Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE Biomarker Testing
It measures IgE sensitization to chicken feather allergen (E85) to help assess allergy risk, with easy Quest-based ordering and PocketMD support.
With Vitals Vault, you have access to a comprehensive range of biomarker tests.
Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE is a blood test that looks for allergen-specific IgE antibodies to chicken feather proteins. In plain terms, it helps show whether your immune system is “sensitized” to chicken feathers.
This test is most useful when you have allergy-type symptoms and a realistic exposure, such as living with feather-filled bedding, working around poultry, or keeping birds. It can also help clarify whether a positive skin test or a vague symptom pattern is likely related to feathers.
A result does not diagnose an allergy by itself. The most helpful interpretation combines your number with your symptoms, timing, and exposure history, and sometimes with other allergy tests.
Do I need a Chicken Feathers E85 IgE test?
You may want this test if you get sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or watery eyes, cough, wheeze, or chest tightness that seems to flare in places where feathers are present. Common scenarios include feather pillows or comforters, down-filled jackets, bird cages, poultry barns, or frequent contact with birds.
Testing can also make sense if you have persistent “indoor allergy” symptoms and you are trying to narrow down triggers after basic steps (like dust control) have not helped. If you already know you react around birds or feather bedding, an E85 IgE result can support a more targeted avoidance plan.
You might not need this test if your symptoms are clearly seasonal (for example, only during spring pollen peaks) or if you have no meaningful feather exposure. In those cases, a broader inhalant allergy evaluation may be a better first step.
If you have had severe reactions, uncontrolled asthma, or symptoms like trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or throat, or fainting, treat that as urgent and work with a clinician. Lab testing is meant to support clinician-directed care and does not replace medical evaluation.
This is a CLIA laboratory blood test for allergen-specific IgE; results should be interpreted with your symptoms and exposure history, not used as a standalone diagnosis.
Lab testing
Order labs to measure Chicken Feathers (e85) IgE
from $29.49 at Quest Diagnostics
About 1 week
Schedule online — results typically within a week
Clear next steps
Guidance included, with follow-up care available
HSA / FSA
Eligible for pre-tax health spending accounts
Get this test with Vitals Vault
Vitals Vault lets you order Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE testing without needing a separate doctor visit just to obtain the lab. You complete checkout, visit a local Quest draw site, and your results are delivered to your dashboard.
If you are unsure how to act on the number, PocketMD can help you translate the result into next steps you can discuss with your clinician. That usually means confirming whether your exposure matches your symptoms, deciding whether additional allergen tests would add clarity, and planning when (or whether) to retest.
This is especially helpful when your symptoms could have multiple triggers, such as dust mites, animal dander, molds, or occupational exposures. Instead of guessing, you can build a more complete picture and track changes over time if your environment or treatment plan changes.
- Convenient blood draw through the Quest network
- Clear, plain-language result context with PocketMD
- Easy reordering if you need follow-up or companion testing
Key benefits of Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE testing
- Helps identify whether feather exposure is a plausible driver of your nasal or breathing symptoms.
- Distinguishes sensitization to chicken feathers from other common indoor triggers when symptoms overlap.
- Supports practical decisions about feather bedding, bird contact, and workplace exposure controls.
- Adds objective data when symptoms are intermittent or hard to reproduce during an office visit.
- Helps guide whether broader inhalant testing is worth doing next (instead of testing at random).
- Can be used to monitor patterns over time if your exposure changes or you start allergy treatment.
- Pairs well with PocketMD guidance so you can interpret the result in context and plan follow-up.
What is Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE?
Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE is an allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood test. IgE is the antibody class involved in immediate-type allergic reactions. When your immune system is sensitized to a specific allergen, it may produce IgE that recognizes that allergen.
In this case, the lab measures IgE that binds to chicken feather proteins (the E85 allergen). A higher level suggests stronger sensitization, but it does not automatically mean you will have symptoms every time you are exposed.
This test is different from total IgE, which measures your overall IgE level across all triggers. Allergen-specific IgE is more targeted and is usually interpreted alongside your history (what you were exposed to, when symptoms happen, and what improves them).
Sensitization vs. clinical allergy
A positive (elevated) E85 IgE means your immune system recognizes chicken feather proteins. Clinical allergy means that exposure reliably causes symptoms. You can have sensitization without noticeable symptoms, and you can have symptoms with a low result if another trigger is responsible.
Where feather exposure shows up in real life
Feather exposure can come from feather pillows, comforters, and upholstery, as well as bird cages, poultry handling, and environments with airborne feather dust. If your symptoms worsen in those settings and improve away from them, testing becomes more informative.
How this fits with other allergy testing
Blood IgE testing is often used when you cannot stop antihistamines for skin testing, when skin testing is not available, or when you want a focused answer about a specific exposure. Many people benefit from pairing a targeted test like E85 with a broader inhalant panel if the trigger is unclear.
What do my Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE results mean?
Low Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE
A low or negative result makes chicken feather sensitization less likely, especially if the test was done when you were having symptoms and you have meaningful exposure. If you still react in feather-rich environments, consider other triggers such as dust mites, molds, or animal dander, or discuss whether skin testing or broader IgE testing is appropriate. Rarely, timing, lab method differences, or a non–IgE-mediated reaction can contribute to symptoms despite a low result.
In-range / not elevated Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE
For allergen-specific IgE, “optimal” typically means not elevated. In that situation, feathers are less likely to be the main cause of your symptoms, and your next step is usually to look for a better match between exposures and symptoms. If your symptoms persist, a clinician may recommend testing for other inhalant allergens or evaluating non-allergic causes such as irritant rhinitis or reflux.
High Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE
An elevated result suggests sensitization to chicken feather allergen. The higher the value, the more likely it is that exposure could contribute to symptoms, but the number alone does not predict severity. The most useful next step is to compare the result to your real-world pattern: do symptoms flare with feather bedding, bird contact, or poultry environments, and improve when you avoid them? If yes, your clinician may discuss exposure reduction, treatment options, and whether additional allergen testing would help map your overall trigger profile.
Factors that influence Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE
Your result can be influenced by how much feather exposure you have, whether you have other allergic conditions (like allergic rhinitis, eczema, or asthma), and your overall atopic tendency. Cross-reactivity can occur when proteins from different sources look similar to the immune system, which is one reason symptoms and exposure history matter. Medications like antihistamines generally do not suppress blood IgE results the way they can affect skin testing, but immune-modulating therapies and timing of testing can still affect interpretation. Lab reference ranges and reporting units can vary, so compare results within the same lab when trending.
What’s included
- Chicken Feathers (E85) Ige
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE test detect?
It detects allergen-specific IgE antibodies that react to chicken feather proteins (E85). A higher result suggests sensitization, which may or may not translate into symptoms with exposure.
Do I need to fast for a chicken feather IgE blood test?
Fasting is not typically required for allergen-specific IgE testing. If you are combining this with other labs that require fasting, follow the instructions for the full set of tests you ordered.
Can antihistamines affect Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE results?
Antihistamines usually do not change blood IgE measurements, which is one reason blood testing can be useful when you cannot stop allergy medications. Skin testing is more likely to be affected by antihistamines.
If my E85 IgE is high, does that mean I’m allergic to eating chicken or eggs?
Not necessarily. This test is for sensitization to chicken feather allergen, which is typically an inhalant exposure. Food allergy to chicken meat or egg involves different allergens and requires separate evaluation and testing based on your symptoms.
What should I do if my result is positive but I don’t have symptoms?
A positive result without symptoms can happen and does not automatically require treatment. The practical approach is to note your exposures, watch for consistent symptom patterns, and discuss with a clinician whether any changes are needed—especially if you have asthma or frequent respiratory symptoms.
When should I retest Chicken Feathers (E85) IgE?
Retesting is most useful when something changes, such as moving away from feather bedding, starting allergy treatment, changing jobs, or developing new symptoms. Many people wait several months before retesting so there is enough time for exposure and immune patterns to shift.