Beta-Lactoglobulin, IgE, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC66806Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID BLACCPT Code 86008

Beta-Lactoglobulin, IgE, Serum

Clinical Use

Use

This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to beta-lactoglobulin. It helps in defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms and in identifying allergens that are responsible for allergic responses and/or anaphylactic episodes. Additionally, it is used to confirm sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy and to investigate the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. However, 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 the medical management does not depend upon the identification of allergen specificity.

Special Instructions

For a listing of allergens available for testing, refer to the provided checklist or contact the laboratory. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send the Allergen Test Request form (T236) with the specimen. The collection instructions highlight the necessity to centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial for optimal specimen integrity.

Limitations

Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum, necessitating test result interpretation in the broader clinical context. False-positive results for IgE antibodies can also occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE levels (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases. Therefore, results must be interpreted with caution, especially in such cases.

Test Details

FDA Approved