Egg White, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to egg white. It helps define the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms and identifies allergens responsible for allergic responses and/or anaphylactic episodes. The test 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. However, it is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy or in those whose medical management does not depend upon the identification of allergen specificity.
Special Instructions
For a 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' form (T236) with the specimen.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies may not be indicative in all cases, as false-positive results can occur in patients with elevated serum IgE levels (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding. The detection of IgE antibodies is not useful in determining residual clinical sensitivity after immunotherapy or in directing medical management that does not rely on allergen specificity.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6106-9
- 6106-9
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 for 1 allergen or (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
None specified for gross hemolysis or lipemia.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |