Date, Fruit, IgE, Serum
Use
The test is useful for establishing the diagnosis of an allergy to dates, defined as a fruit allergen. It is also essential for identifying the specific allergens responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms of allergic responses, including anaphylactic episodes. This test helps confirm sensitization before beginning immunotherapy and investigates allergen specificity for insect venom, drugs, or chemicals. Testing for IgE antibodies is integral in assessing an immune response to various allergens, indicative of allergic disease.
Special Instructions
For a list of allergens available for testing, refer to Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies documentation. If not ordering electronically, complete and send an Allergen Test Request form with the specimen. This test requires specific collection instructions, including using a serum gel or red top tube, centrifugation, and aliquoting serum into a plastic vial.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists. It is also not advisable for patients whose medical management does not depend on identifying allergen specificity. Some individuals may have measurable IgE levels to allergens despite clinically insignificant sensitivity, and results should be interpreted with a clinical context. False positives might occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE levels (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding. The test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA, although its performance characteristics were determined consistent with CLIA requirements.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 7275-1
- 31002-9
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
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |