Horsefly/Stablefly, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to horsefly or stablefly and for defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It helps identify allergens that are responsible for allergic responses and/or anaphylactic episodes. The test can confirm sensitization prior to starting immunotherapy and can also be used to investigate the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. The in vitro serum testing for IgE antibodies provides an indication of the immune response to allergens that may be associated with allergic disease.
Special Instructions
For a listing of allergens available for testing, see the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies PDF. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists, nor in patients whose medical management does not depend on identifying allergen specificity. Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity may still have measurable levels of IgE antibodies. False-positives may occur in patients with very high IgE levels (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6144-0
- 6144-0
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
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 and lipemia are okay for testing.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |