Cocksfoot Allergy Test in Florida

What this test measures

Orchard grass, also called cocksfoot, is a cool-season grass grown for pasture and hay in many temperate regions. Like other grasses, it releases light pollen that can travel long distances in the air. People who are sensitive to it often notice sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy watery eyes, and sometimes coughing or wheezing during the grass pollen season.

The test measures allergen-specific IgE in serum with a laboratory immunoassay. A single blood draw is enough, and the laboratory reports the level of orchard grass-specific IgE along with a reactivity class. Because many grasses share similar allergens, results are usually reviewed together with other grass and pollen tests in the same panel.

A positive result indicates that the immune system has made antibodies against the pollen. It does not by itself confirm that symptoms are caused by this grass, since exposure and individual sensitivity vary. Clinicians combine the result with the person's history and examination to decide whether further evaluation or avoidance measures are appropriate.