Melons, IgE, Serum
Use
The Melons, IgE test is used to establish a diagnosis of an allergy to melons by identifying the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It helps in confirming sensitization to begin immunotherapy and investigating allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. Testing for IgE antibodies is not helpful in patients who have undergone immunotherapy to check residual clinical sensitivity or where medical management does not depend on allergen specificity.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen.
Limitations
The test may not be useful for patients who have received immunotherapy or for whom medical management doesn’t depend on identifying allergen specificity. False-positives may occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases. Interpretation should consider clinical context as some individuals might have IgE antibodies with clinically insignificant sensitivity.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 57884-9
- 57884-9
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 Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred) for 14 days; Frozen for 90 days
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis: OK; Gross lipemia: OK
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |