Introducing the PAX Pet Allergy Test

October 2024
Ampath | ampath.co.za

Overview

Diagnosing a pet allergy begins with:

1. A thorough clinical history
2. Physical examination
3. Followed by diagnostic IgE testing, to differentiate from similar conditions

Understanding IgE Testing

There are two key types of laboratory IgE tests:

✅ Whole Allergen Extract Testing

• Measures IgE response to the entire allergen

✅ Molecular Component Testing

• Measures IgE response to the specific protein(s) causing the reaction
• More specific, reducing false positives
• Ideal for identifying clinically relevant allergens in pets with cross-reactive IgE

Introducing the PAX Pet Allergy Test

The PAX test is the first quantitative multiplex molecular component IgE assay specifically developed for:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Horses

Key Features:

• Detects IgE sensitisation to 200+ allergen extracts and molecular components
• Offers a cost-effective view of sensitisation patterns
• Especially useful in pets with cross-reactive antibodies (minimises irrelevant positive results)

Allergen Groups Tested with PAX

✅ Inhalants

• Pollens (grasses, trees, weeds)
• Dander (cattle, dogs, horses, cats, mice, rabbits)
• House dust mites and storage mites
• Moulds and yeast
• Cockroach and flea allergens

✅ Food Allergens

Plant-Based:

• Legumes: peanut, soy, lentil, peas
• Fruits and vegetables: apple, carrot, tomato
• Cereals and seeds: oats, wheat, corn, rice, sunflower seed, linseed

Animal-Based:

• Cow’s milk
• Hen’s egg
• Meats: beef, turkey, chicken, rabbit, lamb, pork

Seafood:

• Cod, salmon, tuna, mackerel

Edible Insects:

• Mealworms

✅ Insect Venoms

• Ant
• Honey bee
• Wasp

✅ Other Environmental Allergens

• Midges and flies: deer fly, stable fly, horse fly
• Latex
• Roundworm

✅ Cross-Reactive Molecular Components

• CCD (cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants)
• PR-10
• Profilin
• Lipid transfer protein (LTP)
• Storage proteins
• Parvalbumin
• Tropomyosin
• Lipocalins

Result Interpretation

• Each test includes a personalised, easy-to-understand report
• Displays the pet’s individual allergy profile
• Includes relevant clinical insights to support diagnosis and treatment planning

Conclusion

The PAX pet allergy test enables:

• Accurate diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergies
• Better risk assessment
• Tailored strategies for:
  • Allergen avoidance
  • Medical therapy
  • Immunotherapy

Helping improve symptom control and quality of life for dogs, cats, and horses.

📞 For more info, contact the NRL Immunology Laboratory:
Tel: 012 678 0613 / 0614