Weed Panel # 3, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to English plantain, lamb's quarters, red sorrel, and Russian thistle allergens. It helps in defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms, confirming sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy, and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. 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 allergen specificity.
Special Instructions
This multi-allergen IgE antibody panel requires less specimen volume and cost for ruling out allergic response. However, individual allergen responses cannot be identified; follow-up testing is required to differentiate between individual allergens if the panel test is positive. When ordering this test, if not electronically processing, complete an Allergen Test Request Form (T236) and send it with the specimen.
Limitations
The test does not identify individual single allergen responses, as only one result is generated for the entire panel. Individual allergen responses cannot be distinguished. False positives may occur with markedly elevated serum IgE due to non-specific binding to allergen phases. The presence of measurable IgE does not always correlate with significant allergy symptoms and must be interpreted within the clinical context.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (FEIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 63198-6
- 63198-6
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: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |