Box Elder/Maple, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is used for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to box elder/maple. It helps in defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It identifies allergens responsible for allergic responses and/or anaphylactic episodes, confirming sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy, and investigates the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. However, testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in previously immunotherapy-treated patients to determine residual clinical sensitivity or in cases where allergen specificity does not affect medical management decisions.
Special Instructions
For a full listing of allergens available for testing, refer to the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies PDF. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen.
Limitations
Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies, thus false-positive results may occur. These results must be interpreted in context. High serum IgE levels (>2500 kU/L) may lead to non-specific bindings causing false-positives. Testing is not useful for identifying residual sensitivity post-immunotherapy or in non-specific management where allergen identification is unnecessary.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 7155-5
- 7155-5
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; (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL deadspace for more than 1 allergen
Container
Serum gel preferred; Red top acceptable; submit in a plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days, Frozen: 90 days
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis or lipemia are acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |