serum IgE levels, this test identifies sensitization to help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit if you experience recurring seasonal allergy symptoms—such as runny nose, itchy eyes, or wheezing—during spring cedar pollen season. This test is valuable for individuals living in or visiting regions with Japanese cedar trees, those with suspected pollinosis needing confirmation, or anyone considering allergen immunotherapy. It's also useful for monitoring chronic allergic conditions related to pollen exposure (AAAAI 2025).
When should I order Japanese Cedar Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when allergy symptoms align with cedar pollen season (typically late winter to early spring), before starting immunotherapy to confirm specific allergen triggers, or when differentiating cedar allergy from other pollen sensitivities. Testing during symptomatic periods provides the most clinically relevant results, though the test can be performed year-round.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will show IgE antibody levels measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter). Values are interpreted alongside your clinical symptoms:
IgE Level: < 0.35 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – no sensitization detected
- Typical action: Consider other allergens or non-allergic causes
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive – minimal sensitization
- Typical action: Correlate with symptoms; may not require treatment
IgE Level: 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive – likely sensitization
- Typical action: Discuss symptom management with allergist
IgE Level: 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High positive – significant sensitization
- Typical action: Strong candidate for immunotherapy or medications
IgE Level: ≥ 17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high – pronounced sensitization
- Typical action: Aggressive avoidance and treatment recommended
Up to 86% of symptomatic patients in Japan show IgE sensitization to Japanese cedar pollen (PubMed 2014).
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 is required. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. The blood draw requires only 0.3 mL of serum collected in a serum separator tube. If sample shipping is delayed, serum should be refrigerated or frozen to maintain specimen integrity (Mayo Clinic 2019).
How often should I get tested?
Initial diagnosis:
- Once to establish baseline sensitization
Pre-immunotherapy:
- Once before treatment initiation
Monitoring immunotherapy:
- Annually or as recommended by allergist
Worsening symptoms:
- Retest to assess sensitization changes
Moving to new region:
- Test if cedar exposure changes significantly
Why early detection matters
Early identification of Japanese cedar sensitization reduces symptom severity and prevents complications like chronic sinusitis or asthma exacerbations. Timely diagnosis enables proactive management—from environmental controls to targeted immunotherapy—improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs associated with untreated allergic rhinitis (AAAAI 2025). Knowing your specific triggers empowers you to avoid peak pollen exposure and implement effective treatment strategies before symptoms worsen.
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.
Allergen Profile Mold Blood Test - Measures IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to various common molds.
IgE Inhalants Blood Test- Genova Test Kit - Evaluates 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.
