Ulta Lab Tests

Asthma

Asthma causes airway inflammation and narrowing that can lead to cough, wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Because these symptoms overlap with allergies, viral infections, vocal cord dysfunction, and COPD, lab testing helps clarify triggers and inflammation type so you and your clinician can personalize care.

A proactive testing plan pairs allergy evaluation (total and specific IgE) with inflammation markers such as blood eosinophils (absolute eosinophil count). Add respiratory virus testing during flares, and consider targeted work-ups (e.g., Aspergillus testing for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis). These labs support screening, diagnostic triage, and monitoring, but they do not replace a clinician’s exam, spirometry or peak flow testing, or urgent care for severe breathing problems.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Breathing & chest: wheeze, cough (especially at night/early morning), chest tightness, shortness of breath with exercise or cold air

  • Allergy-linked clues: sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, nasal congestion, eczema, symptoms worse with pets, dust, pollen, or mold

  • Triggers: viral colds, smoke, air pollution, workplace exposures, strong odors, weather changes, exercise

  • Red flags for broader work-up: frequent oral-steroid bursts, recurrent “pneumonia,” bronchiectasis history, marked mucus plugging, adult-onset with nasal polyps

  • Seek urgent care now: severe breathing trouble, bluish lips/face, chest pain, confusion, fainting, or symptoms rapidly getting worse

Symptoms require evaluation by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Identify allergic sensitization (specific IgE) and type-2 airway inflammation patterns (eosinophils, total IgE)

  • Reveal viral triggers during acute flares (flu, COVID-19, RSV)

  • Support targeted assessments (e.g., Aspergillus testing in suspected ABPA; alpha-1 antitrypsin in early-onset fixed obstruction)

What testing cannot do

  • Diagnose asthma by itself—diagnosis relies on symptoms plus lung function (spirometry/bronchodilator response)

  • Replace imaging or specialist procedures when indicated (e.g., sinus CT, bronchoscopy)

  • Provide treatment or dosing advice—those decisions belong with your clinician

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC, CBC with differential): blood eosinophils rise with eosinophilic/type-2 inflammation; helpful for phenotyping and trend monitoring. Levels can vary with infections, allergies, or recent steroids.

  • Total IgE: global allergy context; very high values suggest atopy and can support ABPA evaluation when paired with Aspergillus markers. Not diagnostic on its own.

  • Specific IgE (sIgE) to aeroallergens: cat/dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, grasses/weeds/trees, molds—maps sensitization to likely triggers.

  • Aspergillus fumigatus testing (ABPA context): specific IgE and/or IgG with elevated total IgE and eosinophilia support allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis when clinical signs fit.

  • Respiratory viral tests (during flares): influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV antigen/PCR—identify infections that worsen asthma.

  • CRP (± ESR): nonspecific inflammation context; useful trend in complicated courses, not an asthma diagnosis.

  • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT) level ± genotype: screens for A1AT deficiency in adults with early/fixed airflow obstruction or family history.

  • Office-based (clinician): FeNO (exhaled nitric oxide) indicates airway eosinophilic inflammation; spirometry/bronchodilator response confirms variable airflow limitation. (Performed in clinic, not a lab blood test.)

Quick Build Guide

Clinical goal Start with Add if needed
Suspected allergic asthma CBC with differential (AEC) • Total IgE • Aeroallergen specific IgE panel Targeted sIgE (pets/molds/dust mites) based on history
Frequent flares / nighttime symptoms AEC • Total IgE Respiratory viral PCR/antigenduring acute episodes
Adult-onset, severe, mucus plugging Total IgE • AEC Aspergillus fumigatus sIgE ± IgG(ABPA context)
Early-onset fixed obstruction or family history Alpha-1 Antitrypsin level A1AT phenotype/genotype per clinician
Occupational or seasonal pattern Targeted aeroallergen sIgE Regional/environmental panels
Baseline health CBC • CMP CRP (trend context only)

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Pick your starting panel: choose AEC, total IgE, and aeroallergen sIgE to profile triggers and inflammation.

  2. Time your draw: no fasting needed. Avoid testing during a severe cold unless checking for a viral trigger; list recent steroids or antihistamines on your order.

  3. Provide samples: blood draw for CBC/IgE/sIgE; nasal or throat swab for viral testing during a flare.

  4. Review results securely: most results post in a few days.

  5. Plan next steps: interpret with your clinician alongside spirometry/FeNO and your symptom pattern to refine trigger control and monitoring.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Elevated AEC: supports eosinophilic/type-2 inflammation; trend over time is more informative than a single value.

  • Total IgE high: consistent with atopy; very high levels with positive Aspergillus tests and suggestive imaging raise concern for ABPA.

  • Specific IgE positive: shows sensitization—use exposure history to decide which triggers matter most.

  • Viral test positive: identifies a trigger for the current flare.

  • A1AT low: suggests alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency; confirmatory testing is clinician-directed.
    Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional; patterns and clinical context drive decisions.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Foundational set (most patients): CBC with differential (AEC) • Total IgE • Aeroallergen sIgE panel

  • Targeted adds: Aspergillus sIgE/IgG (ABPA concern), viral PCR/antigen during flares, A1AT for early/fixed obstruction

  • Monitoring: repeat selected labs (e.g., AEC, total IgE) on a consistent method to compare trends over time

FAQs

Can blood tests diagnose asthma?
No. Labs support the diagnosis, but spirometry and your symptom pattern confirm asthma.

Do I need to fast?
No. Asthma-related blood tests generally do not require fasting.

What’s the difference between total IgE and specific IgE?
Total IgE reflects overall atopy; specific IgE pinpoints which allergens you’re sensitized to.

Are blood allergy tests as good as skin tests?
Both are used. Blood sIgE is helpful when skin testing isn’t available or medicines interfere. Your clinician chooses the best method.

What is ABPA and when should I test for it?
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis occurs in some people with asthma and causes high total IgE, positive Aspergillus sIgE/IgG, mucus plugging, and sometimes bronchiectasis. Testing is considered when symptoms are severe or recurrent.

Should I test for viruses during a flare?
Yes, when results could change decisions (school/work notes, infection precautions, or clinical guidance).

How often should I repeat eosinophils or IgE?
Timing varies. Many people retest every 3–12 months to track trends—follow your clinician’s plan.

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Inflammation Tests Hub

  • Environmental Allergy Tests • Animal Dander Allergy Tests • Respiratory Tests • Pneumonia & Viral Respiratory Panels • Immunoglobulins

  • Key Tests: CBC with Differential (AEC) • Total IgE • Specific IgE (aeroallergens: cat, dog, dust mite, cockroach, pollens, molds) • Aspergillus fumigatus sIgE/IgG • CRP • Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Level ± Genotype • Influenza/COVID-19/RSV PCR or Antigen

References

  • Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) — Strategy report on assessment and phenotyping.
  • AAAAI/ACAAI — Practice parameters for allergy testing and asthma evaluation.
  • American Thoracic Society — FeNO interpretation and airway inflammation guidance.
  • ERS/ATS — Severe asthma and ABPA diagnostic recommendations.
  • CDC — Respiratory virus testing guidance (influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV).
  • Clinical reviews on eosinophilic asthma biomarkers and A1AT deficiency screening.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Asthma Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Use filters to build a foundational panel (AEC, total IgE, aeroallergen sIgE), add Aspergillus testing when ABPA is suspected, include viral testing during flares, and consider alpha-1 antitrypsin in adults with early/fixed obstruction. Review results with your clinician and align them with spirometry/FeNO and your symptom history to guide next steps.

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The Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets Test is a comprehensive blood test that checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential analyzes types of white blood cells to detect infections, anemia, clotting abnormalities, immune conditions, and certain cancers. This essential test is often ordered for routine health exams, diagnosis, and monitoring treatment progress.

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Also Known As: CBC Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets Test, CBC w/Diff and Platelets Test, Full Blood Count Test, Complete Blood Count Test
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The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

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Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 
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The Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Test measures IgE antibody levels in blood to evaluate allergic reactions, asthma, and immune response. Elevated IgE may indicate allergies to food, pollen, or other triggers, as well as eczema or parasitic infections. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms like hives, sneezing, or wheezing and to guide allergy treatment. Results provide vital insight into immune health, allergic sensitivity, and overall diagnostic care.

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Also Known As: Immunoglobulin E Test, Immunoglobulin E Antibody Test, IgE Antibody Test
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The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Test is a blood test that detects latent or active tuberculosis (TB) infection by measuring the immune response to TB antigens. It offers greater accuracy than the traditional skin test and avoids false positives from prior BCG vaccination. Doctors use it for TB screening, diagnosis, and monitoring in high-risk individuals. The QFT-Plus test is recommended for healthcare workers, travelers, and those exposed to TB.

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Also Known As: TB Test, Tuberculosis Test, IGRA Test
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The Theophylline Test measures blood levels of theophylline, a bronchodilator used to manage asthma, COPD, and chronic bronchitis. Monitoring levels ensures therapeutic effectiveness while reducing risks of toxicity, which can cause nausea, arrhythmias, or seizures. This test supports dosage adjustment, evaluates drug interactions, and guides long-term management of respiratory disorders requiring theophylline therapy.

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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 1 measures IgE antibodies to common regional allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds (birch, oak, timothy grass, ragweed, cedar, mulberry, and more), as well as indoor allergens like cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, and mouse urine proteins. This panel helps identify triggers of respiratory allergies.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region I
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 2 measures IgE antibodies to common environmental allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), pollens from grasses, trees, and weeds (Bermuda, timothy, Johnson grass, birch, oak, cedar, ragweed, pigweed, sorrel, and more), and indoor allergens such as cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, and mouse proteins. This panel helps identify triggers of respiratory allergies.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region II
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 3 measures IgE antibodies to common regional allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bahia, Bermuda, timothy), trees (birch, oak, cedar, elm, maple, pecan/hickory), weeds (ragweed, pigweed, nettle, sorrel), and indoor allergens like cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, and mouse proteins. This panel helps identify triggers of respiratory allergies.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region III
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 4 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bahia, Bermuda, timothy), trees (oak, cedar, elm, maple), weeds (ragweed, pigweed, nettle, sorrel), indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins), and Blomia tropicalis. This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region IV
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 5 measures IgE antibodies to common molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, timothy), trees (birch, oak, cedar, cottonwood, walnut, pecan/hickory, sycamore, white ash, mulberry, elm, maple), weeds (ragweed, pigweed, sorrel, Russian thistle), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region V
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 6 measures IgE antibodies to common molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, timothy), trees (birch, oak, walnut, mulberry, pecan/hickory, maple, cedar, elm), weeds (ragweed, pigweed, marsh elder), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region VI
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 7 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, timothy), trees (birch, oak, maple, cottonwood, cedar, elm, mulberry, white ash), weeds (ragweed, nettle, marsh elder, Russian thistle), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region VII
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 8 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, timothy), trees (oak, walnut, pecan/hickory, maple, sycamore, cottonwood, elm, cedar, mulberry, white ash), weeds (ragweed, pigweed, marsh elder, Russian thistle), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region VIII
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 9 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, timothy), trees (oak, maple, cedar, elm, cottonwood, mulberry, white ash), weeds (ragweed, nettle, sorrel, Russian thistle), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region IX
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 10 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, timothy), trees (birch, oak, cedar, cottonwood, elm, maple, pecan/hickory, mulberry, white ash), weeds (ragweed, pigweed, sorrel, nettle, marsh elder), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify triggers of respiratory allergies.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region X
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 11 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, timothy), trees (alder, oak, cedar, cottonwood, elm, maple, olive, mulberry), weeds (ragweed, mugwort, pigweed, Russian thistle, sheep sorrel), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XI
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 12 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, Johnson, perennial rye), trees (acacia, oak, cedar, cottonwood, elm, olive), weeds (ragweed, mugwort, pigweed, Russian thistle), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XII
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 13 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, Johnson, timothy), trees (alder, oak, cedar, cottonwood, elm, olive, mulberry, walnut), weeds (ragweed, mugwort, pigweed, Russian thistle), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XIII
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 14 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, timothy), trees (alder, birch, oak, cedar, elm, olive, sycamore, mulberry), weeds (ragweed, mugwort, pigweed, Russian thistle), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XIV
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 15 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (Bermuda, timothy), trees (oak, elm, maple, cedar, cottonwood, olive, mulberry), weeds (ragweed, mugwort, pigweed, Russian thistle), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XV
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 16 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (timothy), trees (alder, birch, oak, cedar, elm, cottonwood, maple), weeds (ragweed, mugwort, pigweed, Russian thistle, sheep sorrel), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XVI
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The Respiratory Allergy Panel Region 17 measures IgE antibodies to common allergens, including molds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillium), grasses (timothy), trees (alder, birch, oak, walnut, cedar, elm, maple, cottonwood, white ash), weeds (ragweed, pigweed, nettle, sheep sorrel), and indoor allergens (cat and dog dander, dust mites, cockroach, mouse proteins). This panel helps identify respiratory allergy triggers.

Also Known As: Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XVII
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Read About Asthma Causes, Symptoms and Laboratory Tests

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the lungs. The bronchi in the lungs constrict due to this condition. Bronchi are the tubes that carry air to the lungs. Air is transported from/to smaller branches of airways known as bronchioles in the bronchi. The walls of the bronchi become inflamed and swell when one has asthma. This narrowing of the airways makes it difficult to breathe – which can lead to breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. Acute asthma attacks will complicate the situation by constricting the bronchi muscles and producing more mucus. 

When one has acute asthma, the diameter of the bronchi can decrease to the point where very little air can travel in and out. The patient may cough and wheeze and feel a tightness in the chest when this happens. The actual cause of asthma isn’t clear. But the condition can occur at any time and worsen at night or in the morning hours. Severe asthma attacks need immediate medical attention as it can be life-threatening. 

More than 25 million people in the United States have asthma. Over 7 million of the affected people are kids – which makes asthma one of the most common chronic diseases in children. Asthma will affect more boys than girls before puberty. But after puberty, the condition affects more girls. Asthma is prevalent in urban areas compared to rural areas. Asthma is more common among people of African and Hispanic descent than in Caucasians. The condition isn’t curable or preventable at the moment. But you can control the condition to live an active and relatively normal life. 

Causes

Although the exact cause of asthma is unknown, medical experts believe it’s a complex interaction of many factors. The cell lining of the bronchi seems to release inflammatory molecules in response to various triggers in the environment. The triggers or stimulators for asthma attacks can be quite different for each patient. Here are some of these triggers:  

  • Allergens such as pollen, animal hair & cells, dust/spores, food 
  • Stress or strong emotional responses 
  • Exercise 
  • Occupational allergens such as hairdressing products, cleaning agents, smoke, epoxy glues, and chemicals 
  • Medicines such as aspirin and beta-blockers 
  • Exposure to cold air 

Symptoms of The Condition 

The condition is separated into four categories depending on the severity and frequency of the symptoms. The categories are mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, and severe persistent. The first category of patients has only occasional episodes and no symptoms during other times. Patients who suffer from severe persistent asthma may need medications several times a day to control the condition. 

Other lung conditions may have similar symptoms to asthma. Emphysema is such a condition that could co-exist or exacerbate asthma. GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease can also trigger or worsen the asthma condition in some patients.  

Tests 

The main goal of initial asthma testing is to diagnose the severity of the condition. Testing is important to separate asthma from other conditions that have similar symptoms. Continued testing will help monitor lung function and asthma control. They will help evaluate and resolve the attack as well as identify and address complications or side effects of the condition. 

Laboratory Tests 

Laboratory testing will rule out conditions that have similar symptoms to asthma. It also helps identify allergens, allergies, and any complications that may occur as a result of the condition. If a person has severe asthma, testing may be ordered to monitor oxygen levels, organ function, and the body’s acid-base balance. Some of the tests include: 

  • Blood testing for sensitivity to allergens – Blood tests that are specific to the allergens suspected of causing asthma. Some of the allergens include dust mites, pet dander, mold, and mildew. These tests will help determine the triggers of asthma. 
  • Blood gases – A blood sample is collected from an artery to evaluate blood oxygen, pH, and carbon dioxide levels. This test will be ordered when a person is having an attack. 
  • CBC or complete blood count – This test will evaluate the blood cells and provide necessary information on inflammation and infection. 
  • CMP or comprehensive metabolic panel – This test will help evaluate organ function. 
  • Theophylline – If a patient is suffering from asthma is taking this drug; the healthcare provider will evaluate the results of general tests, family history, medical history, and risk factors for other diseases. Based on the findings, other laboratory tests are performed, such as: 
  • Tests that rule our cystic fibrosis – Sweat test or trypsin/chymotrypsin 
  • AFB testing – Diagnosing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) or tuberculosis 
  • Sputum culture – Diagnosing lung infections 
  • Lung biopsy – Diagnose lung cancer 
  • Sputum cytology – This test is ordered to evaluate various cells found in the lungs, such as neutrophils and eosinophils – which are two types of white blood cells. These cells are increased with inflammation in people who are suffering from asthma.