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 detection - Uses ImmunoCAP® technology, the gold standard for IgE testing (Thermo Fisher 2024)
- Convenient access - Order online and visit any local lab, no doctor referral needed
- Confidential testing - Private results help you manage allergies discreetly
- Treatment guidance - Quantitative results support personalized allergy management plans
- No preparation - No fasting or medication restrictions required before testing
Who Is This Test For?
- Rabbit owners experiencing unexplained respiratory or skin symptoms
- Laboratory workers or veterinary staff exposed to rabbits occupationally
- Individuals with hay fever or asthma symptoms triggered by rabbit contact
- Parents considering a rabbit as a pet for their child
- Anyone who develops hives, congestion, or wheezing after rabbit exposure
- People seeking confirmation of suspected rabbit allergy before immunotherapy
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Complete your purchase and receive a lab requisition form
- Visit a local lab - Walk in for a quick blood draw at a nearby collection site
- Get your results - Access findings securely within 3-5 business days.
FAQ
What does this test measure? It detects specific IgE antibodies to rabbit epithelium allergens in your blood.
Do I need to stop taking antihistamines? No, blood allergy tests aren't affected by antihistamines or other medications.
How is this different from a skin prick test? Blood tests measure antibodies directly and don't require skin exposure to allergens (PubMed Central 2020).
Can I have a negative test but still have symptoms? Rarely, some individuals react to allergens not detected by standard testing.
Will this test diagnose asthma? No, it identifies rabbit sensitization; asthma diagnosis requires additional evaluation.
What if my result is borderline? Borderline results (0.10-0.34 kU/L) may indicate low-level sensitization requiring clinical correlation (Mayo Clinic 2024).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This Rabbit Allergy IgE Blood Test measures specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against rabbit epithelium allergens in your blood. When you're allergic to rabbits, your immune system mistakenly identifies proteins in rabbit dander (dead skin cells) and saliva as harmful invaders. In response, your body produces IgE antibodies that trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals, causing allergic symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, or wheezing (ARUP Laboratories 2025).
The test uses ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology, which provides highly sensitive and quantitative measurement of allergen-specific IgE. This accuracy helps distinguish true allergic sensitization from non-allergic reactions, supporting appropriate treatment decisions. Unlike skin testing, blood testing isn't affected by antihistamines and doesn't risk triggering allergic reactions during the test itself.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is valuable for anyone experiencing symptoms after rabbit exposure. Pet owners who develop respiratory symptoms after bringing a rabbit home can confirm whether the pet is the trigger. Laboratory workers, veterinary staff, and animal care professionals who handle rabbits regularly benefit from knowing their sensitization status for workplace safety planning.
Parents considering a rabbit as a family pet may want pre-adoption testing if their child has a history of allergies. Individuals with unexplained asthma or hay fever should consider testing if symptoms worsen in environments where rabbits are present. The test is also useful for monitoring treatment effectiveness in those undergoing allergen immunotherapy (Eurofins Viracor 2002).
When should I order a Rabbit Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you develop symptoms shortly after rabbit contact or when spending time in spaces where rabbits live. Common allergic reactions appear within minutes to a few hours of exposure and may include:
Respiratory symptoms: Congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
Eye symptoms: Red, itchy, or watery eyes
Skin symptoms: Hives, itching, rashes, or swelling at contact sites
General symptoms: Lightheadedness or feeling unwell
In rare cases, severe rabbit allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate emergency care. Signs include rapid pulse, swollen throat, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or loss of consciousness. If you experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Testing is particularly important before adopting a rabbit, when symptoms correlate with rabbit exposure at work or home, or when you're differentiating between multiple potential allergen triggers.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results report IgE antibody levels in kilounits per liter (kU/L). The laboratory uses standardized ranges to classify your sensitization level:
IgE Level: <0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative — No detectable s
- Typical action: Rabbit allergy unlikely; consider other triggersensitization
IgE Level: 0.10–0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline — Very low sensitization
- Typical action: Clinical correlation needed; symptoms may have other causes
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Class I — Low positive
- Typical action: Mild sensitization confirmed; discuss avoidance strategies
IgE Level: 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Class II — Moderate positive
- Typical action: Moderate sensitization; environmental controls recommended
IgE Level: 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- What it means: Class III — High positive
- Typical action: Significant sensitization; consult allergist for management plan
IgE Level: 17.50–49.99 kU/L
- What it means: Class IV — Very high positive
- Typical action: Strong sensitization; strict avoidance and treatment advised
IgE Level: 50.00–99.99 kU/L
- What it means: Class V — Extremely high
- Typical action: Very strong reaction risk; specialist consultation essential
IgE Level: ≥100.00 kU/L
- What it means: Class VI — Exceptionally high
- Typical action: Severe allergy; comprehensive management required
Higher IgE levels generally correlate with greater allergy severity, though individual responses vary; always interpret results with your symptoms and exposure history (Mayo Clinic 2024).
A positive result confirms sensitization but must be considered alongside your clinical symptoms. Not everyone with detectable IgE antibodies experiences symptoms, and symptom severity doesn't always match antibody levels. Discuss your results with an allergist for personalized interpretation and treatment planning.
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 can eat normally and take your regular medications, including antihistamines, without affecting results. Unlike skin prick tests, blood allergy tests measure antibodies directly, so medications won't interfere with accuracy.
The blood draw requires collecting 0.3-0.5 mL of serum (approximately one small vial). The collection process takes just a few minutes at any participating laboratory. Bring your requisition form and photo identification to your appointment. Results typically process within 3-5 business days after the lab receives your sample.
How often should I get tested?
Initial diagnosis
- Suggested interval: Once to establish baseline sensitization
Before adopting a rabbit
- Suggested interval: Single pre-adoption screening
During immunotherapy
- Suggested interval: Every 6–12 months to monitor treatment response
After prolonged avoidance
- Suggested interval: Annually if considering re-exposure
New or worsening symptoms
- Suggested interval: As needed to confirm allergy role
Occupational exposure changes
- Suggested interval: When job duties involving rabbits increase
Most people don't need repeated testing unless their clinical situation changes. IgE levels tend to remain relatively stable over time in the absence of treatment or significant exposure changes. Consult your allergist about retesting frequency based on your individual circumstances.
Why early detection matters
Identifying rabbit allergy early allows you to make informed decisions about pet ownership, career choices, and environmental exposures before developing chronic respiratory complications. Untreated allergies can progress to persistent asthma, chronic sinusitis, or worsening atopic conditions (PubMed Central 2020).
Early diagnosis enables timely implementation of avoidance strategies and environmental controls that significantly reduce symptom burden. For laboratory workers and veterinary professionals, knowing your sensitization status helps prevent occupational asthma development and supports workplace accommodation planning. With confirmed results, you can work with an allergist to develop comprehensive management plans, including targeted immunotherapy when appropriate.
Accurate testing prevents unnecessary restrictions on activities while ensuring appropriate precautions for genuine allergies. This precision improves quality of life by balancing safety with normal daily functioning.
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.
Cat Hair and Dander Allergy IgE Blood Test- Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect a cat allergy.
Dog Dander Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect a dog allergy.
