Hamster Epithelium, IgE, Serum
Use
The test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to hamster epithelium. It helps define the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms and confirms sensitization prior to immunotherapy. Additionally, it can be used to investigate the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. However, testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists, or in patients whose medical management does not depend upon identification of allergen specificity.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen. A listing of allergens available for testing can be found in the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies document.
Limitations
Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum. False-positive results for IgE antibodies may occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases. The medical management of patients may not depend on the identification of allergen specificity.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6135-8
- 6135-8
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.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated is preferred, Frozen is acceptable
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |