Weed Panel # 1, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to various weeds such as English plantain, lamb's quarters, mugwort, Russian thistle, and short ragweed allergens. It helps define the allergens responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms, confirming sensitization prior to immunotherapy, and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions including responses to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens.
Special Instructions
This test uses a pooled allergen reagent and reports a single qualitative class result and concentration. It is suitable as a first-tier test for allergic disease where less specimen volume and cost are preferred. However, individual allergen responses cannot be identified and further testing is required for positive panels to differentiate between individual allergens.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy for detecting residual sensitivity, or where management does not depend on allergen specificity. Individual (single) allergen responses are not identifiable in this panel; a follow-up test is necessary for positive results to distinguish specific allergens.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 24480-6
- 24480-6
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 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
Gross hemolysis and gross lipemia are acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |