Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Accurate allergen detection using advanced Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology
- No physician referral needed—order online and visit any local lab
- Supports treatment planning including immunotherapy and avoidance strategies
- Simple process—no fasting, no special prep required
- Affordable access to clinical-grade allergy testing
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing seasonal respiratory symptoms during weed pollen season (July–September)
- People with chronic sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes after outdoor exposure
- Those considering immunotherapy and needing allergen confirmation
- Anyone with complex allergy symptoms requiring specific trigger identification
- Individuals unable to undergo skin prick testing due to medications or skin conditions
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - select your test and complete checkout in minutes
- Visit a lab near you - get a quick blood draw at any participating location
- Receive your results - confidential results in 2-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test detects specific IgE antibodies against Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album) pollen, indicating allergic sensitization.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting or medication changes are required before your blood draw.
How accurate is IgE blood testing? IgE serum testing offers comparable specificity and sensitivity to skin prick testing (PubMed Central 2020).
Can this test diagnose other weed allergies? This test is specific to Lamb's Quarters; consider a comprehensive weed panel for broader screening.
What if my results are positive? Positive results indicate sensitization—discuss with an allergist to confirm diagnosis and create an allergy action plan.
Can I use this test to monitor treatment? Yes, serial measurements help track immunotherapy effectiveness and avoidance strategy success.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test identifies IgE antibodies specific to Lamb's Quarters weed pollen in your blood serum. Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album) is a common annual plant that produces up to 20,000 pollen grains per season and pollinates from July through September (Mayo Clinic 2019). The pollen can trigger respiratory allergies including allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. By measuring IgE levels using advanced FEIA technology, this test helps diagnose allergic sensitization and guides clinical management decisions.
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit from this test if you experience respiratory symptoms during weed pollen season or after outdoor exposure to areas where Lamb's Quarters grows—including cultivated fields, desert grasslands, overgrazed lands, and logged openings. This test is particularly valuable for health-conscious individuals seeking convenient, direct-access allergy testing without requiring a physician referral. It's also helpful for those considering immunotherapy who need specific allergen confirmation before beginning treatment (AAAAI 2025).
When should I order a Lamb's Quarters (Goose Foot) Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when your symptoms coincide with weed pollen seasons (typically July–September) or after exposure to potential allergens. Common symptoms include congestion, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, red or watery eyes, itchy throat, sinus pressure, facial pain, hives, and trouble breathing or wheezing. You may also experience poor sleep, decreased sense of taste or smell, or dark, swollen skin under your eyes. In severe cases, anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction causing rapid pulse, swollen throat, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or loss of consciousness—requires immediate medical attention.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will show IgE antibody levels measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter). Here's how to understand your values:
<0.10 kU/L
- Meaning: Negative — no detectable sensitization
- Typical action: Allergy to Lamb’s Quarters unlikely; consider other triggers
0.10–0.34 kU/L
- Meaning: Borderline — low-level sensitization
- Typical action: Correlate with clinical symptoms; monitor exposure patterns
≥0.35 kU/L
- Meaning: Positive — sensitization detected
- Typical action: Consult allergist for diagnosis confirmation and treatment plan
Results must be interpreted alongside your clinical history and symptoms—a positive test alone doesn't diagnose allergy.
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 needed before this test. You don't need to stop taking medications unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Simply visit your chosen lab location for a standard blood draw. The lab will collect 0.3–0.5 mL of blood in a serum gel or red-top tube.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: One-time test to establish baseline sensitization
- Monitoring immunotherapy: Annually or as recommended by your allergist
- Tracking avoidance strategies: Every 1–2 years to assess effectiveness
- New or changing symptoms: As needed when symptom patterns shift
Why early detection matters
Early allergen identification enables targeted management that can significantly improve your quality of life. Seasonal weeds like Lamb's Quarters contribute substantially to allergic rhinitis in many regions, with sensitization rates varying by geography and season (Mayo Clinic 2019). By identifying your specific triggers early, you can reduce symptom severity, improve daily functioning, and lower healthcare costs associated with uncontrolled allergies (AAAAI 2025). Early detection also allows for timely implementation of avoidance measures, appropriate medication use, and consideration of immunotherapy options.
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.
Ragweed (Short/Commom) Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to short or common ragweed.
Timothy Grass (Hay) Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to timothy grass or hay.
