Test ID: BEEF Beef, IgE, Serum
Reporting Name
Beef, IgEUseful For
Testing for IgE antibodies may be useful to establish the diagnosis of an allergic disease and to define the allergens responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms.
Testing also may be useful to identify allergens which may be responsible for allergic disease and/or anaphylactic episode, to confirm sensitization to particular allergens prior to beginning immunotherapy, and to investigate the specificity of allergic reactions to insect venom allergens, drugs, or chemical allergens.
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL for each 5 allergens requested
Additional Information: Designate specific allergens from the list in Allergens – Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibodies in Special Instructions.
Specimen Minimum Volume
For 1 allergen: 0.3 mL; For more than 1 allergen: (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25 mL dead space
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
Frozen | 90 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
Class |
IgE kU/L |
Interpretation |
0 |
<0.35 |
Negative |
1 |
0.35-0.69 |
Equivocal |
2 |
0.70-3.49 |
Positive |
3 |
3.50-17.4 |
Positive |
4 |
17.5-49.9 |
Strongly positive |
5 |
50.0-99.9 |
Strongly positive |
6 |
≥100 |
Strongly positive |
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday; 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved or is exempt by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86003
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
BEEF | Beef, IgE | 6039-2 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
BEEF | Beef, IgE | 6039-2 |
Clinical Information
Clinical manifestations of immediate hypersensitivity (allergic) diseases are caused by the release of proinflammatory mediators (histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins) from immunoglobulin E (IgE)-sensitized effector cells (mast cells and basophils) when cell-bound IgE antibodies interact with allergen.
In vitro serum testing for IgE antibodies provides an indication of the immune response to allergens that may be associated with allergic disease.
The allergens chosen for testing often depend upon the age of the patient, history of allergen exposure, season of the year, and clinical manifestations. In individuals predisposed to develop allergic disease, the sequence of sensitization and clinical manifestations proceed as follows: eczema and respiratory disease (rhinitis and bronchospasm) in infants and children less than 5 years due to food sensitivity (milk, egg, soy, and wheat proteins) followed by respiratory disease (rhinitis and asthma) in older children and adults due to sensitivity to inhalant allergens (dust mite, mold, and pollen inhalants).
Interpretation
Detection of IgE antibodies in serum (Class 1 or greater) indicates an increased likelihood of allergic disease as opposed to other etiologies and defines the allergens that may be responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms.
The level of IgE antibodies in serum varies directly with the concentration of IgE antibodies expressed as a class score or kU/L.
Clinical Reference
Homburger HA: Chapter 53: Allergic diseases. In Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st edition. Edited by RA McPherson, MR Pincus. WB Saunders Company, New York, 2007, Part VI, pp 961-971
Analytic Time
Same day/1 dayMethod Name
Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send an Allergen Test Request (T236) with the specimen.
mml-allergy