Immunoglobulin E test

What are the other names for this test?

Quantitative IgE, IgE allergy test, Total IgE, Specific IgE, Allergy blood test, CAP, RAST, ELISA

What is an Immunoglobulin E test?

An Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test is an allergy blood test that helps to measure an IgE in your blood. Your immune system makes different types of IgE, particularly to any outside harmful substance when it enters your body. More IgE develops in your blood than is needed if you have allergies, such as pollen or dust. High levels of IgE may lead to severe health problems.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody. Antibodies are proteins developed by your immune system. These antibodies help to protect your body against bacteria, viruses, allergens, and infection.

Allergies are a common condition that activates your immune system. The substances that may lead to allergies and consider a hazard to your health are known as allergens. These allergens include pollen, animal dander, mold, dust, specific medicines, and foods. Symptoms of allergy may lead to itching, sneezing, asthma (a lung disease), and a severe condition known as anaphylactic shock. The anaphylactic shock results in sudden low blood pressure and difficulty breathing.

What is the purpose of this test?

An Immunoglobulin E test can determine which type of allergy you may possess. In general, two IgE tests are available. Total IgE and Specific IgE tests.

The total IgE test helps to measure the sum of IgE antibodies in your blood. This test does not define the individual levels of each type of IgE.
Specific IgE test helps to determine the amount of immunoglobulin E your body develops against a particular allergen.

When do I take the Immunoglobulin E test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend the IgE test if you are already dealing with an allergy. You may notice this condition by seeing symptoms of an allergy, which include:
 

• Sneezing
• Diarrhea - a condition of loose, watery, increased bowel movements
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Vomiting
• Hives - Itchy red patches on the skin).
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Coughing - A natural action in which your body eliminates irritants, such as dust or smoke. It works from your upper (throat) and lower (lungs) airways.
• Irritating and watery eyes.

You may need to conduct an immunoglobulin E test in case when you do not have allergy skin testing. This test observes reactions to particular allergens when they place on your skin. Following conditions in which you cannot take skin testing are:
 

• Skin conditions or diseases
• Intake of specific medicines that may change your test results.
• Risk of developing an allergic reaction when allergen applies to your skin.

Skin testing can give a feeling of discomfort to most children. Your provider may suggest allergy blood tests for them.

Request an online order for an Immunoglobulin E test to see what type of allergy with how large amount of it you have.

What is the procedure for this test?

An Immunoglobulin E test is a blood test and has a simple procedure for a person. This test may be difficult for children. During a blood test, a healthcare provider may ask to stay for parents with their child. The following are the steps required for this test.
 

• Sit in front of your provider. Be relaxed and stay in a fixed position. It is difficult for your provider to collect a blood sample if you do the muscle movement.
• Remove the portion of your cloth from the arm.
• A small needle will inject into a vein in your arm.
• A small amount of blood will collect in a test tube.
• Blood samples will store in the laboratory for examination of an allergy.
• You can go home for regular activities.
• This test finishes within five minutes.

How do I need to prepare for this test?

An Immunoglobulin E test does not require specific preparation. If your provider asks for additional blood tests to see IgE levels, you may need to fast for several hours. Your provider will guide you with special instructions.

What are the risks of this test?

An allergy blood test contains low risks. These may arise when the needle injects into a vein in your arm. You may experience
 

• Slight pain
• Low bleeding
• Infection
• Lightheaded feeling
• Bruising

What do the Immunoglobulin E test results indicate?

The test results can depend on the type of IgE tests. You have an allergy if the total IgE test results are high. A total IgE test does not indicate which type of allergy you possess or the seriousness of an allergy.

If the result of a specific IgE test is high, it means you have an allergy particular to an allergen used in the skin allergy test. The amount of IgE does not measure the seriousness of the allergy you possess.

Your healthcare provider may suggest an allergy specialist if the test results from any of the types show that you carry an allergy. You will also provide a medical treatment plan, which depends on the type of allergy and its symptoms.

You need to avoid things you may have an allergy to if you are at risk of developing anaphylactic shock (a condition that results in sudden low blood pressure and difficulty breathing). An anaphylactic shock is a form of energy contained in specific foods, medicines, insects, and latex (a type of rubber). You can discuss the risk of anaphylactic shock with a doctor by scheduling an online meetup.

What are the factors that may affect the test results?

You may have false-positive or inaccurate results if you have a slight reaction to substances in specific foods you have taken before the test. In general, allergy blood tests do not always provide accurate results. The test results may show an allergy if you do not have any. It is not usual for blood tests to indicate you do not possess any allergy when you have an allergy. It is called a false-negative result.

What additional tests may I need to take along with an Immunoglobulin E test?

Your healthcare provider may ask for an allergy skin test along with this test by observing your symptoms and history. You may need to order an individual skin test. For more allergy blood tests, you can visit here.