Willow, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is used for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to willow by identifying specific IgE antibodies in the serum. It helps define the allergen responsible for eliciting allergic signs and symptoms and is valuable for identifying allergens responsible for allergic responses and anaphylactic episodes. Additionally, it is useful for confirming sensitization prior to immunotherapy and investigating allergen specificity, including insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens.
Special Instructions
Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if residual clinical sensitivity exists or in patients in whom medical management does not depend on allergen specificity identification. For ordering, if not done electronically, complete and send an Allergen Test Request form with the specimen.
Limitations
Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies, necessitating interpretation within a clinical context. False positives may occur in patients with highly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding, which must be considered in test result interpretations.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6285-1
- 6285-1
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 Container: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
ok with gross hemolysis or lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |