My Allergy Test

$48.95

Q.  What are allergies?
A.  The outward symptoms of allergies are usually an itchy, runny nose and itchy, red eyes. These symptoms are created when your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance such as pollen or dust. The substances that cause allergic reactions are known as allergens. Your body thinks the allergen is an invader and makes antibodies to attack it. People who have allergies have an antibody called Immunoglobulin E, or IgE. When allergens first contact the body of a person with allergies, allergen-specific IgE antibodies are produced. Each type of IgE has specific “radar” for one type of allergen only. That’s why some people are allergic to cats only (they have only the IgE antibodies specific to cat) and others seem to be allergic to everything.

When a person with allergies comes in contact with an allergen, his or her body will show symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of tissues, sneezing, wheezing, coughing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and other reactions.

Q.  What allergens are tested with My Allergy Test?
A.  The blood sample you mail in will be tested for ten common allergens: House dust mite, cat, timothy grass, Bermuda grass, mountain cedar, short ragweed, alternaria (mold), milk, egg white, and wheat.

Q.  Who should do My Allergy Test?
A.  My Allergy Test is a good choice when you want find out if you’re allergic to any of the more common allergies.

Q.  Why is it important to know what I am allergic to?
A.  It’s easier to manage your allergies when you know what you’re allergic to. For example, you may have been assuming that you’re allergic to your cat, but it may be a milk allergy easily avoided by avoiding dairy products. If you have a seasonal allergy to ragweed, you don’t need to avoid allergens all year around. If you’re allergic to house dust mites, you can learn how to manage them better. An accurate allergy test, such as My Allergy Test, is an important part of allergy diagnosis, when used together with advice from your Healthcare Provider.

Q.  How accurate is MyAllergyTest?
A.  MyAllergyTest is as accurate as other standard laboratory testing systems. The My Allergy Test laboratory tests your blood with a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared allergy testing method. Unlike tests that provide only a “Yes or No” answer, My Allergy Test gives you a CLASS number which matches your level of allergic response. Some doctors may use these test results to track the progress of allergy treatment.

Q.  If my test results are negative, does that mean I am not allergic?
A.   No. My Allergy Test tests for 10 common allergens. While a completely negative test result is strong evidence that you are not allergic to any of the most common allergens, it is possible that you will be allergic to a less common, or even rare, allergen.

Q.  Do I need to fast or collect my blood at a specific time of day?
A.   You can do the test at any time of day and you do not need to fast. It is best to collect the blood sample before eating or several hours after a meal.

Q.  How do I get my test results?
A.   After mailing your test to the lab in the prepaid envelope, your test results, which are confidential, will be accessible on the lab website. Access to test results requires a PIN number which is provided with the test along with the website address. Only you can access your test results with your PIN. If you’d like to make the results available on-line to your physician, you must give him or her your PIN and email address. Be sure to keep your PIN in a place where it will be easily found when you receive your e-mail telling you the results are ready.

$48.95