Allergy Cat Dander Radio Immunoabsorbent Skin
What is this test?
This test helps to find whether an individual is allergic to the cat dander or not. In this test, a solution containing allergen Cat dander is applied to the skin. Then the applied area of the skin is pricked with a lancet needle.
What is Dander and Cat Dander Allergy?
Dander is tiny particles of the skin that had been shed from animals along with fur or features. Most of the animals and birds produce dander. This contains a protein which causes allergic reactions to the humans. The protein present in dander is also found in the urine and saliva of the animals. Dander produced by cats is known as cat dander.
All the animals shed a bit of skin and it contains the dander. So, dander sticks to the skin and then floats in the air and travel through the air to a different place. Dander is easily transferred from place to place. So, when an individual inhales or breathes the dander, an allergic reaction occurs.
If an individual is allergic to dander then it may cause some symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, runny noses, throat infection. In some cases, dander may worsen the asthma condition of an individual.
Why this test is performed?
This test is performed to check whether an individual is allergic to cat dander. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from a pet allergy, sneezing, wheezing, chest tightness, anxiety, throat irritation, itchy, watery eyes, running nose, headache, blockage of nose etc. If an individual is exposed to a pet for a long-term basis then the doctor may prefer this test to diagnose the pet allergy.
Precautions:
Some medications may change the test results and hence you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Allergy Cat Dander Radio Immunoabsorbent Skin. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Allergy Cat Dander Radio Immunoabsorbent Skin.
There are no specific preparations required for this test.
Understanding your test results
The test results may be different depending on gender, age, and health conditions. Inform your doctor if you have any other allergies.
Generally, there is no need for medical interventions if test results are normal.
If the test results are negative it may indicate that there is no wheal and flare type reaction. So, the individual is not allergic to cat dander. Wheal-and-flare reaction is the swelling and redness of the skin.
In case the test results are positive it may indicate that there is a wheal-and-flare type reaction on the skin. A wheal with a diameter of 3mm or more is generally considered as a positive result which means the individual is allergic to cat dander.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | A wheal and flare reaction of atleast 3mm indicates that the patient is allergic to the substance |