Animal and Insect Allergy Testing

Animals and insects are common sources of allergens that can lead to allergy symptoms including itching, sneezing, and asthma attacks. If you have allergies and aren’t entirely sure what’s causing your symptoms, an animal and insect allergy test may help you identify the source.

What are the symptoms of animal and insect allergy?

Animal and insect allergy symptoms vary from mild to severe and usually occur shortly after exposure, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Common symptoms of animal and insect-related allergies include:

• Skin rash or hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Anaphylaxis—a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause shock and difficulty breathing

What does animal and insect allergy testing consist of?

Animal and insect allergy testing consists of an allergist assessing your medical history, in addition to allergy testing techniques such as:

• Skin testing
• Blood testing

Types of animal and insect allergy tests

Two main types of diagnostic tests for allergies are related to pet dander and insect bites: skin tests and blood tests, according to UC San Diego Health. They also add that skin tests are the most common allergy tests for animal and insect allergy testing.

Animal and insect allergy skin tests

An animal and insect allergy skin test determines whether you have immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to allergies such as animal dander and insect venom. IgE antibodies are produced by your immune system when it overreacts to a particular allergen. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), these antibodies are what trigger an allergic reaction.

Animal and insect allergy blood tests

There are two different blood tests for allergies, according to the NLM: a total IgE test and a specific IgE test. According to the NLM, a total IgE test measures the total amount of IgE antibodies in your blood, and a specific IgE test measures the amount of IgE your body makes in response to a single allergen, such as honeybee venom.

The NLM adds that a separate test is performed for each allergen your provider thinks may be causing your allergies. A blood allergy test is usually done when a skin test cannot be done, such as if you have a skin condition that prevents testing.

Who should get an animal and insect allergy test?

Animal and insect allergy tests are ideal for anyone who is suffering from allergies and isn’t sure what’s causing them. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), common allergy symptoms include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Hives

You should also consider having animal and insect allergy tests if you meet risk factors for allergies. Risk factors for allergies, according to the NLM, include:

• Family history of allergies
• Genetics
• Race—Black people are generally at higher risk for allergies
• Gender—Allergies are more common in males than in females
• Age—Children tend to be highly sensitive to allergens
• Exposure to pollution
• Passive smoking
• A previous infection, particularly a viral infection
• Poor eating behaviors, such as eating right before bedtime
• Poor nutrition

Your doctor can talk to you more about whether or not you need an animal and insect allergy test based on your family history and symptoms.

How to get an animal and insect allergy test

Your doctor may order an animal and insect allergy test if you have symptoms of allergies—or you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic conditions (known as an allergist), or to a healthcare facility that offers allergy testing services.

At-home allergy tests are an option if you want to know whether you are allergic to animals and insects without visiting a lab or doctor’s office. These tests can be purchased from pharmacies and online retailers and provide detailed instructions about how to perform the test safely and send it to a lab for evaluation. It is important to note that the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) recommends medical-grade testing if you are experiencing bothersome symptoms.

Another way to get an animal and insect allergy test is to use Solv to locate nearby testing providers. Solv features a directory of all top-rated testing providers—including those that do allergy testing. You can also book an appointment directly from the Solv website.

What to expect during animal and insect allergy testing

During a skin test, your provider will apply a small amount of pet dander or insect venom to your skin, then prick the area to see if you experience an allergic reaction to these substances. If a raised, reddish spot forms on your skin within 15 to 20 minutes, you may be diagnosed with an allergy, according to the AAAAI.

If the skin prick test is negative or inconclusive, your provider may perform an intradermal skin test. During an intradermal skin test, a small amount of the allergen, such as bee venom, is injected under your skin. Then, the injection site is watched closely for about 15 minutes for an allergic reaction. The AAAAI says the intradermal skin test is usually more accurate than other allergy tests at detecting the presence of IgE antibodies.

If both of the skin allergy tests are negative, your provider may recommend doing an allergy blood test. During a blood allergy test, your provider will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm or hand like any other blood test, according to the NLM. Then, your blood sample is sent to the lab, where it is tested for the presence of IgE antibodies to animals and insect venom.

How to prepare for an animal and insect allergy test

For an animal and insect allergy skin test, the ACAAI suggests telling your provider about all prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines you are taking. The ACAAI also recommends against taking antihistamines for three to seven days before your allergy test, as these may also interfere with your test results.

Other things to avoid before your skin test, according to UMMC Health Care, include the following:

• Tricyclic antidepressant medication, for one week before your appointment
• Beta-blocker medication
• Cologne, hairspray, and scented body lotion, on the day of your appointment
• Any products that contain antihistamines, such as antacid and antihistamine combination medicines

Understanding your animal and insect allergy test results

Results from skin allergy tests are usually available within 15 to 20 minutes, reports the ACAAI. Your provider can discuss your results during your appointment. Results from blood allergy tests are usually available after several days, as it requires your provider to send your sample to the lab for evaluation.

Finding an animal or insect allergy test

You can get most allergy testing from a healthcare provider at a walk-in clinic or an urgent care center, but you should call in advance to assess their capabilities. Your primary care provider may refer you to an allergist, a doctor specializing in allergic disorders, when you do not respond well to treatment or if a more accurate diagnosis is necessary for management.

Solv can help you get an appointment with an allergist.

Can I get an at-home allergy test?

There are some at-home allergy testing kits available for purchase, however, many of these at-home tests may not test for specific animals and insects. It is best to see a medical provider if you suspect an animal or insect allergy, according to the ACAAI.

Cost of animal and insect allergy testing

The cost of animal and insect allergy testing in the USA can vary widely depending on the type of test, the location, the provider, and insurance coverage. According to the Healthcare Bluebook, a website that provides estimates of fair prices for healthcare services, the price range for animal and insect allergy testing ranges from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Which animals and insects commonly cause an allergic reaction?

Cats, dogs, guinea pigs, horses, and birds are the animals most likely to cause allergies, reports the NLM. Insects that are known to cause allergies include bees, hornets, wasps, mosquitoes, fleas, cockroaches, and dust mites, adds the AAAAI. Fire ants, kissing bugs, and the lone star tick may also trigger allergies.