Tree Panel #1, Serum
Use
The test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to trees included in panel #1 and for defining the allergens responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms in patients. It identifies allergens responsible for allergic responses and confirms sensitization before beginning immunotherapy. In addition, the test investigates the specificity of allergic reactions to certain allergens, such as insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. It is not useful for determining residual clinical sensitivity in patients previously treated with immunotherapy or when medical management does not depend on the identification of allergen specificity.
Special Instructions
This multi-allergen IgE antibody panel, combined with IgE measurement in serum, acts as a first-order test for allergic disease. The test is cost-effective and requires less specimen volume, but it does not identify individual allergen responses. If a positive result is obtained, follow-up testing is necessary to differentiate among the individual allergens within the panel. Testing is performed by fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA).
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies may yield false-positive results due to nonspecific binding in cases of elevated serum IgE levels (>2500 kU/L). Single allergen responses cannot be identified from the test panel; further testing is necessary if the result is positive to specify the responsible allergen. The test result interpretation should be made in the full clinical context, as some individuals may show levels of IgE antibodies with no significant clinical allergy.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 30184-6
- 30184-6
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 deadspace
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top; Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
None specified; however, severe degradation or misuse outside of pre-specified conditions could warrant rejection.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |