Allergen, Epidermals and Animal Proteins, Cat Dander
Also known as: CATEPI
Use
This test is used to detect allergen-specific IgE antibodies to cat dander, which can help diagnose allergic reactions in patients who have symptoms of allergy particularly related to feline exposure. It assists in identifying individuals with a sensitization to cat allergens which might manifest as respiratory allergies or skin reactions. It is important for making informed clinical decisions regarding patient management and therapeutic interventions for allergy symptoms.
Special Instructions
Multiple patient encounters should be avoided to reduce variability in results. It is crucial to ensure proper specimen collection and handling, and all relevant allergen specimens should be collected following the 'Allergen Specimen Collection Instructions'.
Limitations
This assay measures the concentration of IgE antibodies specific to cat dander, but it might not directly correlate with clinical symptoms or in vivo reactivity. Low levels of IgE (0.10-0.34 kU/L) have undetermined clinical relevance and should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient’s clinical history and other diagnostic tests. False negatives can occur, and a negative result does not definitively rule out cat allergen sensitivity or the risk of anaphylaxis.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Multiplex Protein Panel)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6833-8
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Collect the specimen in a serum separator tube. Separate serum from cells as soon as possible or within 2 hours of collection.
Patient Preparation
Multiple patient encounters should be avoided.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolyzed, icteric, or lipemic specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year |
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