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
- Identify feather allergies without needing a physician referral or office visit
- Get quantitative results using ImmunoCAP® technology—the gold standard for IgE testing
- Fast turnaround so you can take action quickly to reduce symptoms
- Convenient testing at thousands of walk-in labs nationwide with online ordering
Who Is This Test For?
- Pet bird owners experiencing unexplained respiratory or skin symptoms
- Individuals with sneezing, congestion, or wheezing around parrots, parakeets, or budgerigars
- People considering adopting a pet bird who want to check for allergies first
- Anyone needing confirmation of feather allergy to guide avoidance or treatment plans
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test and receive a lab requisition form instantly
- Visit a lab - Walk into any partner location for a quick blood draw
- Get results - Receive confidential results within 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects specific IgE antibodies to allergens in parrot, parakeet, and budgerigar feathers.
Will I need to fast before my blood draw? No, fasting is not required for this test.
How accurate is this test? ImmunoCAP® IgE assays show strong correlation with skin prick tests (Eurofins Viracor 2002).
Can I use this test to diagnose bird allergy on my own? Results indicate sensitization, but clinical correlation with your symptoms is needed for diagnosis.
What if my results are positive? Consult an allergist to confirm your allergy and discuss avoidance strategies or immunotherapy.
Are medications like antihistamines a problem? No medication restrictions are needed before testing.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures specific IgE antibodies against allergens found in the feathers of parrots, parakeets, and budgerigars. While feathers themselves aren't the primary allergen source, the dander—fine dust from feather shaft breakage—accumulates within feathers and becomes airborne when birds are active. When you're exposed through handling birds, cleaning cages, or simply being nearby, your immune system may recognize this dander as harmful, producing IgE antibodies. These antibodies trigger histamine release, causing allergic symptoms. Using ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology, this test quantitatively detects IgE-mediated sensitization, providing accurate results to help you identify the source of your symptoms (Mayo Clinic Laboratories 2019).
Who would benefit from this test?
Bird owners and individuals regularly exposed to parrots, parakeets, or budgerigars should consider this test if they experience allergic symptoms. Feather allergies affect up to 20–30% of exposed populations, making this a common concern among pet bird enthusiasts (Mayo Clinic 2019). You'll benefit from testing if you've noticed respiratory issues, skin reactions, or other allergy symptoms that align with bird exposure. This test is especially valuable for confirming suspected allergies before starting treatment, evaluating response to allergen avoidance, or determining candidacy for immunotherapy. Because it requires only a blood sample with no fasting, it's accessible and convenient for direct-to-consumer users seeking answers without a physician referral.
When should I order a Parrot, Parakeet, and Budgerigar Feather Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience symptoms related to bird exposure. Allergic reactions typically occur minutes to hours after contact with feathers or dander. Symptoms may include:
- Congestion or runny nose
- Sneezing and itchy, watery eyes
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Hives, itching, or skin swelling
- Sore throat or coughing
- Hay fever or asthma-like symptoms
In rare, severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Signs include rapid pulse, throat swelling, low blood pressure, and extreme dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately. For chronic or recurring symptoms that worsen around birds, this test helps confirm whether feather allergy is the trigger.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results are reported quantitatively in kilounits per liter (kU/L), indicating the level of IgE antibodies present:
IgE Level: < 0.10 kU/L
- Meaning: Negative — no sensitization detected
- Typical action: Feather allergy unlikely; explore other causes
IgE Level: 0.10–0.34 kU/L
- Meaning: Borderline — low-level sensitization
- Typical action: Monitor symptoms; consider repeat testing
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- Meaning: Low positive — mild sensitization
- Typical action: Discuss avoidance strategies with allergist
IgE Level: 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- Meaning: Moderate positive — moderate sensitization
- Typical action: Allergen avoidance; consider immunotherapy
IgE Level: 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- Meaning: High positive — strong sensitization
- Typical action: Strict avoidance; discuss treatment options
IgE Level: ≥17.50 kU/L
- Meaning: Very high positive — very strong sensitization
- Typical action: Comprehensive allergy management plan needed
IgE levels ≥0.35 kU/L indicate sensitization, but clinical correlation with your symptoms is essential 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 special preparation is required for this test. You don't need to fast, and there are no medication restrictions. Continue taking any prescribed medications, including antihistamines, as they don't affect IgE antibody levels. Simply visit your chosen lab location for a standard blood draw—the lab will collect approximately 0.5 mL of serum in a serum separator tube. The sample is processed promptly and shipped to the testing laboratory under proper refrigeration standards (Eurofins Viracor 2002).
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your circumstances and treatment plan:
- Initial diagnosis of symptoms: Once, to establish baseline
- Monitoring allergen avoidance effectiveness: 6–12 months after changes
- During immunotherapy treatment: Annually or as directed by allergist
- New or worsening symptoms: As needed to reassess sensitization
- Considering pet bird adoption: Once before bringing bird home
Why early detection matters
Identifying feather allergies early allows you to take control of your symptoms before they worsen. Proper diagnosis and allergen management significantly reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life (British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology 2010). Untreated feather allergies can lead to chronic respiratory issues, including asthma development or exacerbation. By confirming your allergy through IgE testing, you can work with healthcare providers to develop an effective management plan—whether that includes minimizing exposure, improving air quality at home, or pursuing immunotherapy. Early action helps you maintain your relationship with pet birds while protecting your health.
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.
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.
Respiratory Allergen Panel Region 1 IgE Blood Test – Measures IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to various allergens commonly found in the Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont region.
