Cotton Allergy Blood Test

This test measures a person's allergic reaction to cotton.  Cotton is a fiber that is made from the cotton plant.  Cottom is used in the production of a variety of clothes and other textile products.  People with cotton allergies will likely need to avoid clothes and linens which are made in part or in whole from cotton.

Cotton allergies often cause itching, rash, or hives when the skin comes into contact with cotton fibers.  Depending on how strong a person's allergy is, these reactions can range from mild to severe.  Additional symptoms including watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing can occur.

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.

This test is typically ordered when someone experiences allergy symptoms after being exposed to cotton.  For more options, please see our allergy testing category.

Turnaround for this test is typically 2-5 business days