Allergy Panel Weed Pollen Fluorescence Assay Blood

Allergy panel weed pollen test is used to test the individual for any allergy towards pollen of various plants or common shrubs. A small sample of blood is taken to test for an allergic reaction. Your doctor may suggest this test if he/she suspects that the cause of your allergic reaction may be due to the exposure towards pollen produced by common plants or shrubs.

What is pollen allergy?

Pollen is the tiny yellowish powdery substances produced by the flowering parts of the plant. The pollen from the plants is often airborne dust-like particles which play a role in the development of fruits and seeds. Flowering plants produce pollen dust in large quantities during the spring and windy season. The immune system protects the body from various substances which may cause harm. In an allergic reaction, the body misunderstands these usually harmless substances like dust, certain foods, and fights against them. Which causes the symptoms which are harmless and sometimes the allergic reactions can be life-threatening like narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe, etc.

Very serious allergic reactions are called Anaphylaxis. It is a medical emergency condition which leads to facial flushing, itching, shock, sudden fall in blood pressure, constriction of airways, swollen throat, difficulty to breathe, etc.

Why this test is recommended?

This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like severe itching, rashes, inflammation of the skin, runny or stuffy nose, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, mild fever, gastrointestinal upset like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, etc immediately or later after inhaling or upon skin contact with plant pollen dust.

This may also be recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment if you are diagnosed already.

Precautions:

In case of an allergic reaction, immediately contact the medical emergency. Inform your doctor if you know that you are allergic to certain medicines. Your doctor may recommend you to carry an EpiPen (epinephrine injection) and avoid using medicines you are allergic to.

Positive results of this test indicate that an individual is allergic to plant pollen dust. Negative results indicate that an individual is not allergic to plant pollen dust. Contact your doctor/health care provider with your results for further advice.