Respiratory allergies: ImmunoCAP Specific IgE testing
Rhinitis symptoms from different causes often overlap, making the true cause unclear. Is it the puppy or the pollen? Allergic or non-allergic rhinitis? And will antihistamines solve the problem?
ImmunoCAPTM Specific IgE test results allow primary care providers to look beyond symptom management to help identify sensitization to specific allergens responsible for respiratory allergies and support treatment decisions informed by the underlying condition.
Find the most up-to-date, localized respiratory allergen profiles in our Lab Ordering Guide (LOG).
For patients, learn more about allergy symptoms, triggers and care at Allergy Insider.
Testing makes the difference antihistamines can’t
How testing can improve patient care
Many patients rely on antihistamines; however, without proper allergy diagnostics, they may not receive treatment tailored to their underlying condition.
In one study, 65% of people who were prescribed antihistamines for allergies were diagnosed as non-allergic.1
Along with a physical examination and detailed medical history, ImmunoCAP blood test results can help increase the certainty in diagnosing allergies. It can reduce the number of patients with uncertain allergy diagnosis from ~50% to ~10% based on compiled data.2,3
Shorten the time to diagnosis
Go beyond treating the symptoms. Confirm allergy suspicion and uncover the unknown allergen triggering the symptoms. IgE testing provides quantifiable, allergen-specific data that can help guide personalized treatment plans and strengthen patient–provider communication in primary care settings.
Improve patients’ quality of life
Allergic rhinitis symptoms can include fatigue, sleep disturbances, and impaired performance, compromising a patient’s overall well-being. Proper identification of their allergic trigger can help inform the most appropriate care.4
Achieve diagnostic clarity to guide targeted care
Symptoms can overlap between allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Testing helps inform an effective management plan, and even a negative result can inform further investigation of allergy-like symptoms.
Know more to treat better and refer smarter
Respiratory allergy symptoms are common, but severity, triggers, and treatment response vary—testing in primary care provides the clarity to enable targeted treatment, improve symptom control, and identify patients who may benefit from specialist referral or consideration of allergen immunotherapy (AIT).
Symptoms of respiratory allergies
Allergy symptoms may seem mild, but they can profoundly impact patients’ quality of life. Testing helps identify the specific allergen triggers behind these symptoms, allowing you to provide targeted guidance and improve patient well-being. Take the guesswork out of allergy diagnosis so you can offer treatments that enhance your patients’ quality of life.
Similar symptoms, different causes.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms:
- Itchy, runny nose
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Coughing
Non-allergic rhinitis symptoms:
- Itchy, runny nose
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Coughing
- Can produce a fever
- Not likely to last more than two weeks
- Sore throats can accompany colds
- Appear during any season of the year
How ImmunoCAP blood testing supports better diagnosis and outcomes
- Improved productivity1
- Appropriate use of medication1, 5
- Reduced medication costs5
- Qualified referrals, if necessary, to allergy specialists6
- Better quality of life1
The ImmunoCAP testing portfolio is the gold standard in allergy diagnostics7
Drive precise results with our ImmunoCAP portfolio comprised of more than 550 whole allergens, allergen mixes and allergen component tests. Backed by 50+ years of research, ImmunoCAP tests can help optimize patient management, from rhinitis and asthma to immunotherapy guidance. Available through leading labs worldwide, the comprehensive ImmunoCAP test portfolio is trusted for accurate diagnosis across diverse patient needs.8,9
How do I order an ImmunoCAP test for my patient?
Ordering is quick and easy
First, identify the appropriate patient—one who is experiencing allergy-like symptoms or has a history of symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and/or shortness of breath.
Order an ImmunoCAP Specific IgE test
Find ImmunoCAP test codes for a specific laboratory and order using your preferred method.
Let the laboratory analyze
The laboratory will process the ImmunoCAP test on Phadia™ Laboratory Systems.
Receive test results
Assess and interpret ImmunoCAP test results to personalize allergen management.
How to interpret your patient’s lab results
Combine ImmunoCAP Specific IgE blood test results with the patient's history, symptoms, and physical exam findings to inform your understanding and decision-making.7,8
What should you do with a positive result? How about a negative result for a specific allergen? Use this respiratory results interpretation guide to help you confidently understand the results, as well as potential clinical implications to aid in your diagnosis and patient management plan.
Stay current with our ImmunoSpotlight blog
Expert insights and case studies on respiratory allergy diagnostics.
Let's test. Precise, reliable results to help inform
optimal patient care.
Our experts are here to help you discover more about ImmunoCAP specific IgE testing solutions.
Discover more about allergy triggers
Uncover key insights into managing allergies, from identifying specific triggers like dust and dander to effective treatment options.
- Szeinbach, S. L. et al. (2004). Identification of allergic disease among users of antihistamines. Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy, 10(3), 234–238.
- Duran-Tauleria E. et al. Allergy 2004; 59 (suppl78):35–41.
- Niggemann B. et al. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2008;19:325–331.
- Rackerby N, et al. Evolving paradigms of treatment of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2025;135:15-22.
- Welsh, N. et al. (2006). The pharmacoeconomic impact of ImmunoCAP testing on the usage of second-generation antihistamines and a leukotriene receptor antagonist at Wilford Hall Medical Center. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 46(5), 627.
- Demoly, P. et al. (2022). A pragmatic primary practice approach to using specific IgE in allergy testing in asthma diagnosis, management, and referral. Journal of Asthma and Allergy, 15, 1069–1080.
- Crameri, R. (2013). The crux with a reliable in vitro and in vivo diagnosis of allergy. Allergy, 68(6), 693–694.
- ImmunoCAP™ Specific IgE Directions for Use. 2025; 52-5291-EN/12.
- Wang, J. et al. (2008). Correlation of serum allergy (IgE) tests performed by different assay systems. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 121(5), 1219–1224.
