Weed Panel # 4, Serum
Use
This multi-allergen IgE antibody panel aids in the diagnosis of allergies to specific weeds, including giant ragweed, short ragweed, and Western ragweed. It helps define the allergen responsible for allergic reactions and can confirm sensitization prior to immunotherapy. Testing for IgE antibodies is beneficial for identifying allergens responsible for allergic response and anaphylactic episodes.
Special Instructions
This test uses a pooled allergen reagent, reported with a single class result. Individual allergen responses can't be identified, requiring follow-up testing for individual allergen differentiation if the panel is positive. The test is appropriate as a first-tier test for allergic diseases and is performed using a Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay method.
Limitations
False positives may occur in patients with elevated serum IgE due to nonspecific binding. The test does not differentiate individual allergen responses, necessitating follow-up testing to identify specific allergens responsible. Testing is not useful in patients treated with immunotherapy for detecting residual sensitivity or in medical management not reliant on allergen specificity identification.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 73710-6
- 73710-6
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
0.3 mL for 1 allergen; (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL deadspace for more than 1 allergen
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top; Submission: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
No rejection due to gross hemolysis or lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |