Curvularia lunata, IgE, Serum
Use
The Curvularia lunata IgE test is primarily used to establish a diagnosis of an allergy to the fungus Curvularia lunata. It aims to identify the specific allergen responsible for allergic responses and symptoms, including anaphylactic episodes. This test is crucial for confirming sensitization before starting immunotherapy and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to various allergens. It is not recommended for patients previously treated with immunotherapy as it does not assist in determining residual clinical sensitivity.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, it is important to complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (Form T236) with the specimen. The collection container preferences are serum gel as preferred and red top as acceptable. After collection, the serum should be centrifuged and aliquoted into a plastic vial for submission.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to assess existing clinical sensitivity, or in those whose medical management does not require allergen specificity. Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivities may still present measurable IgE levels, and false positives are possible in cases of significantly elevated serum IgE due to nonspecific binding. The results must be interpreted in the clinical context.
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6094-7
- 6094-7
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
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 |
