Positive result on Cat RAST test... Question about how to read results ? - Allergies Message Board

Kahhli · 08-03-2007, 01:53 PM

Hi

I have a 12 yr old son who has been struggling with Asthma since he was about 8 yrs old.

It started off mild but now has become a more moderate problem and is really starting to affect him on a weekly sometimes daily basis.

We have a Cat and she has been living here for 6 years.

Since the Cat was here before the Asthma attacks started I didn't really attribute the Asthma to the Cat.

Last week we started some allergy testing.
They did bloodwork and tested for "common" allergies such as Cat, Dog, Trees, Molds, etc.

Today the Doc's office called me back and the nurse was told to give me a message from the Family Doc that the "Cat is the culprit".

He was unavailable to talk too so I could not go over the rest of the results or get a better idea of how severe the allergy to the Cat is.

We have an appointment with a Pulmonologist and an Allergist in Sept and Oct but for right now the Family Doc has started the RAST testing.

How accurate is the allergy testing when its done this way ?

Next week when I am actually able to see the results what should I be looking for on the paper to show me which results are severe ?

Having the Cat removed from the house is a no brainer.
My sister will pick her up tonight and take her to her home.

Any suggestions to help remove any leftover Cat dander the vacum may not pick up ?

Thanks all

ChristineVA · 08-05-2007, 06:08 AM

On a RAST test (which my son just had by the way) a 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = severe. However, from what I've been told this is only an indicator of the likelihood of how you will react.

For instance, my son scored a 3 on shellfish but when he tasted crab, he barely has a reaction. He scored a 2 on peanut but if he tastes peanut he has a MAJOR reaction. So, it's hard to say.

As for removing the cat dander, you should changed all the filters in your home for your HVAC system, consider getting your ductwork cleaned out (if you have duct work), shampoo your carpet with a truck mounted systems (these have major suction). Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a true HEPA filtrations system.