AllerSpot® DC72 Dog & Cat Allergen Test Services

Product Introduction

EBS AllerSpot® DC72 Dog & Cat Allergen Test is a serum-based testing service specifically designed for local companion animals. Using microarray fluorescence immunoassay technology, the test analyzes 72 specific IgE allergens from approximately 1 mL of blood, including 29 environmental allergens and 43 food allergens

This test is suitable for dogs and cats with chronic itching, dermatitis, ear inflammation, or digestive discomfort that require further evaluation of possible allergy-related factors after veterinary assessment. The results may help veterinarians and pet owners identify potential sources of immune reactivity as part of ongoing evaluation, dietary adjustment, environmental management, and long-term care planning.

What Is AllerSpot® DC72？

AllerSpot® DC72 is a dog and cat Allergen Test service independently developed by EBS based on the common environmental exposures and dietary patterns of companion animals in Taiwan. The core technology is based on Microarray Fluorescence Immunoassay, allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple IgE reactions on a single microarray chip as a reference tool for allergy evaluation in dogs and cats.

The test covers 72 common environmental and food allergens, including dust mites, molds, pollens, insects, dander, meats, seafood, grains, eggs, and dairy products that dogs and cats in Taiwan are commonly exposed to in daily life. The results may help veterinarians and pet owners more systematically identify potential reaction factors

AllerSpot® DC72 Dog & Cat Allergen Test Panel

AllerSpot® DC72 tests allergen-specific IgE responses to 72 allergens, including 29 environmental allergens and 43 food allergens.

29 Environmental Allergens

Mites	Tropicalis mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Acarus siro
Molds / Microorganisms	Cladosporium herbarum, Candida albicans, Alternaria alternata, Staphylococcus aureus, Malassezia pachydermatis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium spp.
Insects / Arachnids	Moth, tick, mosquito, flea, cockroach
Pollens	Eucalyptus, Kentucky bluegrass, prickly amaranth, dock, ragweed, acacia, Bermuda grass, paper mulberry
Dander	Bird feathers, cattle dander, sheep wool dander, cat hair / dog hair

43 Food Allergens

Dairy & Eggs Cheese, egg white, egg yolk, milk
Yeasts Brewer’s yeast, baker’s yeast
Meats Duck / duck liver, lamb, beef, chicken / chicken liver, turkey, pork
Seafood Crab, shrimp, mackerel, sardine, anchovy, cod, salmon, tuna
Fruits & Vegetables Carrot, potato, corn, sweet potato, pumpkin, broccoli, cabbage, snow pea, tomato, kelp
Grains & Nuts Soybean, peanut, wheat, rice
Others Flaxseed

Microarray Fluorescence Immunoassay Platform

AllerSpot® DC72 uses Microarray Fluorescence Immunoassay technology to simultaneously analyze multiple IgE reactions on a single microarray chip. Different allergens are immobilized at specific positions on the chip, allowing allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the sample to react with their corresponding allergens, followed by fluorescence-based signal detection and quantification.
Compared with traditional methods that analyze only one or a limited number of allergens at a time, microarray technology enables multiple allergen reactions to be evaluated simultaneously on a single chip. This improves testing efficiency and provides a more comprehensive overview of IgE allergen reactivity patterns as a reference for veterinary clinical evaluation, dietary planning, and long-term management.

Technical Principle of Operation

Microarray Fluorescence Immunoassay technology mainly involves the following steps:

Allergens extract dotted on the microarray slide
Different allergens are fixed as individual microarray probes, allowing multiple IgE reactions to be analyzed simultaneously on a single chip.
Specific antigen–antibody binding
The sample is applied to the microarray chip, where allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the sample bind to their corresponding allergens.
Fluorescence signal detection
A highly sensitive fluorescence detection system is used to quantify IgE reaction intensity, providing reference information for sensitization patterns and further clinical evaluation.

Features and Advantages of Microarray Technology

Lower sample volume requirement:
Only 1 mL of whole blood or 0.5 mL of serum is required to complete analysis of 72 allergens, making the test more suitable for small- and medium-sized dogs and cats.
High-throughput and high-efficiency analysis:
By concentrating traditional ELISA-based reactions into a compact microarray format, multiple target allergens can be analyzed simultaneously on a single chip, improving overall testing efficiency.
High fluorescence signal sensitivity:
Compared with colorimetric detection methods, fluorescence-based signals may help detect lower concentrations of IgE antibodies, improving overall analytical sensitivity and signal detection capability.
Simultaneous multi-allergen analysis:
Multiple allergen targets can be evaluated in a single run, improving consistency across different test results and overall interpretation.
Locally adapted allergen panel design:
EBS designed the allergen panel according to the common environmental exposures and dietary patterns of dogs and cats in Taiwan, helping reduce the gap between imported allergen libraries and local companion animal lifestyles.

Key Features of the Testing Technology

Low-Volume Detection Technology

AllerSpot® DC72 is designed for small- and medium-sized dogs and cats, requiring only a small blood sample to analyze multiple allergens. This helps reduce the burden of blood collection while providing greater flexibility for clinical testing.

High-Sensitivity Fluorescence Immunoassay

Using fluorescence immunoassay technology, the system helps detect low-level IgE signals and serves as an important reference for veterinarians when interpreting allergen-specific IgE reactions in dogs and cats.

Locally Adapted Allergen Library

The allergen panel was designed according to the common environmental exposures and dietary patterns of dogs and cats in Taiwan, covering environmental and food allergens that pets are more likely to encounter in daily life. This helps provide testing content that is better suited to local companion animal lifestyles and living conditions.

Sample Submission & Specimen Storage

AllerSpot® DC72 is a serological testing service. Sample collection and submission should be performed by veterinary clinics according to submission guidelines and the pet’s individual condition.

Collect at least 1 mL of whole blood or 0.5 mL of serum.
Whole blood should be collected in a yellow-top clot activator tube and refrigerated. Alternatively, serum may be separated by centrifugation and stored in an Eppendorf tube.
Whole blood must not be frozen. Serum samples may be refrigerated or frozen.
Sample conditions such as hemolysis, jaundice, or lipemia may affect result interpretation.
Complete the submission form and send the sample according to clinic instructions.
After receiving the specimen, EBS will generally return the test report to the veterinary clinic or designated email address within approximately 5 working days.

Before Testing

IgE as the Primary Evaluation Marker

AllerSpot® DC72 primarily detects allergen-specific IgE antibodies, which are associated with acute allergic immune reactions. The test results may help identify IgE reactivity patterns to different environmental and food allergens as a reference for veterinary evaluation and ongoing management.

Timing of Blood Collection

Testing is generally recommended during periods when symptoms are active and after veterinarians determine that blood collection is appropriate. When symptoms are more pronounced, allergen-specific IgE signals in the blood may also be more detectable. Pet owners may discuss suitable testing timing with their veterinarian.

If the pet is currently receiving anti-allergy medications, corticosteroids, or other drugs that may affect immune responses, blood collection timing and possible medication withdrawal schedules should first be discussed with the veterinarian.

Medication Withdrawal Considerations

Recent use of medications that may affect immune responses could influence allergen-specific IgE signals. Suggested withdrawal periods are as follows:

Short-acting corticosteroids: discontinue for 1–2 weeks
Intermediate- or long-acting corticosteroids: discontinue for 3–4 weeks
Other medications such as Cyclosporine, Apoquel, Cytopoint, topical medications, or antihistamines: withdrawal is generally not required

Actual medication withdrawal decisions and timing should always be determined by veterinarians based on the pet’s medication history, symptom control needs, and clinical judgment. If there is uncertainty regarding medication withdrawal, veterinary clinics may contact EBS for further confirmation.

Serum Sample Quality

Sample quality may affect test results and interpretation. Conditions such as hemolysis, lipemia, or jaundice may interfere with the analysis, and veterinarians or veterinary clinics should evaluate whether the sample is suitable for testing before submission.

Post-Test Management Strategies

After identifying potential allergens, the next step is to combine the test results with the pet’s actual clinical signs, diet, living environment, and veterinary interpretation in order to develop an appropriate long-term management plan.

Dietary Management

Based on the test results and veterinary recommendations, high-risk foods may be avoided, and elimination diet trials may be considered when necessary. If certain food items show elevated reactivity signals, these results may serve as references when designing dietary elimination plans, but they should still be interpreted together with the pet’s actual symptoms and veterinary evaluation.

Environmental Management

Increasing household cleaning frequency, regularly washing bedding, blankets, and sleeping areas, and incorporating air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and environmental cleaning may help reduce exposure to environmental allergens such as dust mites, molds, pollens, dander, and insects.

Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy

If environmental allergens appear to be strongly associated with clinical symptoms, veterinarians may evaluate whether allergen-specific immunotherapy targeting environmental allergens is appropriate.

Regular Follow-Up

If there are significant changes in symptoms, environment, diet, or seasonal conditions, pet owners may discuss with their veterinarian whether further evaluation, management adjustments, or retesting should be considered.

Test results should be interpreted by a veterinarian.

Dog and cat Allergen Tests are one of the tools used to help identify potential reaction factors and should not be used alone as the sole basis for diagnosis or treatment. Test results should be interpreted together with the pet’s clinical signs, medical history, diet, environmental exposure, and veterinary evaluation to determine appropriate management strategies.

If your pet experiences recurrent itching, ear inflammation, skin problems, or digestive discomfort, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to determine suitable testing, dietary management, environmental adjustments, or treatment options based on the individual condition.