Rape Weed, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to rape weed by detecting specific IgE antibodies in serum. It helps in defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms, identifying allergens responsible for allergic response or anaphylactic episodes, confirming sensitization prior to immunotherapy, and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. However, IgE antibody testing is not useful in patients who have been treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists, or in cases where medical management does not depend on allergen specificity identification.
Special Instructions
For a listing of allergens available for testing, see the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies PDF. If not ordering electronically, complete and send an Allergen Test Request form (T236) with the specimen. The test is performed Monday through Friday, and the report is available the same day or 1 to 3 days after sample receipt.
Limitations
This test may yield false-positive results in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases. Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may still show measurable levels of IgE antibodies, and as such, results must be interpreted within the clinical context. The test is not FDA cleared or approved but complies with CLIA requirements.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 11194-8
- 11194-8
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 dead space
Container
Preferred: Serum gel. Acceptable: Red top. Submission: Plastic vial.
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
None reported; Gross hemolysis and lipemia are acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |