Mace, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing the diagnosis of an allergy to mace and defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It helps identify allergens responsible for allergic response or anaphylactic episodes and confirms sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy. It is also used to investigate 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 refer to the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies guide. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request form (T236) with the specimen.
Limitations
Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may still have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in their serum. Therefore, test results must be interpreted within the clinical context. False-positive results for IgE antibodies can occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 15280-1
- 15280-1
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
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia OK, Gross hemolysis OK
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |