Giant Ragweed, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to giant ragweed and defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It is also used for identifying allergens responsible for allergic response and/or anaphylactic episodes, confirming sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy, and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. 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 the medical management does not depend upon identification of allergen specificity.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum; test results must be interpreted in the clinical context. False-positive results for IgE antibodies may occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding. Testing is not useful in patients on immunotherapy to determine if residual sensitivity exists.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
IgE
Protein
LOINC Codes
- 6124-2 - Giant Ragweed IgE Qn
- 6124-2 - Giant Ragweed IgE Qn
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
For 1 allergen: 0.3 mL; For more than 1 allergen: (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL deadspace
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top; Submission: 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 |