Doctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Herb Pollen Panel (wx3)
The Herb Pollen Panel (wx3) screens for weed pollen sensitisation. Hormonal changes can influence allergy severity, and managing pollen allergy is important for women during pregnancy when medication options may be limited.
What It Measures
This panel measures specific IgE antibodies against a standardised mixture of weed and herb pollens. A positive result indicates sensitisation to at least one pollen type in the mix.
Why It Matters
Weed pollen allergy is often underdiagnosed because symptoms overlap with grass pollen allergy but occur later in the season. Identifying weed pollen as a trigger allows more targeted treatment and helps explain symptoms persisting into late summer and autumn.
When to Test
Consider this test if you experience hay fever symptoms in late summer or autumn (August–October), when weed pollens are most prevalent. This is also useful if grass pollen treatment alone does not fully control your seasonal symptoms.
Lifestyle Tips
During weed pollen season, follow similar strategies as for grass pollen: monitor pollen counts, limit outdoor time during peak hours, use air purifiers indoors, and rinse your nasal passages with saline. Antihistamines and nasal sprays help manage symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is weed pollen season?
Weed pollen season typically runs from late July through October in Europe, with peak levels in August and September. Mugwort and ragweed are the primary allergens.
Can I be allergic to both grass and weed pollens?
Yes, it is very common to be sensitised to multiple pollen types. This can extend your allergy season from spring through autumn.
Is ragweed a problem in Europe?
Ragweed is expanding across Europe and is now a significant allergen in many regions. Even small concentrations of ragweed pollen can trigger symptoms in sensitised individuals.