Allergen, Individual-Animal Rat Epithelium Test

Quantitative allergen-specific IgE tests are conducted for a wide range of seasonal inhalants, non-seasonal inhalants, and other allergens. An allergic reaction happens when someone's immune system responds or overreacts to some foreign particles. Immunoglobulin E is an antibody which is produced to protect the body from this kind of foreign threat. These IgE antibodies are unique to each type of allergen, so checking before particular variants in the blood sample can determine the presence or absence of an allergen. Rats and mice have potential allergens in their hair and epithelium, which are originated from urine, skin-fur, and saliva. These allergens cause asthma, allergic rhinitis as well as allergic conjunctivitis.

No special preparation is required except telling the doctor about medical history and medications. Some healthcare providers prefer the fasting for 10-12 hours although it's not a mandatory rule.

Estimating for IgE antibodies may be determinant for identifying an allergen to cause disease or anaphylaxis. It's important if specific allergic sensitivity is required to allow immunotherapy to start. An elevated level of IgE antibodies may depict an allergy is present. Although several patients still undergo skin testing, blood sample testing against specific allergen (here Rat Epithelium) has been recognized as a modern alternative. This is useful for infants as well as older people to detect potential reasons for allergies.

Allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E antibody screening is done through FEIA (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay) and chemiluminescent immunoassay
as well as Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA.
• A blood sample is collected through venipuncture process where a tourniquet is placed around the upper arm of the patient. This is done for applying pressure and result the veins to become clear with blood. A syringe is inserted and the blood is collected in a red-top serum tube. Usually, a minimum of 0.05 mL is collected for each allergen prescribed. Allow the serum sample to clot totally at room temperature and then the serum is separated from plasma.
• In case of ELISA, antibodies are linked to the enzymes whereas, in FEIA and chemiluminescent immunoassay, fluorescent generation is done with respect to an enzyme. A solid phase Immunoassay has the specific allergen bound to a matrix. The blood serum is added and the antibodies attach to that specific allergen. All serotypes of antibodies will bind provided they recognize the allergen. Next, a secondary anti-IgE antibody is applied for recognizing if IgE is bound. In the report, a quantitative value is generated in terms of kU/L.