Whole Egg, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is used to help establish a diagnosis of an allergy to whole egg. It identifies allergens that may be responsible for allergic diseases or anaphylactic episodes. The test is instrumental in confirming sensitization before starting immunotherapy and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to various allergens, including insect venom, drugs, or chemicals. Testing for IgE antibodies can up to identify 95% of individuals at risk for allergic reactions to eggs, with proteins in egg white being more allergenic than those in egg yolk.
Special Instructions
For a listing of allergens available for testing, see the Allergens - Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies PDF. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request form with the specimen.
Limitations
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if clinical sensitivity exists, or when medical management does not depend on identification of allergen specificity. Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity may still have measurable levels of IgE antibodies. False-positive results can occur in patients with elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases. Test results must be interpreted within the clinical context.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 7291-8
- 7291-8
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
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top; Submission: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days; Frozen: 90 days
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis: OK. Gross lipemia: OK.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |