Bald Cypress, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing the diagnosis of an allergy to bald cypress and defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It assists in identifying allergens responsible for allergic response and/or anaphylactic episodes. Additionally, it can confirm sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy and investigate the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. Testing for IgE antibodies provides an indication of the immune response to allergens that may be associated with allergic disease.
Special Instructions
The test is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists or when medical management does not depend on the identification of allergen specificity.
Limitations
Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum. Test results must be interpreted in the clinical context. False-positive results for IgE antibodies may occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases. Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients who have been previously treated with immunotherapy if the purpose is to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 7272-8
- 7272-8
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL for every 5 allergens requested
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL for 1 allergen; More than 1 allergen: (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL dead space
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top; Submission: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia: OK; Gross hemolysis: OK
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |