A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

Hamster Epithelia Allergy (IgE)

A blood test that measures IgE antibodies to hamster epithelia.

Loading price
  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
None
Nothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
Results
3 to 5 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

This blood test checks for IgE sensitization to hamster epithelia, shed skin from hamsters. People often check it when symptoms follow time with hamsters. Sensitization is not the same as allergy, so the result is read with your history. No fasting or other prep is needed.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

For adults whose sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes seem to follow time with hamsters at home or elsewhere, who want to check for sensitization to hamster epithelia.

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

The result shows your level of IgE to hamster epithelia, one piece of information an allergist or other healthcare provider reads with your symptoms and exposure history.

Hamster epithelia-specific IgE
This marker measures IgE antibodies to hamster epithelia, shed skin from hamsters. A level above the lab’s reference range shows the immune system is sensitized to it. Many sensitized people have no symptoms, so the result is read with your history.
Why it’s measured: Helps a healthcare provider see whether hamsters may play a part in symptoms.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 3 to 5 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

The lab reports an IgE level in kU/L and compares it with its reference range. A level above that range means you are sensitized.

  • Your number next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

Share your result with an allergist or other healthcare provider, who reads it with your symptoms and exposure history.

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

It does not tell you whether you will react to hamster epithelia, or how strongly. IgE shows sensitization, and many sensitized people have no symptoms. A negative result does not clear an allergy either.

Decisions about pets or animal exposure belong with an allergist or other healthcare provider who knows your history.

It can happen. Animal allergens can travel on clothing and settle in homes, schools, and workplaces, so exposure can happen without a pet of your own.

A positive result shows sensitization to hamster epithelia, not that hamsters cause your symptoms. An allergist reads it with your history.

Both look for IgE sensitization. A skin test checks how your skin responds to a small amount of an allergen, while this test measures IgE to hamster epithelia in a blood sample. In many cases the two are considered comparable.

A blood test may be preferred in some situations, such as a widespread skin condition or recent use of medicines that affect skin tests. Don’t stop or change any medicine without talking with your healthcare provider.

Lab tests are informational and don’t diagnose conditions on their own. Available to adults 18 and older; test availability varies by lab location. A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test. All testing is performed at CLIA-certified laboratories. Not for emergencies: if you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.