Bird Feather Allergy Test (Chicken, Duck, Goose, and Turkey Feather IgE Blood Test)
This blood test measures IgE antibodies in your blood that react to feathers from chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, helping your doctor find out whether your symptoms are caused by an allergy to bird feathers.
{"Measures IgE antibodies to chicken, duck, goose, and turkey feathers","Helps diagnose feather-related allergic rhinitis and asthma","Performed on a blood serum sample","Results indicate the level of allergic sensitization","Positive results suggest bird feather allergy but clinical correlation is needed"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61203-6
- Short code
- FTHR71-IgE
- Synonyms
- Epid Allerg Mix71 IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.35
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- multidisk
- CPT
- 86003 (Allergen specific IgE testing, each allergen) or 86005 (Multidisk testing, per panel)
- SNOMED
- 424150009 (Feather allergy test) or 236077009 (Specific IgE measurement)
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL of serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 40
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Bird Feather Allergy Test measures the level of IgE antibodies in your blood specifically against feathers from chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. This test uses a multidisk method to detect allergic sensitization to these bird feathers. IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody that plays a key role in allergic reactions. When you have an allergy, your immune system produces IgE antibodies specific to certain allergens, such as bird feathers.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed when you have symptoms that suggest an allergy to bird feathers, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, wheezing, or skin reactions. It is particularly useful for people who own birds, work with birds, or are exposed to feathers in their environment (e.g., pillows, comforters, or down jackets). The test helps your healthcare provider determine if your symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction to bird feathers.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The multidisk method allows simultaneous testing for multiple feather allergens. You do not need to fast or make any special preparations before this test.
Understanding your results
Results are typically reported as positive or negative for each feather type, or as a level of IgE antibodies. A positive result indicates that you have IgE antibodies specific to bird feathers, meaning you are sensitized to these allergens. However, a positive test alone does not confirm that you will experience symptoms when exposed to feathers. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results along with your medical history and symptoms.
Reference range
Specific IgE: <0.35 kU/L (Class 0 - Negative); 0.35-0.69 kU/L (Class 1 - Low); 0.70-3.49 kU/L (Class 2 - Moderate); 3.50-17.49 kU/L (Class 3 - High); 17.50-49.99 kU/L (Class 4 - Very High); 50.00-99.99 kU/L (Class 5 - Very High); ≥100 kU/L (Class 6 - Extremely High). Total IgE: Adults typically <100 kU/L, with age-specific reference rangesN/A
No special preparation required. Patient may continue antihistamine medications unless otherwise specified by ordering physician. Inform laboratory of current medications, especially antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants that may affect results
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is clinically significant for diagnosing allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and allergic conjunctivitis triggered by bird feather exposure. Positive results indicate that bird feathers are a potential trigger for your allergic symptoms. This information helps guide avoidance strategies and treatment options, including antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or allergen immunotherapy. The test is particularly valuable when skin prick testing is not feasible, such as in patients with severe eczema or those taking medications that interfere with skin testing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a positive result mean I am definitely allergic to feathers?
Can I have this test if I have severe eczema?
What should I do if I test positive for bird feather allergy?
Are there any risks to this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3LOINC - 61203-6Source
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy