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
- Accurate diagnosis using ImmunoCAP® technology that quantitatively measures pigeon feather sensitization
- No doctor's visit required — order online and test at your convenience
- Fast results delivered within 3-5 business days
- Confidential testing with secure access to your results anytime
- Guides immunotherapy decisions by confirming allergen-specific sensitization before treatment
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing asthma or rhinitis symptoms after pigeon exposure
- People who handle pigeons, clean bird cages, or work in avian environments
- Anyone with unexplained respiratory or skin symptoms needing allergen identification
- Patients considering immunotherapy who need to confirm feather sensitization
- Those with known bird allergies exploring specific allergen triggers
How It Works — Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Select your test and complete a brief health questionnaire
- Visit a lab - Get your blood drawn at a convenient walk-in location near you
- Receive results - Access your report securely within 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects specific IgE antibodies your immune system produces in response to pigeon feather allergens (Thermo Fisher 2024).
Will this test diagnose all bird allergies? No, it's specific to pigeon feathers. You may also be sensitized to other bird species like parakeets, parrots, ducks, or chickens (Mayo Clinic 2019).
Do I need to stop taking allergy medications before testing? No medication adjustments are needed. Blood tests aren't affected by antihistamines or other allergy treatments.
How is this different from skin prick testing? Blood tests measure IgE antibodies directly, while skin tests observe physical reactions. ImmunoCAP blood tests correlate strongly with clinical symptoms (Mayo Clinic 2019).
What if my results are positive? A positive result confirms sensitization to pigeon feathers. Discuss findings with an allergist to develop a personalized management plan including avoidance strategies and treatment options.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your blood that indicate sensitization to pigeon feather allergens. When you're exposed to pigeon feathers, your immune system may mistakenly identify them as harmful and produce IgE antibodies. These antibodies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals, causing allergic symptoms ranging from sneezing and watery eyes to more severe respiratory reactions like asthma.
The ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay technology provides quantitative results in kU/L units, offering precise measurement of your sensitization level (Eurofins Viracor 2002).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for anyone experiencing allergy symptoms related to bird exposure. Pigeon feather allergens contribute to allergic rhinitis and asthma, particularly in individuals with occupational or hobby-related avian contact (Thermo Fisher 2024).
You may benefit if you handle pigeons, clean bird cages, or spend time in environments where bird dust circulates. Early and accurate diagnosis reduces unnecessary medication use and improves your quality of life by enabling targeted avoidance and treatment strategies.
When should I order a Pigeon Feather Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test when you experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, postnasal drip, sore throat, or itchy watery eyes that worsen with pigeon exposure. Respiratory symptoms like asthma may also appear within minutes to hours after contact with feather allergens.
This test is also recommended before starting immunotherapy to confirm allergen-specific sensitization, or when exploring allergen specificity in complex allergic conditions where multiple triggers may be involved.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported as specific IgE levels in kU/L with a standardized class system:
IgE Level: <0.10 kU/L
- Class: 0
- Interpretation: Negative — No detectable sensitization
IgE Level: 0.10–0.34 kU/L
- Class: 0/I
- Interpretation: Borderline — Clinical significance uncertain
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- Class: I
- Interpretation: Low positive — Mild sensitization
IgE Level: 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- Class: II
- Interpretation: Moderate positive — Moderate sensitization
IgE Level: 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- Class: III
- Interpretation: High positive — Strong sensitization
IgE Level: 17.50–49.99 kU/L
- Class: IV
- Interpretation: Very high positive — Very strong sensitization
IgE Level: 50.00–99.99 kU/L
- Class: V
- Interpretation: Very high positive — Pronounced sensitization
IgE Level: ≥100 kU/L
- Class: VI
- Interpretation: Very high positive — Extremely strong sensitization
A positive result (≥0.35 kU/L) indicates sensitization but should be interpreted alongside your clinical symptoms and exposure history for accurate diagnosis (Mayo Clinic 2019).
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 adjust any medications including antihistamines. Simply schedule your blood draw at a convenient time.
The lab will collect a small blood sample (0.3-0.5 mL) in a serum separator tube. The serum will be separated and refrigerated for transport to the testing facility.
How often should I get tested?
Initial diagnosis
- Suggested Interval: Once to establish baseline sensitization
Before immunotherapy
- Suggested Interval: As needed to confirm allergen targets
Monitoring treatment response
- Suggested Interval: Annually or as directed by your allergist
New or changing symptoms
- Suggested Interval: When symptoms suggest new sensitization
Why early detection matters
Identifying pigeon feather allergy early allows you to implement effective avoidance strategies and begin appropriate treatment before symptoms worsen. Untreated allergies can progress to chronic conditions like persistent asthma or rhinitis, significantly impacting your daily life.
Early diagnosis through specific IgE testing correlates strongly with clinical allergy symptoms, enabling targeted interventions that reduce medication burden and improve overall quality of life. Knowing your specific allergens also helps you make informed decisions about pet ownership, hobbies, and occupational exposures.
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.
Parrot, Parakeet, and Budgerigar Feather Allergy IgE Blood Test- Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to various bird feathers.
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.
