Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE Biomarker Testing
It measures IgE antibodies to swine epithelia to support allergy evaluation, with convenient ordering and Quest lab access through Vitals Vault.
With Vitals Vault, you have access to a comprehensive range of biomarker tests.
Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE is a blood test that looks for allergy-type antibodies (immunoglobulin E, or IgE) directed at proteins from pig skin/hair/dander (“epithelia”). It is used when you and your clinician are trying to connect symptoms with exposure to pigs or pig environments.
This test does not diagnose an allergy by itself. It helps estimate whether your immune system is sensitized to swine epithelia, and it is most useful when interpreted alongside your history, timing of symptoms, and sometimes additional allergy testing.
Do I need a Swine Epithelia E83 IgE test?
You might consider this test if you get predictable allergy symptoms after being around pigs or pig barns, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath. It can also be relevant if you work in settings with pig exposure (farms, veterinary work, animal research facilities, meat processing) and you are trying to understand whether symptoms are allergic versus irritant-related.
This test can also be a reasonable next step when you have ongoing rhinitis or asthma symptoms and you are building a targeted list of possible triggers. If you already know you react to multiple animal danders, checking swine epithelia can help clarify whether pig exposure is part of the pattern.
You may not need this test if you have never been around pigs and your symptoms are clearly seasonal, viral, or explained by another confirmed trigger. If you have had severe reactions (trouble breathing, fainting, swelling of the throat, or anaphylaxis), seek urgent medical care and use testing as part of clinician-directed follow-up rather than self-diagnosis.
This is a laboratory-developed, CLIA-validated allergen-specific IgE immunoassay; results support clinical evaluation but do not confirm allergy severity or predict reaction risk on their own.
Lab testing
Order Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE and schedule your Quest blood draw.
Schedule online, results typically within about a week
Clear reporting and optional clinician context
HSA/FSA eligible where applicable
Get this test with Vitals Vault
If you are trying to connect symptoms with real-world exposures, ordering Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE can be a practical, focused starting point. Vitals Vault lets you order the lab test directly and complete your blood draw through the Quest network.
Once your result is back, PocketMD can help you translate it into next steps you can discuss with your clinician—such as whether to test related animal or environmental allergens, how to think about exposure reduction, and when a repeat test might add value.
If your symptoms are broader than one exposure, you can also use Vitals Vault to expand into a more comprehensive allergy strategy over time rather than guessing based on symptoms alone.
- Order online and draw at Quest locations
- PocketMD guidance for interpreting results in context
- Easy re-ordering for follow-up or companion testing
Key benefits of Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE testing
- Helps identify whether pig dander/epithelia is a plausible trigger for your nasal or asthma symptoms.
- Supports safer work and home exposure planning when you are around pigs regularly.
- Clarifies whether symptoms after barn exposure are more consistent with allergy sensitization versus non-allergic irritation.
- Guides which additional allergen IgE tests to add (other animals, mites, molds) instead of ordering broad panels blindly.
- Provides a baseline you can trend if you change exposure, start allergy treatment, or change your environment.
- Helps your clinician interpret mixed symptoms when multiple triggers are possible (pets, dust mites, occupational exposures).
- Pairs well with PocketMD to turn a numeric IgE result into a practical follow-up plan.
What is Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE?
Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE in your blood that binds to proteins from swine epithelia. “Epithelia” in this context refers to material shed from the animal’s skin and hair (similar to “dander”), which can become airborne and inhaled.
IgE is the antibody class involved in immediate-type allergic reactions. If you are sensitized, exposure can trigger immune cells to release histamine and other mediators, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, cough, or wheezing.
A positive result indicates sensitization, not necessarily clinical allergy. Some people have measurable IgE without symptoms, while others have symptoms triggered by exposure even with a low-positive result. Your symptom timing, exposure intensity, and coexisting conditions (like asthma) strongly influence what the number means for you.
How exposure typically happens
Swine epithelia allergens are most often inhaled in barns, pens, transport areas, or other enclosed spaces where animal material accumulates. Symptoms can be immediate during exposure or show up later the same day, especially if you have asthma or chronic rhinitis.
How this differs from “pork allergy”
This test is about airborne exposure to pig epithelia/dander, not necessarily a food reaction to eating pork. Food allergy evaluation usually focuses on pork meat proteins and your reaction history after ingestion. If your symptoms occur after eating pork, discuss food-specific testing and supervised evaluation with your clinician.
What do my Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE results mean?
Low or undetectable Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE
A low (often reported as negative or below the lab’s detection threshold) result makes IgE-mediated sensitization to swine epithelia less likely. It does not completely rule out symptoms from pig exposure, because irritation from dust, ammonia, endotoxin, or other barn exposures can mimic allergies. If your symptoms are strong and consistent, your clinician may still consider broader testing (other animal danders, dust mites, molds) or pulmonary evaluation.
In-range / negative result (when symptoms are mild or unclear)
For allergen-specific IgE tests, “optimal” usually means negative or very low, especially if you do not have clear exposure-linked symptoms. In that situation, it is reasonable to focus on other common triggers and on symptom-directed care. If you are monitoring over time, staying negative can support the idea that pig exposure is not a major driver for you.
Elevated Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE
An elevated result suggests your immune system is sensitized to swine epithelia, which increases the likelihood that pig exposure can contribute to your symptoms. The number does not perfectly predict how severe your reactions will be, but higher classes/levels often correlate with a higher chance of clinical reactivity. If you have asthma, an elevated result is a prompt to review exposure controls and ensure your asthma plan is up to date with your clinician.
Factors that influence Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE
Your recent and long-term exposure matters: frequent barn exposure can increase sensitization over time, while reduced exposure may lower levels gradually. Having other allergies (atopy), eczema, allergic rhinitis, or asthma can make positive results more likely and symptoms more noticeable. Cross-reactivity can also play a role, meaning IgE may bind to similar proteins from other animals, which is why comparing results across related allergens can be helpful. Medications like antihistamines generally do not suppress blood IgE results, but immune-modifying therapies and major health changes can affect your overall allergic profile.
What’s included
- Swine Epithelia (E83) Ige
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE test measure?
It measures allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your blood that bind to proteins from swine epithelia (pig dander/skin/hair material). A positive result suggests sensitization, which may or may not match your real-world symptoms.
Do I need to fast before a swine epithelia IgE blood test?
Fasting is not usually required for allergen-specific IgE testing. If you are combining this test with other labs that do require fasting, follow the instructions for the full set of tests you ordered.
Can antihistamines affect my E83 IgE result?
Antihistamines typically do not change blood IgE levels, so they usually do not affect this result. They can affect skin-prick testing, which is a different type of allergy test.
Is a positive swine epithelia IgE the same as a pork food allergy?
Not necessarily. This test focuses on sensitization to airborne pig epithelia/dander exposure. If you react after eating pork, you should discuss food-allergy evaluation with your clinician, which may involve different tests and clinical assessment.
What if my result is negative but I still feel sick around pigs?
A negative result makes IgE-mediated allergy less likely, but pig environments can cause symptoms through non-allergic pathways such as irritant dust, ammonia, or other inhaled particles. Your clinician may recommend testing for other allergens (dust mites, molds, other animals) or evaluating asthma, chronic sinus issues, or vocal cord dysfunction depending on your symptoms.
When should I retest Swine Epithelia (E83) IgE?
Retesting is most useful when something meaningful changes, such as starting or stopping regular pig exposure, changing job duties, or after a sustained period of symptom improvement or worsening. Many clinicians consider intervals like 6–12 months for trend monitoring, but your situation and exposure pattern should guide timing.
What other tests are commonly ordered with swine epithelia IgE?
Common companions include other animal dander IgE tests, dust mite IgE tests, and sometimes broader respiratory allergen profiles depending on your exposures. If you have wheeze or shortness of breath, spirometry or other asthma evaluation may also be appropriate through your clinician.