Allergy Testing
Advanced Allergy Testing for Companion Animals
Allergies are a common cause of chronic skin disease, recurrent ear infections, excessive itching, and other inflammatory conditions in companion animals. Identifying the specific allergens responsible for these reactions is an important step in developing an effective long-term treatment and management plan.
At Vet Central Lab Philippines, Inc., we offer allergy testing to help veterinarians identify environmental and dietary allergens that may be affecting their patients. Through our partner laboratory abroad, we provide valuable diagnostic information that supports personalized allergy management and improves your pet's quality of life.
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What is Allergy Testing?
Allergy testing measures an animal's immune response to specific allergens by detecting allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample. The results help veterinarians determine potential triggers associated with allergic disease and formulate appropriate treatment strategies.
Allergens Evaluated
Depending on the test panel selected, allergy testing may include:
Environmental Allergens (29 pathogens)
- Mites: Tropicalis mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Acarus siro
- Molds / Microorganisms: Cladosporium herbarum, Candida albicans, Alternaria alternata, Staphylococcus aureus, Malassezia pachydermatis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium spp.
- Insects / Arachnids: Moth, tick, mosquito, flea, cockroach
- Pollens: Eucalyptus, Kentucky bluegrass, prickly amaranth, dock, ragweed, acacia, Bermuda grass, paper mulberry
- Dander: Bird feathers, cattle dander, sheep wool dander, cat hair / dog hair
Food Allergens (43 allergens)
- Dairy & Eggs: Cheese, egg white, egg yolk, milk
- Yeasts: Brewer's yeast, baker's yeast
- Meats: Duck / duck liver, lamb, beef, chicken / chicken liver, turkey, pork
- Seafood: Crab, shrimp, mackerel, sardine, anchovy, cod, salmon, tuna
- Fruits & Vegetables: Carrot, potato, corn, sweet potato, pumpkin, broccoli, cabbage, snow pea, tomato, kelp
- Grains & Nuts: Soybean, peanut, wheat, rice
- Others: Flaxseed
Sample Requirements
- Specimen: Serum
- Collection: Blood sample collected by a licensed veterinarian
- Container: Serum tube (red or yellow-top tube)
- Samples should be properly labeled and submitted according to the laboratory's collection guidelines.
When is Allergy Testing Recommended?
Allergy testing may be recommended for animals with:
- Persistent or recurrent itching (pruritus)
- Chronic skin inflammation or dermatitis
- Recurrent ear infections (otitis)
- Excessive licking or chewing of the paws
- Hair loss associated with allergic skin disease
- Seasonal allergy symptoms
- Suspected environmental allergies
- Evaluation of potential allergens as part of a comprehensive diagnostic work-up
Note: Food allergy testing should be interpreted alongside the animal's clinical history. In many cases, an elimination diet trial remains the gold standard for diagnosing adverse food reactions.
Clinical Benefits
Allergy testing helps veterinarians:
- Identify potential allergy triggers
- Develop individualized allergy management plans
- Support allergen avoidance strategies
- Guide allergen-specific immunotherapy when appropriate
- Monitor patients with chronic allergic disease
Why Choose Vet Central Lab Philippines?
- Comprehensive environmental and food allergen panels
- Professional sample collection and processing
- Coordination with accredited reference laboratories when required
- Expert guidance on sample submission and result interpretation
- Support for veterinarians in managing allergic patients
At Vet Central Lab Philippines, Inc., we are committed to providing dependable allergy testing services that help veterinarians identify allergy triggers, improve diagnostic accuracy, and develop effective long-term treatment strategies for companion animals.