Grey Alder, IgE, Serum
Use
This test is useful for establishing the diagnosis of an allergy to grey alder trees. It helps to define the allergen responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms and identify allergens responsible for allergic responses and/or anaphylactic episodes. The test aids in confirming sensitization before beginning immunotherapy and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens. Detection of IgE antibodies in serum indicates an increased likelihood of allergic disease as opposed to other etiologies.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen.
Limitations
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 identification of allergen specificity. False-positive results for IgE antibodies may occur in patients with markedly elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases. Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity to allergens may have measurable levels of IgE antibodies in serum, and test results must be interpreted in the clinical context.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 15284-3
- 15284-3
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
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 |