Hay Fever Allergy Test

Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is an IgE-mediated reaction to airborne pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds. Symptoms often surge by season—spring (trees)late spring–summer (grasses)late summer–fall (weeds, e.g., ragweed)—and may persist year-round when indoor allergens (dust mites, molds, cockroach) are present. A proactive plan starts with allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) blood testing to likely regional pollens and key indoor triggers. When the pattern is broad or unclear, component-resolved diagnostics (CRD) (e.g., Bet v 1 for birch, Phl p 1/5 for grasses, Amb a 1 for ragweed) help separate true sensitization from cross-reactivity (profilins/polcalcins).

sIgE is a standard blood draw and—unlike skin testing—is not blocked by antihistamines. Use results with your clinician to align findings with seasonlocation, and indoor environment. Lab results do not replace a full allergy evaluation.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Nose/eyes: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy/watery eyes, post-nasal drip

  • Chest: cough, wheeze, chest tightness (often worse outdoors on high-pollen days)

  • Timing clues: spring (trees), late spring–summer (grasses), late summer–fall (weeds); year-round in damp or carpeted homes (mites/molds)

  • Settings: outdoor work/yard care, windows open in peak season, bedrooms with carpeting/bedding, basements/bathrooms with moisture

  • Urgent care: trouble breathing, severe wheeze, or facial swelling—seek immediate help
    All symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Confirm sensitization to targeted seasonal pollens (trees, grasses, weeds) and important indoor contributors

  • Clarify cross-reactivity with components (e.g., Bet v 1, Phl p 1/5, Amb a 1; profilin/polcalcin)

  • Guide planning for exposure reduction, medication timing, and clinical follow-up

What testing cannot do

  • Predict exact severity (sIgE level = likelihood, not intensity)

  • Replace clinician-directed skin testing or challenge in complex cases

  • Provide treatment or environmental advice on its own—use alongside clinical guidance

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • Trees (regional set): birch (Bet v 1 component), oak, elm, maple/box elder, cedar/juniper, olive, and other regionals

  • Grasses: timothy (Phl p 1/5 components), Bermuda, Kentucky blue, Johnson

  • Weeds: ragweed (Amb a 1 component), mugwort, sagebrush, pigweed

  • Indoor contributors (often co-sensitizing): dust mites (Der p/Der f; Der p 1/Der f 1 and Der p 2/Der f 2 components), molds (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium), cockroach (Bla g 1/2)

  • Pan-allergens (CRD, optional): profilins and polcalcins explaining broad low-level positives across pollens

  • Total IgE (context only): nonspecific; interpret with specific IgE

Antihistamines do not affect blood sIgE; systemic steroids usually have minimal impact unless high-dose/long-term.

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Map exposures: note seasonality, region, and indoor conditions (damp areas, carpets, bedding).

  2. Order targeted sIgE: select trees, grasses, weeds for your region; add dust mite, molds, cockroach as needed. Include components when cross-reactivity is suspected.

  3. Collect: routine blood draw (no antihistamine hold needed for sIgE).

  4. Results: access securely within a few days.

  5. Next steps: review with your clinician to align results with symptom timing and environmental controls.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Positive sIgE matching your season/exposure supports clinical hay fever.

  • Component positivity (Bet v 1, Phl p 1/5, Amb a 1; Der p/f 1–2; Bla g 1/2) favors true sensitization; isolated profilin/polcalcin suggests cross-reactivity and typically milder, broader patterns.

  • Low/borderline sIgE can still be relevant when symptoms are strong on high-pollen days; clinicians may add components or skin testing.

  • Negative sIgE with convincing symptoms may prompt evaluation for non-IgE triggers or other allergens (animal dander, mites, molds).

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests (with test numbers)

Use the following test numbers when selecting items in your cart (availability may vary by region):

  • Comprehensive Respiratory/Environmental Allergy Profile (indoor outdoor), with reflex to components where applicable — Panel code provided at order selection

  • Tree pollens (single-allergen sIgE examples): Birch (Betula) — 2715; Oak — 2720; Elm — 2724; Maple/Box Elder — 2718; Mountain Cedar/Juniper — 2731; Olive — 2728

  • Grass pollens: Timothy — 2738; Bermuda — 2726; Kentucky Bluegrass — 2734; Johnson — 2736

  • Weed pollens: Short Ragweed — 2752; Mugwort — 2744; Pigweed — 2742; Sagebrush — 2746

  • Dust mites (indoor): D. pteronyssinus — 2613; D. farinae — 2614

  • Molds (indoor): Alternaria alternata — 2821; Cladosporium herbarum — 2819; Aspergillus fumigatus — 2820; Penicillium chrysogenum — 2818

  • Cockroach (German) — 2717

  • Pollen/CRD components (order as needed): Bet v 1 (birch major), Phl p 1/5 (timothy grass majors), Amb a 1 (ragweed major); profilin and polcalcin components (assay codes vary)

  • Total IgE — 542 (context only)

(If your region uses a consolidated “Respiratory Allergy Profile” panel, select the regional panel shown at ordering; individual item codes above can be added to tailor the panel.)

FAQs

Do I need to stop antihistamines before the blood test?
No. Antihistamines do not affect sIgE blood testing (they can affect skin tests).

Why add component testing?
Components help separate true sensitization from cross-reactivity, improving counseling and expectations.

Can I be allergic year-round without pets?
Yes. Dust mites, molds, and cockroach can drive perennial symptoms, especially in damp or carpeted homes.

Why are many pollens positive at low levels?
Pan-allergens (profilins/polcalcins) can cause broad low-level positivity; components clarify this.

Will levels fall if I improve my environment?
Symptoms often improve quickly; sIgE may take months or years to decline and can persist despite control.

Internal Links & Cross-References

References

  1. AAAAI/ACAAI. Practice parameters for allergy diagnosis, sIgE testing, and interpretation.

  2. EAACI. Molecular (component-resolved) allergy diagnostics—guidance and clinical use.

  3. ARIA. Allergic rhinitis assessment and management recommendations.

  4. GA²LEN. Indoor allergen exposure (mites, molds, cockroach) and mitigation statements.

Available Tests & Panels

Your hay fever allergy menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Use the test numbers above to select single pollens (trees, grasses, weeds) and key indoor allergens (mites, molds, cockroach). Add component testing (Bet v 1, Phl p 1/5, Amb a 1; profilin/polcalcin) when cross-reactivity is suspected. Schedule a local blood draw and review results with your clinician to align testing with symptoms, seasons, and exposure controls.

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The Acacia t19 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies in the blood specific to acacia tree pollen. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction to acacia pollen, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or asthma. This test helps identify pollen allergies and supports diagnosis and management of seasonal allergic rhinitis or related respiratory conditions.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Acacia IgE Test, Acacia t19 Test

The Alder t2 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies in the blood specific to alder tree pollen. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, with symptoms such as sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion, or asthma. This test helps identify alder pollen allergy and supports diagnosis and management of seasonal allergic rhinitis or related respiratory conditions.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Alder IgE Test, Alder t2 Test

The Alfalfa w45 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies in the blood specific to alfalfa. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic response, which can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy eyes, asthma, skin irritation, or digestive issues. This test helps identify alfalfa allergy and supports diagnosis and management of allergy-related conditions.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Alfalfa IgE Test, Alfalfa w45 Test

The Bald Cypress T. distichum IgE Test detects IgE antibodies to bald cypress tree pollen, a potential allergen linked to seasonal respiratory issues. Elevated IgE levels may indicate allergic sensitization, with symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or asthma. This test helps confirm bald cypress pollen as a trigger and supports targeted allergy diagnosis and management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Bald Cypress t. distichum IgE Test

The Carob f296 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to carob, a legume often used as a chocolate substitute. Elevated antibody levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as hives, digestive upset, respiratory issues, or, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. The test helps identify carob as a possible trigger, supporting accurate allergy diagnosis and guiding effective management or avoidance strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Carob IgE Test, Carob f296 Test

The Common Millet f55 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to millet proteins. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as itching, hives, digestive discomfort, or respiratory issues after millet exposure. The test helps identify millet allergy and supports healthcare providers in guiding dietary adjustments and allergy management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Common Millet IgE Test, Common Millet f55 Test

The Bahia Grass g17 IgE Test detects IgE antibodies to Bahia grass, a common allergen that can trigger hay fever and other allergic reactions. Elevated IgE levels suggest sensitization, with possible symptoms including sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or asthma. This test helps identify Bahia grass allergy and supports targeted allergy management and treatment strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Bahia Grass IgE Test, Bahia Grass g17 Test

The Beech t5 IgE Test detects IgE antibodies to beech tree pollen, a potential trigger for seasonal allergies. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic response that can cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or asthma-like issues. This test helps identify beech pollen allergy and supports targeted management and treatment planning.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Beech IgE Test, Beech t5 Test

The Bermuda Grass g2 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to Bermuda grass pollen. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic response, which can trigger seasonal symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or asthma flare-ups. This test helps identify Bermuda grass allergy and supports targeted management and treatment strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Bermuda Grass IgE Test, Bermuda Grass g2 Test

The Birch t3 IgE Test detects IgE antibodies to birch tree pollen, a common allergen that can trigger hay fever, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, asthma, and seasonal allergy symptoms. Elevated levels indicate an allergic response, helping guide diagnosis and management of birch pollen allergy.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Birch IgE Test, Birch t3 Test

The Brome Grass g11 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to brome grass, a common pasture and lawn grass that can trigger allergic reactions. Elevated IgE levels may indicate brome grass allergy, which can cause seasonal hay fever, asthma, or other respiratory symptoms. This test helps identify brome grass as a potential allergen to guide diagnosis and effective allergy management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Brome Grass IgE Test, Brome Grass g11 Test

The Canary Grass g71 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to canary grass pollen. Elevated antibody levels may indicate an allergic response, which can cause hay fever, asthma, nasal congestion, sneezing, or eye irritation. The test helps identify canary grass pollen as a trigger for seasonal allergy symptoms, supporting accurate diagnosis and guiding effective allergy management or treatment strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Canary Grass IgE Test, Canary Grass g71 Test

The Sweet Chestnut f299 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins in sweet chestnuts. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause hives, itching, swelling, digestive discomfort, respiratory symptoms, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis. This test helps identify sweet chestnut allergies and supports management through dietary avoidance and treatment strategies guided by healthcare providers.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Sweet Chestnut IgE Test, Sweet Chestnut f299 Test

The Chestnut t206 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to chestnut tree proteins. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic response, which can cause symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling, respiratory issues, or digestive discomfort after exposure to chestnut pollen or related allergens. The test aids in diagnosing chestnut-specific allergies and supports effective allergy management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Chestnut IgE Test, Chestnut t206 Test

The Cocklebur w13 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to cocklebur, a weed that produces airborne pollen known to cause allergic reactions. Elevated levels may indicate an allergy, with symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or asthma. The test helps identify cocklebur-specific allergies and supports proper diagnosis and management of respiratory or seasonal allergy symptoms.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cocklebur IgE Test, Cocklebur w13 Test

The Common Ragweed w1 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to ragweed pollen. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic response, which can cause seasonal symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, or asthma flare-ups. The test helps identify ragweed allergy, supporting healthcare providers in diagnosis and guiding effective allergy management and treatment strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Common Ragweed IgE Test, Common Ragweed w1 Test

The Common Reed g7 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to common reed grass. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, often linked to seasonal hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or asthma. The test helps identify common reed allergy, supporting healthcare providers in diagnosing environmental allergies and guiding effective management or treatment strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Common Reed IgE test, Common Reed g7 Test

The Cotton Seed k83 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to cotton seed. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic response, which can cause symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling, respiratory issues, or digestive discomfort after exposure. The test helps identify cotton seed as a potential trigger, supporting healthcare providers in diagnosing allergies and guiding treatment or avoidance strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cotton Seed IgE Test, Cotton Seed k83 Test

The Crude Cotton Fiber o1 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to crude cotton fibers. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, with symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, cough, wheezing, or skin irritation—often with occupational or textile exposure. The test helps identify cotton fiber as a trigger and supports accurate diagnosis and targeted avoidance or treatment.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cotton Fibers IgE Test, Cotton Fibers o1 Test

The Cottonwood t14 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to cottonwood tree pollen. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause seasonal symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, or asthma flare-ups. This test helps identify cottonwood pollen as a potential allergen, assisting healthcare providers in diagnosing pollen allergies and guiding treatment or avoidance strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cottonwood IgE Test, Cottonwood t14 Test

The Cultivated Oat g14 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to cultivated oats. Elevated levels may suggest an oat allergy, which can cause symptoms such as itching, hives, swelling, digestive upset, or respiratory issues after exposure. The test helps identify oats as a potential allergen, supporting diagnosis and guiding management strategies to reduce allergic reactions.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Cultivated Oat IgE Test, Cultivated Oat g14 Test

Blood
Blood Draw

The Dandelion w8 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to dandelion pollen, a common environmental allergen. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or asthma. The test helps identify dandelion pollen as a trigger, supporting diagnosis and management of seasonal or environmental allergies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Dandelion IgE Test, Dandelion w8 Test

The Elm t8 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins from elm tree pollen. Elevated levels may indicate an allergic reaction, which can trigger symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, asthma, or skin irritation. This test helps identify elm pollen allergy, supporting accurate diagnosis and guiding management strategies, including environmental control and treatment planning.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Elm IgE Test, Elm t8 Test

The English Plantain w9 IgE Test measures IgE antibodies to proteins from English plantain pollen. Elevated results may indicate an allergic response, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, asthma, or skin irritation. This test helps identify English plantain allergy, supporting diagnosis and guiding management strategies, including treatment and environmental control.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: English Plantain IgE Test, English Plantain w9 Test

Did you know that hay fever affects 5.2 million children and 19.2 million adults in the United States? Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can leave the patient feeling fatigued and sick the majority of the time.

Those with hay fever need to catch the diagnosis quickly if they want to get treatment as soon as possible. Without a formal diagnosis, many patients are left without any help.

The best way to get a definitive diagnosis is through a hay fever allergy test. By looking at specific biomarkers, your healthcare provider can figure out whether or not you have hay fever.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Hay Fever Allergies?

Hay fever allergies cause cold-like signs and symptoms. However, a virus doesn't cause this condition like it causes a cold. Rather, hay fever is a bodily response to outdoor and indoor allergens. 

Hay fever can make people miserable as they battle cold-like symptoms more common than the average person. Some people with hay fever may experience cold-like signs and symptoms the majority of the time.

Over time, hay fever can affect one's performance at work and school. It may also create problems with those around them, especially if they work in a healthcare setting.

It's hard to explain why you're sneezing and sniffling while people are avoiding you so that they don't get sick. They don't understand that it's not contagious.

Risk Factors for Hay Fever Allergies

There are a few common risk factors for hay fever:

  • Allergies
  • Being around allergens consistently
  • Asthma
  • Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
  • Family history of allergies
  • Family history of asthma
  • Having a mother who smoked during the first year of your life

If you have any of these risk factors, you should talk to your doctor about what you can do to minimize your risk of developing hay fever. 

Causes of Hay Fever Allergies

Those with hay fever have overactive immune systems. Their immune cells detect a harmless substance as harmful. Therefore, your body sets off an immune response.

Specifically, your body is releasing histamine into your bloodstream, which causes all of the signs and symptoms that someone with hay fever may experience.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hay Fever Allergies?

The signs and symptoms of hay fever are consistent with those of a cold. A patient with hay fever may experience congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, postnasal drip, and fatigue.

If you're experiencing these signs and symptoms regularly, it's likely that you may have hay fever. You should talk to your doctor about how you can find relief from this condition.

How Are Hay Fever Allergies Diagnosed?

A hay fever diagnosis can come from a skin prick test or an allergy blood test. 

Skin prick testing involves putting an allergen on the skin and looking at how the body reacts. An allergy blood test allows a healthcare provider to test your allergies without testing them on your skin. Rather, they'll just test your blood for an immune response.

The Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Hay Fever Allergies

There is a wide variety of allergy lab tests available to help you identify the specific allergens that are causing your hay fever. Most of them look at how your body reacts to the different allergens.

At Ulta Lab Tests, our hay fever allergy tests include the individual tests noted below and regional allergy panels:

With allergy testing, you can identify the allergens and take the necessary steps to get relief from your symptoms.

Get Your Hay Fever Allergy Test With Ulta Lab Tests

If you think that you may have hay fever, you need to get testing as soon as possible. The sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner your healthcare provider can develop a plan for your treatment.

Luckily, Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so you can make informed decisions about your health. Here are a few great things to love about Ulta Lab Tests:

  • You'll get secure and confidential results
  • You don't need health insurance
  • You don't need a physician's referral
  • You'll get affordable pricing
  • We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Order your hay fever allergy test today, and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!