Crab, IgE, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC50225Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID CRABCPT Code 86003

Clinical Use

Use

The test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to crab, defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms, and identifying allergens responsible for allergic response and/or anaphylactic episodes. It is also used to confirm sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy and to investigate the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. Detection of IgE antibodies in serum (class 1 or greater) indicates an increased likelihood of allergic disease as opposed to other etiologies and defines the allergens that may be responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms.

Special Instructions

For a listing of allergens available for testing, see the provided Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies PDF. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen. Gross hemolysis and lipemia do not affect specimen suitability.

Limitations

Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists or in patients in whom medical management does not depend upon identification of allergen specificity. 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.

Test Details

FDA Approved