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
- Direct access to specialized venom allergy testing without needing a physician referral or insurance approval
- Quantitative IgE measurement using ImmunoCAP® technology provides accurate sensitization assessment for clinical decisions
- Guides immunotherapy planning if you're considering venom desensitization to prevent future severe reactions
- Fast turnaround gets you answers within one week so you can take action quickly
- Convenient local blood draw at walk-in labs near you with secure online ordering
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals who experienced severe localized swelling or systemic reactions after paper wasp stings
- Anyone with a history of anaphylaxis following insect stings who needs definitive venom identification
- People considering venom immunotherapy who require baseline IgE levels before treatment
- Those with family history of Hymenoptera venom allergy seeking proactive risk assessment
- Outdoor workers or enthusiasts with frequent wasp exposure wanting to understand their sensitization status
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Complete your purchase securely and receive a lab requisition form by email within minutes
- Visit a lab - Take your form to any participating location for a simple blood draw at your convenience
- Get results - Access your confidential test results online within 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test quantifies IgE antibodies specific to paper wasp venom (Polistes species) in your blood to confirm allergic sensitization.
Can I take antihistamines before the test? Yes, antihistamines don't affect IgE blood levels, so you don't need to stop any allergy medications before testing.
Will this test tell me if I'll have anaphylaxis? IgE levels indicate sensitization but don't reliably predict reaction severity; clinical history and allergist evaluation are essential for risk assessment.
Do I need a doctor's order? No, you can order directly online and results are provided with clinical context to discuss with your healthcare provider.
How is this different from skin prick testing? Blood tests measure circulating IgE antibodies while skin tests assess immediate skin reactivity; both are valid diagnostic methods recommended by allergy guidelines (AAAAI 2025).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Paper Wasp Allergy IgE Blood Test detects and quantifies specific IgE antibodies reactive to paper wasp venom (Polistes spp.) in your blood serum. This specialized immunoassay uses ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology—the gold standard for allergen-specific IgE detection (Mayo Clinic 2025). The test aids in diagnosing immediate hypersensitivity reactions including life-threatening anaphylaxis following wasp stings. Results help differentiate paper wasp allergy from other insect venom allergies and guide decisions about venom immunotherapy, which can reduce your risk of fatal reactions by over 90% (BSACI 2021).
Who would benefit from this test?
You should consider this test if you've experienced systemic allergic reactions after paper wasp stings—including hives, swelling beyond the sting site, breathing difficulties, dizziness, or rapid pulse. Anyone with a history of anaphylaxis following insect stings needs definitive venom identification to guide emergency preparedness and treatment. The test is valuable for individuals with large local reactions (swelling >10 cm lasting >24 hours) who want to understand their sensitization level. People considering venom immunotherapy require baseline IgE testing before starting desensitization treatment. Given that Hymenoptera venom allergy affects 0.3-7.5% of the general population, with higher rates in frequently exposed individuals (PubMed Central 2023), proactive testing helps high-risk groups make informed decisions about prevention and emergency preparedness.
When should I order a Paper Wasp Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you've had any severe reaction to a paper wasp sting that extended beyond immediate pain and localized swelling. Timing matters: testing can be performed immediately after a reaction, though some allergists recommend waiting 2-4 weeks to allow IgE levels to stabilize. You should test before starting venom immunotherapy to confirm sensitization and establish baseline values for monitoring treatment effectiveness. If you've experienced multiple sting reactions with increasing severity, testing helps assess your current risk level. Consider testing if you work or recreate outdoors with high wasp exposure and want proactive risk assessment. This test is also indicated when differentiating paper wasp allergy from yellow jacket, hornet, or bee venom allergies, since up to 30% of venom-allergic patients show cross-reactivity (PubMed Central 2012).
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will show a quantitative IgE level measured in kilo Units per liter (kU/L). Here's what the values typically mean:
IgE < 0.35 kU/L:
- Negative – No detectable sensitization
- Action: Wasp venom allergy unlikely; consider alternative causes of reaction
IgE 0.35–0.69 kU/L:
- Low positive – Mild sensitization
- Action: Clinical correlation needed; discuss symptoms with allergist
IgE 0.70–3.49 kU/L:
- Moderate positive – Moderate sensitization
- Action: Significant allergy confirmed; consider immunotherapy and carry epinephrine
IgE 3.50–17.49 kU/L:
- High positive – Strong sensitization
- Action: High allergy risk; immunotherapy strongly recommended with emergency action plan
IgE ≥ 17.50 kU/L:
- Very high positive – Very strong sensitization
- Action: Allergist consultation essential for comprehensive management and immunotherapy evaluation
Remember: IgE levels don't directly predict reaction severity—your clinical history of past reactions is equally important for risk assessment (Thermo Fisher 2024).
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 required for this test. You don't need to fast or avoid any foods before your blood draw. Continue taking all medications including antihistamines, as they don't affect IgE antibody levels in your blood. You can schedule your test at any time that's convenient. The test requires approximately 5 mL of blood collected in a standard clot activator tube. Samples are shipped refrigerated to maintain stability and analyzed using standardized immunoassay methods. If you're currently experiencing a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention rather than going for testing.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial diagnosis after sting reaction: One-time baseline test
- Before starting venom immunotherapy: Once, then as directed by allergist
- During venom immunotherapy: Annually or per allergist protocol
- After completing immunotherapy course: Every 2–3 years to monitor sustained tolerance
No reaction history, routine screening: Not recommended without clinical indication
Why early detection matters
Hymenoptera venom allergy, including paper wasp, can cause life-threatening anaphylaxis with symptoms progressing rapidly—sometimes within minutes of a sting. Early detection through IgE testing enables you to implement critical preventive measures: carrying epinephrine auto-injectors, developing emergency action plans, and considering venom immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is highly effective, reducing anaphylaxis risk by over 90% and significantly improving quality of life (BSACI 2021). Paper wasps are common around homes, building eaves, and outdoor structures, making exposure difficult to avoid. Without diagnosis and proper management, each subsequent sting carries risk of severe reaction. Early testing empowers you to take control of your allergy, avoid unnecessary anxiety about insect encounters, and make informed decisions about treatment options before a severe reaction occurs.
Related tests you may consider
Allergy Stinging Insect Profile IgE Blood Test- Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to several stinging insects.
Immunoglobulin E Blood Test, Total, IgE - Measures the total IgE antibody levels in the blood to assess the likelihood of experiencing allergic reactions.
Tryptase Blood Test - Measures the tryptase levels in a blood sample to diagnose the cause of a severe allergic reaction or to screen for a mast cell disorder.
