Nutmeg, IgE, Serum
Use
Establishing the diagnosis of an allergy to nutmeg and defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It is also useful for identifying allergens responsible for allergic response and/or anaphylactic episode, confirming sensitization prior to immunotherapy, and investigating 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 residual clinical sensitivity or when medical management does not depend on identification of allergen specificity.
Special Instructions
For a listing of allergens available for testing, refer to the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies documentation. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send the Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen. Use the preferred container types and ensure correct specimen volumes per the number of allergens requested.
Limitations
Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum. False-positive results may occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6188-7
- 6188-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL per 5 allergens
Minimum Volume
For 1 allergen: 0.3 mL; More than 1 allergen: (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL dead space
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top; Submission: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |