Mountain Cedar Allergy Blood Test

This test is used to measure a person's allergic reaction to Mountain Cedar.  Mountain Cedar is a common name for Ashe Juniper, a type of tree native to central Texas.  Mountain Cedars are known for producing large amounts of yellow pollen that is released in December and January.  "Cedar Fever" is an allergic reaction that affects many people in areas where Mountain Cedars are prevalent.  Common symptoms include red eyes, runny nose, itching, sneezing, fatigue, and sore throat.  The severity of the symptoms will depend on how strong of a reaction a person has to the pollen.

Allergies are caused by a reaction in the body's immune system.  The body identifies certain substances as harmful and produces IgE antibodies against them.  These antibodies trigger the release of histamine which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.  The severity of the allergy will vary from one person to the next.  Blood allergy testing provides numerical results for IgE antibody levels to help determine how severe a reaction a person will have.  Positive allergy test results should be discussed with a person's doctor to determine the appropriate follow-up.  

Regional allergy panels that test for a variety of respiratory allergens including Mountain Cedar which are common in various parts of the US are also available.  Please see our Allergy Testing Category for more options. 

Results for this test typically take 3-5 business days.