Giant Ragweed, IgE, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC28925Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID GRWCPT Code 86003

Giant Ragweed, IgE, Serum

Clinical Use

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

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

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.

Test Details

FDA Approved