Short Ragweed, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to short ragweed and defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It identifies allergens responsible for allergic response or anaphylactic episodes and is used to confirm sensitization prior to starting immunotherapy. The test is performed to investigate the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens.
Special Instructions
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists or in patients in whom medical management does not depend upon the identification of allergen specificity.
Limitations
Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may still show measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum, so test results should be interpreted in the clinical context. 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.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6085-5
- 6085-5
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
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 |