Allergy to dog hair and epidermis

Allergy to dog dander

An allergy blood test which determines dog dander allergens.

Despite differences among dog breeds, allergenic proteins are produced in epidermis, urine, sebaceous glands, or saliva. Contrary to popular belief, dog’s hair is of secondary importance in production of allergens, but is an important indirect source of these, as it carries allergen proteins from the sebaceous glands, saliva, or urine.

The test includes determination of IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies in the blood and is performed when an allergy to dog dander, which is the dried, exfoliating skin left by the animal throughout the house, is suspected. The small size of dander particles allows them to be easily airborne – then, they settle on various surfaces. Unfortunately, they enter the respiratory tract easily. Their adhesive properties makes them easy to transfer, such as on clothing.

The test’s asset is that antihistamine treatment does not have to be discontinued. Testing for allergens in the blood is a useful tool to qualify for desensitization.

It is advised to test children under the age of 4 for allergic factors as well.

The invasive test - drawing blood into an EDTA tube, following the collection procedure: disinfecting the skin, applying a tourniquet and applying pressure to the collection site after the procedure takes a few minutes. The duration of the collection is about a few seconds or so. If not properly prepared for the test, the result obtained will not be reliable.

The result of the test is available within 17 working days. Possibility to pick up the result at the reception of the selected facility. Ability to access the result online. For this purpose, you need to get the access password at the reception of the selected facility.