Blue Mussel, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is used for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to blue mussel and defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It is useful for identifying allergens responsible for allergic responses or anaphylactic episodes, confirming sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy, and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens.
Special Instructions
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists or in cases where medical management does not depend on allergen identification. If not ordering electronically, complete and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen.
Limitations
Some individuals may exhibit clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens yet have measurable IgE levels in serum, requiring clinical context for interpretation. False positives may occur in patients with extremely high serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to non-specific binding to allergen solid phases.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6048-3
- 6048-3
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
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top; Submission: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis: OK; Gross lipemia: OK
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |