Spruce, IgE, Serum
Use
The test is used for establishing the diagnosis of an allergy to spruce, defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms, identifying allergens responsible for allergic responses or anaphylactic episodes, confirming sensitization prior to immunotherapy, and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. It is important to note that testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists or in patients for whom medical management does not depend on allergen specificity identification.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen. For a listing of allergens available for testing, refer to the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies document. Ensure the specimen is centrifuged and serum is aliquoted into a plastic vial for submission.
Limitations
Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum. 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. The test's clinical relevance may be affected by an incorrect specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6857-7
- 6857-7
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
Gross hemolysis OK, Gross lipemia OK
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |