Quick Facts
- Sample: Serum (0.3–5 mL)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Confirm ragweed sensitization with accurate ImmunoCAP® technology without a doctor's visit
- Guide personalized immunotherapy and allergen avoidance strategies for better symptom control
- Convenient ordering and walk-in sample collection options
- Support proactive decisions for managing seasonal allergies during ragweed season
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals experiencing seasonal sneezing, congestion, or asthma during late summer and fall
- People seeking confirmation of ragweed allergy before starting immunotherapy
- Anyone with suspected pollen allergies who wants direct-access testing
- Health-conscious consumers monitoring allergy status or treatment response
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No physician referral needed; select your test and convenient collection location
- Provide a blood sample - Visit a local lab site for a simple blood draw.
- Receive results - Access confidential results online within 3-5 business days.,
FAQ
What does this test measure? Ragweed-specific IgE antibodies in your blood indicating allergic sensitization to common ragweed pollen.
Do I need to stop allergy medications before testing? No medication changes or fasting are required for this blood test.
How accurate is this test? ImmunoCAP® testing correlates strongly with skin prick tests and symptom severity (PubMed Central 2023).
Can I use this test to diagnose myself? Results should be interpreted with clinical context; follow up with an allergist for confirmation and treatment planning.
Will this help me decide on allergy shots? Yes, positive results support decisions about allergen-specific immunotherapy (AAAAI 2025).
What if my results are borderline? Borderline values (0.10–0.34 kU/L) may require additional testing or clinical correlation with symptoms.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test quantifies IgE antibodies specific to ragweed pollen in your blood. Ragweed is the leading cause of seasonal allergies in the United States, affecting 10–30% of at-risk populations annually (Mayo Clinic 2024). The plants release massive amounts of airborne pollen from early August through mid-October, especially during warm, dry days with cool nights. At least 17 ragweed species thrive across North American grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed areas. Using ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology, this test provides sensitive, quantitative detection to confirm ragweed sensitization, helping you understand whether your seasonal symptoms stem from this common allergen.
Who would benefit from this test?
You may benefit if you experience seasonal allergic rhinitis or asthma symptoms during late summer and fall. Common signs include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, sinus pressure, scratchy throat, and poor sleep. Some individuals develop hives, swelling, or decreased sense of taste and smell. This test is particularly valuable if you're considering immunotherapy, want to identify specific allergen triggers, or need to monitor treatment response. Health-conscious consumers seeking direct access to allergy diagnostics without physician referral also benefit from this convenient testing option.
When should I order a Ragweed (Short/Common) Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test when you experience symptoms correlating with ragweed pollen season (August through October) or before starting allergen-specific immunotherapy. Symptoms warranting testing include persistent congestion, sneezing, coughing, red or watery eyes, sinus pain, throat irritation, wheezing, or trouble breathing. In severe cases, ragweed allergy can trigger anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention. Warning signs include rapid pulse, swollen throat, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and extreme dizziness or loss of consciousness. If you suspect ragweed allergy is impacting your quality of life, this test provides objective confirmation to guide personalized management strategies.
How do I interpret the results?
Results are reported quantitatively in kU/L (kilo units per liter) with corresponding class interpretations. Clinical correlation with your symptoms is essential for accurate diagnosis.
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 – May require additional testing
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- Class: I
- Interpretation: Low positive – Mild sensitization detected
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: 50.00–100.00 kU/L
- Class: V
- Interpretation: Very high positive – Extremely strong sensitization
IgE Level: >100.00 kU/L
- Class: VI
- Interpretation: Very high positive – Maximal sensitization
Higher IgE levels often correlate with increased symptom severity, though individual responses vary (Thermo Fisher Scientific 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 fasting or special preparation is required. You don't need to stop allergy medications before testing, as this is a blood test measuring antibodies rather than skin reactivity. Sample collection requires 0.3–5 mL of serum in serum separator tubes. Your blood sample should be refrigerated and shipped promptly following laboratory guidelines to ensure accurate results.
How often should I get tested?
Initial diagnosis
- Suggested Interval: Once to establish baseline sensitization
Monitoring immunotherapy
- Suggested Interval: Annually or as recommended by allergist
Changing symptoms
- Suggested Interval: As needed when symptom patterns shift
Stable, controlled allergy
- Suggested Interval: Testing may not be necessary
Why early detection matters
Early diagnosis of ragweed allergy optimizes treatment outcomes and reduces healthcare costs related to allergic diseases (AAAAI 2025). Identifying specific allergen sensitization enables targeted allergen avoidance during pollen season—such as staying indoors during peak hours, using air purifiers, and monitoring local pollen counts. Confirmed sensitization guides allergen-specific immunotherapy decisions, which can provide long-term symptom relief and potentially modify disease progression. Untreated allergies may worsen over time, lead to complications like sinusitis or asthma exacerbations, and significantly impact sleep quality and daily functioning. Early testing empowers you to implement personalized management strategies before symptoms become severe.
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 Molds (15 IgE Molds + Total IgE) - Serum - Genova Test Kit - Helps find out if your body is allergic to certain molds by testing your blood for immune responses to 15 common mold types and checking your overall allergy level so you and your doctor can better understand and manage your symptoms.
Timothy Grass (Hay) Allergy IgE Blood Test - Measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to timothy grass or hay.
