1. Complete Blood Count (CBC):
- What it is: A CBC is a common blood test that evaluates the overall health of an individual and detects a variety of disorders, including infections, anemia, and many other conditions. It measures different components of your blood, such as:
- Red blood cells (RBCs)
- White blood cells (WBCs)
- Platelets
- Hemoglobin
- Hematocrit
- Relevance to Allergy Testing: The CBC can help identify if there is an increased number of white blood cells, especially eosinophils (a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions). An elevated white blood cell count, particularly eosinophils, can suggest an allergic condition or an inflammatory response.
2. Absolute Eosinophil Count:
- What it is: This test measures the number of eosinophils in your blood. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body’s immune response, particularly during allergic reactions and parasitic infections.
- Relevance to Allergy Testing: Elevated eosinophil counts are often associated with allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema. Eosinophils are involved in the inflammation and tissue damage that occurs during an allergic response. An increased count may suggest that the body is responding to an allergen or inflammation.
3. Total IgE (Immunoglobulin E):
- What it is: IgE is a type of antibody that the immune system produces in response to allergens (substances that trigger allergic reactions). A total IgE test measures the overall level of IgE in your blood.
- Relevance to Allergy Testing: Elevated IgE levels typically indicate an allergic response, as IgE antibodies bind to allergens and trigger the release of histamines and other chemicals that cause allergy symptoms (like itching, swelling, or breathing difficulties). High IgE levels can be linked to conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergies, or eczema. The higher the IgE level, the more likely the presence of allergies, although the test alone does not pinpoint which specific allergens are involved.
Summary of the Panel:
- The Complete Blood Count (CBC) provides a broad picture of general health and can hint at underlying allergic conditions by showing abnormalities in white blood cells, particularly eosinophils.
- The Absolute Eosinophil Count is a more focused test that directly relates to allergies and can indicate if the body is undergoing an allergic response or inflammation.
- The Total IgE level provides specific insight into the immune system’s response to allergens, indicating whether there is an allergic condition present.