Allergen, Parasite, Ascaris
Also known as: ASCARIS
Use
The Allergen, Parasite, Ascaris test quantifies allergen-specific IgE to Ascaris lumbricoides, commonly known as the roundworm. This test is used to aid in the diagnosis of allergic diseases and to help assess the risk of allergic reactions. It is particularly important in the evaluation of patients with a potential history of allergic responses to Ascaris, and may be useful in distinguishing allergic symptoms that could be confused with other parasitic infections. The correlation of allergy laboratory results with clinical history and in vivo reactivity to specific allergens is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Special Instructions
Multiple patient encounters should be avoided to ensure accurate results. Refer to the 'Allergen Specimen Collection Instructions' for specific details on handling and collecting specimens when multiple allergen tests are ordered. For accurate IgE measurement, serum should be separated from cells as soon as possible and no later than 2 hours after collection.
Limitations
Allergen results ranging from 0.10-0.34 kU/L are intended for specialist use as the clinical relevance is undetermined. IgE concentrations, even when elevated, may not directly correlate with the degree of clinical response or skin testing results when challenged with a specific allergen. This test does not rule out other causes of allergy or hypersensitivity, nor does a negative result exclude the possibility of clinical allergy or even anaphylaxis to Ascaris. Proper interpretation of results requires the integration of the patient's clinical history and potential in vivo reactivity.
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6022-8
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Serum separator tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated
Causes for Rejection
Hemolyzed, icteric, or lipemic specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year |
