Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Tun-raround: 2-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Pinpoint silk sensitization with highly sensitive ImmunoCAP® FEIA technology (Thermo Fisher 2024)
- Guide treatment decisions including allergen avoidance and immunotherapy planning
- No fasting needed – convenient testing fits your schedule
- Fast results – typically delivered within 2-5 business days
- Confidential reporting helps you take control of your allergy health
Who Is This Test For?
- Silk industry workers experiencing respiratory or skin symptoms
- Textile workers exposed to silk materials regularly
- Individuals with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or dermatitis after silk contact
- Anyone seeking confirmation of silk protein sensitization
- People planning allergen avoidance or immunotherapy strategies
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – no physician referral required; select your preferred lab location
- Visit a local lab – quick blood draw at a walk-in or partner facility
- Receive results – confidential report delivered securely online within 2-5 business day.
FAQ
What does this test measure? Specific IgE antibodies to silk proteins in your blood, indicating allergic sensitization.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting or medication changes are necessary before your blood draw.
How accurate is this test? ImmunoCAP FEIA technology shows high sensitivity and correlates well with clinical silk allergy (ImmunoCAP Handbook 2019).
What if my results are positive? Positive results (≥0.35 kU/L) indicate sensitization; follow up with an allergist for diagnosis confirmation.
Can I use this test to monitor treatment? Yes, repeat testing helps track your response to allergen avoidance or immunotherapy.
Is silk dust a strong allergen? Pure silk dust is not highly allergenic; silk waste containing insect material poses greater risk (Thermo Fisher 2024).
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test detects IgE antibodies specific to silk proteins from Bombyx mori (silkworm), indicating allergic sensitization. Silk is prized for textiles, but workers handling raw silk encounter silk waste rich in potent allergens including insect proteins. Allergic respiratory symptoms among silk industry workers result from exposure to these silkworm proteins (Thermo Fisher 2024). While sericin—the substance bonding silk filaments—was once suspected as the primary allergen, this remains unconfirmed. The test uses ImmunoCAP® Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) technology to quantitatively measure silk-specific IgE, supporting accurate allergy diagnosis and targeted management decisions.
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone with occupational or incidental silk exposure experiencing allergic symptoms should consider testing. Silk industry workers, textile manufacturers, and artisans handling silk materials face elevated exposure risk. This test benefits individuals with unexplained respiratory symptoms, skin reactions, or suspected silk allergy. It helps confirm sensitization before implementing avoidance strategies or pursuing immunotherapy. Health-conscious individuals using direct-to-consumer lab services gain convenient access to precise diagnostics without physician referrals, enabling proactive allergy management.
When should I order a Silk Allergy IgE Blood Test?
Order this test if you experience symptoms potentially linked to silk exposure. Allergic reactions vary from mild to severe and may affect skin and airways. Common symptoms include swelling, itching or hives, nasal congestion, difficulty breathing or wheezing, and lightheadedness. In rare cases, severe anaphylaxis may occur, requiring immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis signs include rapid heartbeat, swollen throat restricting breathing, low blood pressure, and extreme dizziness or unconsciousness. Testing helps connect symptoms to silk exposure and guides appropriate medical intervention.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results report silk-specific IgE levels in kU/L (kilounits per liter). Clinical correlation with your symptoms and exposure history is essential for accurate diagnosis.
IgE Level: <0.10 kU/L
- What it means: Negative – no detectable sensitization
- Typical action: Silk allergy unlikely; explore other causes
IgE Level: 0.10–0.34 kU/L
- What it means: Borderline – minimal sensitization
- Typical action: Discuss with allergist; may warrant monitoring
IgE Level: 0.35–0.69 kU/L
- What it means: Low positive – mild sensitization
- Typical action: Consider allergen avoidance; allergist consultation recommended
IgE Level: 0.70–3.49 kU/L
- What it means: Moderate positive – notable sensitization
- Typical action: Implement avoidance strategies; discuss immunotherapy options
IgE Level: 3.50–17.49 kU/L
- What it means: High positive – significant sensitization
- Typical action: Strict allergen avoidance; allergist-guided management plan
IgE Level: ≥17.50 kU/L
- What it means: Very high positive – strong sensitization
- Typical action: Comprehensive allergy care; potential immunotherapy candidate
Laboratory reference ranges may vary slightly; always review your results with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized interpretation.
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 do not need to fast or adjust medications before your blood draw. The lab collects 0.3–0.5 mL of serum using standard serum separator tubes (SST). Samples are processed and refrigerated promptly to maintain specimen integrity during shipment to the testing facility. Simply schedule your appointment at a convenient walk-in or partner laboratory location.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your clinical situation, symptoms, and treatment plan.
Initial diagnosis / symptom evaluation
- Suggested interval: One-time baseline test102070
Active allergen avoidance program
- Suggested interval: Retest after 6–12 months if clinically indicated
Undergoing immunotherapy
- Suggested interval: Monitor every 6–12 months to assess response
Stable, well-controlled allergy
- Suggested interval: Retest only if symptoms change or new exposures occur
Occupational exposure monitoring
- Suggested interval: Annual or as recommended by occupational health provider
Your allergist will recommend a personalized testing schedule based on symptom severity, exposure patterns, and treatment response.
Why early detection matters
Early diagnosis of silk allergy enables targeted allergen avoidance, reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life. Identifying sensitization promptly helps prevent progression to severe respiratory conditions or anaphylaxis (PubMed Central 2016). For occupationally exposed workers, early detection supports workplace accommodations and protective measures. Timely intervention reduces healthcare utilization and emergency department visits. Understanding your specific allergen profile empowers you to make informed decisions about environmental modifications, career choices, and treatment options including immunotherapy candidacy.
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.
Cotton Allergy Blood Test – Measures the IgE antibody levels to detect an allergy to cotton fibers.
Allergy Stinging Insect Profile IgE Blood Test – Measures the IgE antibody levels in the blood to detect an allergy to several stinging insects.
