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

Sheep Epithelia Allergy (IgE)

A blood test that measures IgE antibodies to sheep epithelia.

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  • 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 sheep epithelia, shed skin from sheep. People often check it when symptoms follow time with sheep. 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?

This test is for adults whose symptoms seem to track with time around sheep on a farm, in a barn, or at a stable and who want to check IgE to sheep 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 sheep epithelia, one piece of information an allergist or other healthcare provider reads with your symptoms and exposure history.

Sheep epithelia-specific IgE (e81)
Specific IgE is an antibody the immune system can make against one allergen. This marker measures IgE that recognizes sheep epithelia, shed skin from sheep. A level above the lab’s reference range shows sensitization, read with your exposure history.
Why it’s measured: Checks for IgE sensitization to sheep epithelia when symptoms follow time around sheep.

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

Your IgE level is reported in kU/L and compared with the lab’s reference range. A result above the range means sensitization, not necessarily allergy.

  • 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

Decisions about pets or animal exposure belong with an allergist or other healthcare provider, who reads this with your 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.

Not on its own. A positive result means your immune system has made IgE to sheep epithelia, which is called sensitization. Many people who are sensitized have no symptoms when they are exposed.

A diagnosis of allergy is made by a healthcare provider who looks at your symptoms and history along with results like this one. A negative result also does not by itself mean you are not allergic.

Sheep epithelia is shed skin from sheep. It is a farm and wool exposure. People who work with or around sheep sometimes notice symptoms that follow that time.

A positive result shows sensitization, not that sheep cause your symptoms. When symptoms track with work, an occupational health or allergy specialist can interpret the result.

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 sheep 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.