Velvet Leaf, IgE, Serum
Use
The test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to velvet leaf, defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms, identifying allergens responsible for an allergic response and/or anaphylactic episode, confirming sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy, and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. Detection of IgE antibodies in serum indicates an increased likelihood of allergic disease compared to other etiologies.
Special Instructions
CPT Code is provided: 86003. For a listing of allergens available for testing, refer to the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies document. Complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen if not ordering electronically.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists or in patients where medical management does not depend on identifying allergen specificity. False-positive results for IgE antibodies may occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6272-9
- 6272-9
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: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
None specified for gross hemolysis or gross lipemia.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |