Trees, Grasses, Weeds

This includes a variety of tree pollens, grasses, and weeds commonly found in Coastal BC (i.e. Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island, etc.).

Pollen season runs from February to November with the main culprits being Alder, Birch, and Ragweed.

Felis Catus

Cat allergies are approximately twice as prevalent as dog allergies. While this test gauges sensitivity to cat dander specifically, it's important to note that allergies can also be triggered by cat urine or saliva.

Pet allergens are ubiquitous and can be found even in households without cats, as these allergens easily spread. Once airborne, allergen particles can linger in the air for extended periods. Managing pet allergens proves challenging, as their hair and dander can accumulate on furniture, clothing, and other confined spaces in your home. Despite common belief, studies indicate that cats cannot be entirely hypoallergenic, as all cats produce allergens. While so-called hypoallergenic cats may cause fewer allergy symptoms, the allergens still persist in their dead skin (dander).

It's important to note that this test does not differentiate between different cat species but provides insights into your overall reactivity level to cat dander.

Canis familiaris

While this test measures your reactivity to dog dander, it's important to recognize that allergies can also be triggered by dog urine or saliva.

Pet allergens are pervasive, extending beyond households with dogs due to their ease of dispersion. Once airborne, these allergen particles can linger in the air for extended periods, making the management of pet allergens challenging. Accumulation of dog hair and dander on furniture, clothing, and various surfaces in your home further adds to the difficulty.

Contrary to popular belief, studies indicate that dogs cannot be genuinely hypoallergenic because all dogs produce allergens. Though so-called hypoallergenic dogs may elicit fewer allergy symptoms, the allergens persist in their dead skin (dander).

It's essential to note that this test doesn't differentiate between different dog species but provides an assessment of your overall reactivity to dog dander.

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

Dermatophagoides farinae

This tests for the two most common species of dust mites; Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Dermatophagoides farinae.

These two species are closely related, so if you exhibit reactivity to one but not the other, it's advisable to approach subsequent steps in the same manner.

Flourishing in warm, humid environments, dust mites are commonly found in bedrooms, particularly in mattresses, where they spend a significant portion of their lives. Nevertheless, they also live in carpets and couches.

As microscopic organisms invisible to the naked eye, dust mites can be mitigated by frequent vacuuming and regular changing of sheets and bedding to minimize exposure.

Aspergillus fumigatus

Penicillium notatum

Aureobasidium pullulans

Alternaria alternata

This tests for four of the most common species of Mould; Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium notatum, Aureobasidium pullulans, and Alternaria alternata.

Aspergillus fumigatus, a prevalent mould or fungus, is present in both indoor and outdoor environments. While the majority of individuals do not experience health issues from inhaling its spores, it can pose risks for those with compromised immune systems. Managing mould exposure involves maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels to prevent its proliferation and promptly removing items containing mould.

Penicillium notatum, also identified as Penicillium chrysogenum, is among the most prevalent moulds or fungi known to trigger allergies. Predominantly present indoors, it flourishes in damp environments and is commonly detected on walls, upholstered furniture, carpets, and various flooring. Despite being the source of the antibiotic penicillin, reactivity to this mould should not be confused with an allergy to antibiotics within the penicillin drug group. When aiming to minimize mould exposure, it's crucial to regulate temperatures and humidity to hinder mould growth and promptly eliminate items harbouring mould.

Aureobasidium pullulans is a widely distributed, yeast-like fungus prevalent in various settings such as soil, water, air, and limestone. This adaptable fungus can thrive in diverse conditions, ranging from extreme heat or cold to highly acidic environments and water with elevated salt concentrations. Managing exposure involves regulating heat and humidity, up-keeping cleanliness, and promptly eliminating items containing mould.