Red Top, IgE
Use
This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to red top and for defining the specific allergen responsible for eliciting allergy signs and symptoms. It helps identify allergens responsible for allergic responses or anaphylactic episodes, confirming sensitization before starting immunotherapy, and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to various allergens such as insect venom, drugs, or chemicals. IgE antibody testing is not useful for assessing residual clinical sensitivity in patients treated with immunotherapy or in those where allergen identification is not required for medical management.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) form with the specimen.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies may yield false-positive results in patients with high serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding. Results must be interpreted in clinical context, as some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity may still have measurable IgE levels. Testing is not useful post-immunotherapy to determine residual clinical sensitivity or when allergen specificity is not critical to management decisions.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6228-1
- 6228-1
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 for 1 allergen
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis and gross lipemia are acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |