Blood draw · 8 analyses
Follow-up test inhalant allergy: 8 allergens separately
Measures IgE separately against the 8 allergens from the inhalant screen, such as house dust mite, cat, dog and pollen. Shows why a screen was positive.
€ 141,00
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Allergy and intolerance · Blood
IgE antibodies to timothy grass
Antibodies against timothy grass pollen; shows whether the immune system is sensitive to grass pollen, not whether it bothers you.
At a glance
- Measured in blood
- In 2 test panels
- No special preparation
Explanation
IgE antibodies to timothy grass: what is measured?
Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) is a common grass in meadows and roadsides. The pollen of different grass species is very similar, so the result for timothy grass usually also says something about grass pollen in general. This test measures the amount of IgE antibodies against timothy grass pollen in the blood, in kU/l. IgE is the type of antibody that, in an allergic reaction, triggers mast cells to release histamine; the body only makes these antibodies after it has previously been in contact with the allergen, and this is called sensitization.
What can it detect?
- Sensitization to grass pollen: the body has made IgE antibodies against timothy grass pollen
- Support in working out suspected hay fever from grass pollen, together with the history of the symptoms
Result
What does the result mean?
IgE antibodies to timothy grass too high
A value above the cut-off means that you have IgE antibodies against timothy grass pollen: sensitization. That is not the same as an allergy. In people with symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, itchy or watery eyes or shortness of breath during the grass season, a positive result fits hay fever from grass pollen. According to Thuisarts.nl, these symptoms start in April or May and are usually worst between May and August, especially on dry, sunny and windy days. In people without such symptoms, a positive result only means that the antibodies are there; no treatment follows.
IgE antibodies to timothy grass too low
A value below the cut-off means that no IgE antibodies against timothy grass pollen were found. Hay fever from grass pollen is then much less likely. Symptoms in another season more likely fit something else: tree pollen mainly causes symptoms in spring, pollen from weeds such as mugwort in late summer, and house dust mite, animals or mold can cause symptoms all year round. Nasal symptoms can also have a non-allergic cause.
After an abnormal result
The GP mainly looks at the history: in which months and where the symptoms occur. With a positive result and matching symptoms, advice follows to reduce contact with pollen, such as keeping windows closed on dry, sunny days, and if needed medication for the nose and eyes. With a lot of symptoms despite medication, an allergist or ENT specialist can discuss immunotherapy, where the result for single allergens helps determine which pollen it targets.
Reliability
How reliable is the test?
A positive IgE result shows sensitization, not allergy: it only says that there are antibodies, not that you get symptoms from them. The Dutch medical specialists' guideline (FMS) on upper airway allergy says this literally and recommends choosing a test for single allergens based on the history of the symptoms; the result therefore only means something if it fits when and where you have symptoms. With grass pollen, the season is an important part of that history: symptoms that fit the flowering of grasses make a positive result more meaningful. A positive result without symptoms is not treated.
What can affect the result?
- Sensitization without symptoms is common; the result can only be interpreted together with the history of the symptoms.
- Grass pollens cross-react strongly with each other; the test does not show which grass species you react to, and a positive result for rye often goes together with a positive result for timothy grass.
- The result says little about the severity of the symptoms; a higher value does not automatically mean more trouble.
- Laboratories use different measurement methods and cut-off values; results from different labs cannot be compared one to one.
Who it is for
Who is the test useful for?
Useful for
Useful with symptoms of the nose, eyes or airways that come back every year in late spring and summer, especially outdoors on dry, sunny days. The result then helps determine whether grass pollen may be the cause. In people without such symptoms, the test adds nothing: sensitization without symptoms is not a disease and is not treated.
How common is it?
Hay fever is common and often starts at a young age. According to the Longfonds (Dutch lung foundation), the grass pollen period from May to August is the period with the most symptoms for many people. Sensitization is more common than the allergy itself.
Longfonds and Thuisarts.nl; no Dutch prevalence figure has been checked
Drawbacks and risks
- A positive result without symptoms can cause unnecessary worry or unnecessary measures, while sensitization without symptoms does not need treatment.
- A normal result does not rule out symptoms in summer; other pollens and non-allergic causes also cause nasal symptoms.
Get tested
IgE antibodies to timothy grass: test panels
IgE antibodies to timothy grass is part of these test panels. You order online and have your blood drawn at a collection point or collect the sample at home.
Evidence
Sources
This explanation is based on Dutch guidelines and independent information. It is general information, not a diagnosis. Discuss an abnormal result with your GP.
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