Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: No
- Turn-around: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Pinpoint your allergy trigger - Detect IgE antibodies specific to mouse epithelium allergens with high sensitivity.
- No doctor visit required - Order online and visit any local lab for a quick blood draw.
- Fast, reliable results - Receive findings in 2-5 business days to guide your next steps.
- Support treatment planning - Results help allergists tailor avoidance strategies or immunotherapy options.
- Peace of mind - Confidential testing empowers you to take control of respiratory symptoms linked to mouse exposure.
Who Is This Test For?
- Laboratory workers exposed to mice experiencing respiratory or allergic symptoms
- Pet owners with mice noticing allergy signs like sneezing or congestion
- Inner-city residents in environments with higher rodent exposure and asthma risk
- Anyone with chronic rhinitis or asthma symptoms correlating with mouse contact
- Individuals planning allergen immunotherapy who need confirmed sensitization
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No appointment or physician referral needed; purchase your test securely.
- Visit a lab near you - Get your blood drawn at any walk-in or local collection site.
- Access your results - Receive confidential findings within 2-5 business days online.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It measures IgE antibodies specific to mouse epithelium proteins in your blood serum.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting or medication changes are required before your blood draw.
How accurate is the ImmunoCAP® method? ImmunoCAP® demonstrates 80-90% sensitivity with strong correlation to clinical allergy symptoms (Eurofins Viracor 2002).
Can I use this test if I have mild symptoms? Yes, even mild allergy symptoms warrant testing to confirm sensitization and prevent progression.
What if my results are positive? Follow up with an allergist for clinical correlation, treatment planning, and possible immunotherapy.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Mouse Epithelium Allergy IgE Blood Test detects specific IgE antibodies indicating an allergic sensitization to mouse epithelial proteins. Mouse allergens are common triggers for respiratory allergies and asthma, especially in occupational settings such as laboratories, schools, and homes (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2024). The primary allergen, Mus m 1, can cross-react with proteins from horses, dogs, cows, and cockroaches. This test uses ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology to quantitatively measure allergen-specific IgE in blood serum, helping confirm sensitization and guide allergy diagnosis and management (Seattle Children's Hospital 2020).
Who would benefit from this test?
Mouse allergen sensitization affects 10-25% of laboratory animal workers and pet owners, linking to higher rates of asthma and rhinitis (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2024). You may benefit from this test if you are a laboratory worker exposed to mice, a pet owner with mice, or an inner-city resident in environments with rodent exposure. Children with a history of atopy and allergen exposure are particularly at risk for developing asthma. Anyone experiencing respiratory or allergic symptoms correlating with mouse contact should consider testing to identify triggers and guide treatment.
When should I order a Mouse Epithelium Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience allergy symptoms after mouse exposure. Common symptoms include congestion, coughing, hives, itching, red or watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, sinus pressure, swelling, trouble breathing, wheezing, poor sleep, and decreased sense of taste or smell. You should also order this test if you're planning allergen immunotherapy and need confirmed sensitization, or if you want to monitor the effectiveness of avoidance strategies or treatment. Early detection allows for mitigation strategies that minimize morbidity and improve quality of life (PubMed Central 2020).
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as allergen-specific IgE levels measured in kU/L (kilounits per liter). Your report will include a quantitative value and interpretation:
<0.35 kU/L
- Meaning: Negative — No detectable IgE sensitization
- Typical action: Mouse allergy unlikely; consider other allergens
0.35–0.69 kU/L (Class 1)
- Meaning: Low positive sensitization
- Typical action: Clinical correlation needed; discuss with allergist
0.70–3.49 kU/L (Class 2)
- Meaning: Moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Likely contributing to symptoms; plan avoidance strategies
3.50–17.49 kU/L (Class 3)
- Meaning: High sensitization
- Typical action: Strong allergy indicated; consider immunotherapy
≥17.50 kU/L (Class 4+)
- Meaning: Very high sensitization
- Typical action: Significant allergy; aggressive management recommended
A positive result confirms sensitization but must be interpreted alongside your clinical history and symptoms for accurate diagnosis.
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 medication changes are required before this test. Continue taking any allergy medications as prescribed unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise. The test requires a standard blood draw (0.3-0.5 mL serum) collected in a serum separator tube. Your sample will be processed quickly and shipped refrigerated to ensure accuracy.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis: Once to establish baseline sensitization
- During immunotherapy: Every 6–12 months to monitor response
- After environmental changes: 3–6 months after implementing avoidance strategies
- Worsening symptoms: As needed to reassess sensitization levels
- Routine monitoring: Annually if exposed to mice occupationally
Why early detection matters
Early identification of mouse allergen sensitization enables timely intervention before chronic respiratory disease develops. Reducing mouse allergen exposure is critical for asthma patients with IgE sensitization to prevent exacerbations and improve outcomes. ImmunoCAP® allergy IgE testing demonstrates strong correlation to clinical symptoms with 80-90% sensitivity, supporting evidence-based treatment decisions (Eurofins Viracor 2002). Proactive testing and management reduce healthcare burden, minimize morbidity, and significantly improve quality of life for those exposed to mouse allergens in occupational or home settings.
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.
Timothy Grass (Hay) Allergy IgE Blood Test - Screens for IgE to multiple rodent species including rats and hamsters.
IgG Food Antibodies (87 IgG Foods + Total IgE) - Genova Test Kit- Measures antibodies to 87 commonly consumed foods and provides a total IgE measurement to screen for food allergies or sensitivities.
