Malt, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of allergy to malt and defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It aids in identifying allergens responsible for allergic responses or anaphylactic episodes and confirms sensitization before starting immunotherapy. It is also used to investigate the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom, 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 when medical management does not depend on identifying allergen specificity.
Special Instructions
For a listing of allergens available for testing, refer to the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies PDF link provided on the page. 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, requiring clinical context interpretation. 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.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6166-3
- 6166-3
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 |