Western Ragweed, W2

Western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) is a highly allergenic plant that can cause sensitization in individuals predisposed to hay fever. Its pollen may trigger runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, itching in the eyes and nose, and in predisposed patients, bronchial asthma. The W2 allergen is used in clinical and laboratory diagnostics to detect sensitization to ragweed pollen.

Indications

• Suspected allergic reaction to ragweed pollen
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Bronchial asthma associated with hay fever
• Need to precisely determine the cause of allergic symptoms

Procedure

• The allergen is used for skin tests (prick test) or laboratory IgE analysis
• The test is performed in a clinic under the supervision of an allergist
• Results help determine the level of sensitization and guide preventive and therapeutic measures