Silver Birch, IgE, Serum
Use
Establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to silver birch. Defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. Identifying allergens responsible for allergic response and/or anaphylactic episodes. Confirming sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy. Investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. 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 the medical management does not depend upon identification of allergen specificity.
Special Instructions
For a listing of allergens available for testing, see the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies PDF. Library of PDFs including pertinent information and forms related to the test is available on the test catalog page.
Limitations
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. Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum, and test results must be interpreted in the clinical context.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 15283-5
- 15283-5
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
(0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL deadspace
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 |