Whole Egg, IgE, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC26775Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID WEGGCPT Code 86003

Whole Egg, IgE, Serum

Clinical Use

Use

This test is used to help establish a diagnosis of an allergy to whole egg. It identifies allergens that may be responsible for allergic diseases or anaphylactic episodes. The test is instrumental in confirming sensitization before starting immunotherapy and investigating the specificity of allergic reactions to various allergens, including insect venom, drugs, or chemicals. Testing for IgE antibodies can up to identify 95% of individuals at risk for allergic reactions to eggs, with proteins in egg white being more allergenic than those in egg yolk.

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.

Limitations

Testing for IgE antibodies is not useful in patients previously treated with immunotherapy to determine if clinical sensitivity exists, or when medical management does not depend on identification of allergen specificity. Some individuals with clinically insignificant sensitivity may still have measurable levels of IgE antibodies. False-positive results can occur in patients with elevated serum IgE (>2500 kU/L) due to nonspecific binding to allergen solid phases. Test results must be interpreted within the clinical context.

Test Details

FDA Approved