Canary Grass, IgE, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC45156Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID CAGRCPT Code 86003

Canary Grass, IgE, Serum

Clinical Use

Use

This test is useful for establishing a diagnosis of an allergy to canary grass and defining the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms. It helps in identifying allergens responsible for allergic response and/or anaphylactic episodes, and it can confirm sensitization prior to beginning immunotherapy. It is also used 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 where the medical management does not depend upon the identification of allergen specificity.

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. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial for submission.

Limitations

Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum, and results must be interpreted in the clinical context. False-positive results for IgE antibodies can occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases. Testing for IgE antibodies is not suitable for determining residual clinical sensitivity in patients previously treated with immunotherapy.

Test Details

FDA Approved