Watermelon IgG
Use
The clinical utility of food-specific IgG tests, such as the Watermelon IgG test, has not been established. These tests can be used in special clinical situations to select foods for evaluation by diet elimination and challenge in patients who have food-related complaints. It should be recognized that the presence of food-specific IgG cannot be taken as evidence of food allergy and only indicates immunologic sensitization by the food allergen in question. This test should only be ordered by physicians who recognize the limitations of the test.
Special Instructions
The test is orderable but not available in New York State. It is designed to be used by physicians who understand its limitations. Specimen should be drawn in a plain red-top tube and processed to obtain serum, which must be shipped refrigerated.
Limitations
The test does not establish the presence of a food allergy but rather assesses the immunologic response to the food allergen in question. Reference values have not been established, and the presence of specific IgG alone does not confirm clinical significance.
Methodology
Immunoassay (EIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 41205-6
- 41205-6
Result Turnaround Time
3-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a plain red-top tube(s), serum gel tube(s) is acceptable. Spin down and send 0.5 mL of serum refrigerated in a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis, Lipemia, Icterus, Other
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 365 days |