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"Clinical Significance Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG), with Reflex to HSV-2 Inhibition - Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is responsible for several clinically significant human viral diseases, with severity ranging from inapparent to fatal. Clinical manifestations include genital tract infections, neonatal herpes, meningoencephalitis, keratoconjunctivitis, and gingivostomatitis. There are two HSV serotypes that are closely related antigenically. HSV type 2 is more commonly associated with genital tract and neonatal infections, while HSV type 1 is more commonly associated with infections of non-genital sites. Specific typing is not usually required for diagnosis or treatment. The mean time to seroconversion using the type specific assay is 25 days. The performance of this assay has not been established for use in a pediatric population, for neonatal screening, or for testing of immunocompromised patients. Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum Minimum Volume 0.7 mL Transport Container Transport tube Transport Temperature Room temperature Specimen Stability Room temperature: 7 days Refrigerated: 14 days Frozen: 30 days Reject Criteria Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Plasma Includes If Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG) >1.09, then HSV-2 Inhibition Study will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 86696). Methodology Immunoassay (IA) Reference Range(s) Index Interpretation <0.90 Negative 0.90-1.09 Equivocal >1.09 PositiveThis assay utilizes recombinant type-specific antigens to differentiate HSV-1 from HSV-2 infections. A index positive result cannot distinguish between recent and past infection. If recent HSV infection is suspected but the results are negative or equivocal, the assay should be repeated in 4-6 weeks. The performance index characteristics of the assay have not been established for pediatric populations, immunocompromised patients, or neonatal screening.
IMMUNOGLOBULIN A Any other names for this test? This test is also known as quantitative immunoglobulins or IgA testing. What is immunoglobulin? The protein that plasma cells and leukocytes make is called immunoglobulin. Immunoglobulin performs the function of an antibody. It contributes significantly to the body's immune system by sticking itself to harmful foreign bodies like bacteria and other germs and killing them. Immunoglobulins can be found in the blood, or they can also be found on the cell's edge. Immunoglobulins are known as antibodies when they are present in the bloodstream. What is immunoglobulin A? Immunoglobulin A accounts for 10%–15% of total antibody levels. It is mostly found in the stomach mucosa, saliva, tears, breast milk, respiratory system, and urogenital tract. It stops germs from entering the body. The two immunoglobulins A isotypes are as follows: IgA1 is primarily present in serum. IgA2 is primarily present in secretions. What is an immunoglobulin A lab test? An immunoglobulin A blood test determines the concentration of immunoglobulin A antibodies in your blood. This test is also used to detect autoimmune diseases and cancers. The immunoglobulin A test is not very specific; therefore, it cannot identify the precise cause of IgA antibody changes in the blood. It only counts the immunoglobulin A antibodies in your blood. What does an immunoglobulin A test measure? This test is used to measure the immunoglobulin A in your blood. The test helps in detecting the specific type of immunoglobulin in the blood. Why do doctors recommend this test? Your doctor might want you to undergo an immunoglobulin A test to diagnose the problems related to the following conditions: Immune System Intestine Stomach Lungs Sinuses Kidneys Your doctor may also request that you undergo this test to analyze any autoimmune disorders, such as: Lupus Celiac illness Rheumatoid arthritis Why do I need an immunoglobulin A test? If you are going through these conditions, you might need to undergo this test: Continual diarrhea Unintended loss of weight Unrelated causes of fevers Skin rashes Symptoms of IgA Nephropathy Allergies Sickness following the trip HIV/AIDS or multiple myeloma Make an appointment for immunoglobulin A test now. if you suffer from any of the conditions mentioned above. How do I prepare for this test? There is no need for any special preparation for this test. However, tell your healthcare provider about any medications or dietary supplements you are taking. because factors might affect your results. How is an immunoglobulin A test performed? This test requires a simple blood test. Your healthcare professional will draw the blood from the vein of your hand. The procedure will take the following steps: Your healthcare provider will first clean the puncture area with an antibiotic solution. He will next wrap the upper portion of the hand in an elastic band to drive blood into the vein. He is now going to inject a small needle into the vein. Blood extracted from the needle will be placed in a test container for analysis. The process of taking blood has now been completed. A member of your medical team will remove the elastic band. What will happen after this test? Your healthcare provider will wrap the area where the needle went with a bandage or cotton to prevent bleeding. Is there any risk associated with an immunoglobulin A test? No harmful risk is attached to this test. However, you might feel a pinch of pain and a bruise due to the in and out motion of the needle. These signs will go away in two or three days. How long does it take to get an immunoglobulin A test? A blood test does not require too much time. The testing will take only five minutes to get done. What do the results of this mean? The reference ranges of an immunoglobulin A test might vary from laboratory to laboratory. Reference range 0-1 years 0-83 mg/d 1-3 years 20-100 mg/dL 4-6 years 27-195 mg/dL 7-9 years 34-305 mg/dL 10-11 years 53-204 mg/dL 12-13 years 58-358 mg/dL 14-15 years 47-249 mg/dL 16-19 years 61-348 mg/dL older than 19 years 70-400 mg/dL Higher and lower levels of immunoglobulin an antibody, depending on age, might lead to a variety of problems. Abnormal amounts of immunoglobulin A antibodies can also cause a variety of serious diseases. What do high levels of immunoglobulin A mean? The high levels of immunoglobulin Antibodies in the blood could lead to several medical conditions, such as: Chronic infections Liver Illness IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease) Cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma Allergies An autoimmune condition such as celiac disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis What do low levels of immunoglobulin A mean? The low levels of immunoglobulin Antibodies in the blood could lead to several medical conditions, such as: Kidney disease or kidney failure Diabetes complications HIV/AIDS If you have higher or lower levels of immunoglobulin A antibodies, it does not always mean that you have any of the problems listed above. For further information, you should speak with your doctor. If necessary, the doctor can suggest more tests. Is an immunoglobulin A test recommended for pregnant women? This test is recommended for pregnant women to determine the blood levels of IgA antibodies. It checks to see if the mother has sufficient antibodies to defend herself and the fetus from any diseases caused by abnormal immunoglobulin A levels in the blood. Is there any other test that is needed besides this test? This test alone is not enough. Your healthcare provider may ask you to undergo an immunoglobulin test for lgM and lgG to check immunoglobulin levels in your blood. Anything else I need to know about this test? Your doctor may request an immunoglobulin test on a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample. If your symptoms indicate that an immune disorder may be harming your spine or brain. Your saliva may be checked for IgA levels if your symptoms include frequent colds, sinus infections, or diarrhea.
Clinical Significance IgA (REFL) - Increased IgA is associated with monoclonal IgA myeloma, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, and malabsorption; decreased IgA is found in selective IgA deficiency and in ataxia telangiectasia. Includes This is a client specific reflex test. Reflex criteria has been pre-defined by the ordering physician. Additional testing will be performed at an additional charge. Methodology Immunoturbidimetric Reference Range(s) Cord Blood 1-3 mg/dL 1-28 days 2-40 mg/dL 1-3 months 3-40 mg/dL 4-6 months 7-47 mg/dL 7-11 months 12-53 mg/dL 1 year 20-73 mg/dL 2 years 20-99 mg/dL 3-5 years 22-140 mg/dL 6-8 years 31-180 mg/dL 9-11 years 33-200 mg/dL 12-16 years 36-220 mg/dL 17-60 years 47-310 mg/dL ≥61 years 70-320 mg/dL Preferred Specimen(s) 2 mL serum Minimum Volume 0.5 mL Transport Container Serum separator tube (SST) Transport Temperature Room temperature Specimen Stability Room temperature: 72 hours Refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: 90 days Reject Criteria Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic
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.
Clinical Significance Iron, Total and Total Iron Binding Capacity - Serum iron quantification is useful in confirming the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis. The measurement of total iron binding in the same specimen may facilitate the clinician's ability to distinguish between low serum iron levels caused by iron deficiency from those related to inflammatory neoplastic disorders. The assay for iron measures the amount of iron which is bound to transferrin. The total iron binding capacity (TIBC) measures the amount of iron that would appear in blood if all the transferrin were saturated with iron. It is an indirect measurement of transferrin concentrations but expressed as an iron measurement. To obtain the percent saturation, the serum iron is divided by the TIBC which gives the actual amount of saturated transferrin. The percent saturation is low in iron deficiency and high in iron storage diseases. Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum Alternative Specimen(s) Plasma collected in: Sodium heparin (green-top) tube or lithium heparin (green-top) tube Minimum Volume 0.5 mL Transport Container Serum Separator Tube (SST®) Transport Temperature Room temperature Specimen Stability Room temperature: 6 days Refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: 28 days Reject Criteria Hemolysis • Anticoagulants other than heparin Includes Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity % Saturation (calculated) Patient Preparation Samples should be taken in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia. Methodology Spectrophotometry (SP) Reference Range(s) Iron, Total Age Male (mcg/dL) Female (mcg/dL) <1 Month 32-112 29-127 1-11 Months 27-109 25-126 1-3 Years 29-91 25-101 4-19 Years 27-164 27-164 20-29 Years 50-195 40-190 30-49 Years 50-180 40-190 ≥50 Years 50-180 45-160 Iron Binding Capacity Age Male mcg/dL (calc) Female mcg/dL (calc) <1 Month 94-232 94-236 1-5 Months 116-322 89-311 6-11 Months 176-384 138-365 1-19 Years 271-448 271-448 ≥20 Years 250-425 250-450 % Saturation Age Male % (calc) Female % (calc) <1 Year 10-48 12-45 1-12 Years 12-48 13-45 13-19 Years 16-48 15-45 ≥20 Years 20-48 16-45
Clinical Significance Iron, Total and Total Iron Binding Capacity (REFL) - Serum iron quantification is a useful aid in confirming the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis. The measurement of total iron binding in the same specimen may facilitate the clinician's ability to distinguish between low serum iron levels caused by iron deficiency from those related to inflammatory neoplastic disorders. The assay for iron measures the amount of iron which is bound to transferrin. The total iron binding capacity (TIBC) measures the amount of iron that would appear in blood if all the transferrin were saturated with iron. It is an indirect measurement of transferrin concentrations but expressed as an iron measurement. To obtain the percent saturation, the serum iron is divided by the TIBC which gives the actual amount of saturated transferrin. The percent saturation is low in iron deficiency and high in iron storage diseases. Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum Alternative Specimen(s) Plasma collected in: Sodium heparin (green-top) tube or lithium heparin (green-top) tube Minimum Volume 0.5 mL Transport Container Serum Separator Tube (SST®) Transport Temperature Room temperature Specimen Stability Room temperature: 6 days Refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: 28 days Reject Criteria Hemolysis • Anticoagulants other than heparin Includes This is a client specific reflex test. Reflex criteria has been pre-defined by the ordering physician. Additional testing will be performed at an additional charge. . Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity % Saturation (calculated) Patient Preparation Samples should be taken in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia. Methodology Spectrophotometry (SP) Reference Range(s) Iron, Total Age Male (mcg/dL) Female (mcg/dL) <1 Month 32-112 29-127 1-11 Months 27-109 25-126 1-3 Years 29-91 25-101 4-19 Years 27-164 27-164 20-29 Years 50-195 40-190 30-49 Years 50-180 40-190 ≥50 Years 50-180 45-160 Iron Binding Capacity Age Male mcg/dL (calc) Female mcg/dL (calc) <1 Month 94-232 94-236 1-5 Months 116-322 89-311 6-11 Months 176-384 138-365 1-19 Years 271-448 271-448 ≥20 Years 250-425 250-450 % Saturation Age Male % (calc) Female % (calc) <1 Year 10-48 12-45 1-12 Years 12-48 13-45 13-19 Years 16-48 15-45 ≥20 Years 20-48 16-45
IRON, TOTAL TEST Other names of this test Iron, Serum iron, TIBC What is the purpose of Iron total test? This is a serum iron test, which shows the quantity of iron in your body. TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity) is another name for this test. Iron is the essential mineral that creates hemoglobin for the body. In red blood cells, hemoglobin is a protein used to carry oxygen throughout the body. Without iron, there is no production of hemoglobin in the body. Iron also makes particular hormones in the body. An iron test indicates the specific amount of proteins, especially transferrin. A protein called transferrin in a blood helps iron to flow into the body. Liver makes transferrin in your body. TIBC besides serum test measures the levels of transferrin into your blood. What are the reasons to perform Iron Total test? A number of reasons to conduct Iron test or TIBC. To check levels of iron in the body, your doctor recommends this test. Before that, if you have a deficiency of iron in your body result to anemia or several other diseases. Similarly excessive iron in the body shows that you are dealing with medical problems, which will discuss later. Symptoms and signs of low level of iron One of the frequent iron diseases is its deficiency in the body. Anemia is the most common sign in, which you can experience low RBCs. Some other signs and symptoms of low levels of iron in the body include: Repeated infections Tiredness or weakness in the body Feeling cold in hands and feet in any environment Skin color appears to appear Damaged hair Shortness of breath Chest pain Brittleness in nails Sour tongue Mental health disorder of children Swelling in tongue What are the causes of iron deficiency? If you understand your symptoms of low levels of iron in the body. Your need to take an immediate test in order to understand the real cause of iron deficiency. Some of the causes of the iron deficiency, which are: Not taking enough iron from the daily food intake or does not meet the requirement of nutritional needs Blood loss due to an incident Immune system disorder Internal bleeding During pregnancy Symptoms and signs of high level of iron: Since the deficiency of iron causes anemia and other diseases. Similarly, excessive iron may lead to certain health problems for your body. After the middle age of a person, its symptoms appears in the body. While, in female it shows up after menopause. Some critical signs and symptoms of high level of iron, such as Stomach pain Pain in joints Valuable weight loss Increase in sugar levels Reduced sex drive Fatigue and weakness Heart problems What are the causes of high iron levels? There are variety of causes that leads to high level of irons in the body. Following are Iron overloading also called hemochromatosis, in which iron is in larger quantity by the body Hemolytic anemia in, which death of red blood cells takes place Poisoning of Iron Liver disease Transferring of blood larger than the need In order to give remarks on your conditions, your doctor will analyze the quantity of iron in your body specifically transferrin by performing TIBC test. How to understand the test results of Iron total test? The iron test results depends on many factors like person’s age, medical history, gender, etc. Each lab has different reference value to compare with your test results. Yes, you can know that if you have an iron deficiency or not be seeing the report. However, your doctor will give you complete understanding of your iron test. Each group of a person has different normal values of iron in the body. Generally, the levels of iron that is normal are: In men its values lies in between 70 to 175 mcg/dl (micrograms per deciliter). While in women, the normal range is 50 to 170 mcg/dl. Children has about 50 to 120 mcg/dl. Both the men and women have the range for TIBC results found in between 250 to 450 mcg/dl. How to get ready for iron test? It is a simple blood test. In the morning, iron levels are pretty much closer to the real one. Its quantity decreases as the day finishes. Your healthcare recommends you to keep fast when you are going to give this test. The total time in which you do not have to eat or drink is at least 8 hours. Besides, you should avoid certain medication with the concerned of your doctor. What are the factors that affects the results for iron test? Some are the vital factors that affects the iron test, which includes Testosterone Fluorides Alcohols Medicines that control birth Antibiotics To conclude, if you have a low level of iron you may lead to anemia. While, the high levels indicate the large quantity of iron in the body due to hemochromatosis. If you are experiencing the mentioned symptoms or signs, do not ignore. Visit UmbrellaMD to place an online test and take an appointment from the doctor. Umbrella Health Care Systems is an online platform that creates a connection between doctor and a patient. It is the most reliable, simplest, and affordable way to take care of your health. We aim to provide you the best service. If you gain enough information through this article, you can share this in your circle as much as possible.
Clinical Significance Iron, Total (REFL) - Serum measurements are useful in the diagnosis of iron deficiency and hemochromatosis. Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum Alternative Specimen(s) Plasma collected in: Sodium heparin (green-top) tube or lithium heparin (green-top) tube Minimum Volume 0.5 mL Transport Container Serum Separator Tube (SST®) Transport Temperature Room temperature Specimen Stability Room temperature: 6 days Refrigerated: 7 days Frozen: 31 days Reject Criteria Hemolysis • Anticoagulants other than heparin Includes This is a client specific reflex test. Reflex criteria has been pre-defined by the ordering physician. Additional testing will be performed at an additional charge. Patient Preparation Samples should be taken in the morning from patients in a fasting state, since iron values decrease by 30% during the course of the day and there can be significant interference from lipemia. Methodology Spectrophotometry (SP) Reference Range(s) Male (mcg/dL) Female (mcg/dL) <1 Month 32-112 29-127 1-11 Months 27-109 25-126 1-3 Years 29-91 25-101 4-19 Years 27-164 27-164 20-29 Years 50-195 ≥30 Years 50-180 20-49 Years 40-190 ≥50 Years 45-160
Immunoassay (IA) Alternative Name(s) ImmunoCAP® LOINC® Codes, Performing Laboratory Service Area must be determined Preferred Specimen(s) 0.3 mL serum Transport Container Serum Separator Tube (SST®) Transport Temperature Room temperature Specimen Stability Room temperature: 14 days Refrigerated: 14 days Frozen: 30 days
Clinical Significance Italian Cypress (t23) IgE - This test quantifies an individual’s IgE response to Italian cypress. This in vitro quantitative assay is intended to be used in conjunction with other clinical information to aid in the diagnosis of allergic diseases [1]. While allergen-specific serum IgE testing is considered comparable to skin testing in many instances, both the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recognize that allergen-specific serum IgE testing may be preferred in some clinical situations. These include 1) the presence of widespread skin disease, 2) the recent use of antihistamines or other medications that can affect the results of allergy skin tests, 3) uncooperative patients, and 4) medical history suggesting that allergen skin testing would pose a significant risk for a serious allergic reaction [1]. A definitive clinical diagnosis of allergy should not be based on the results of any single diagnostic method, but should be made by a trained healthcare professional after all clinical and laboratory findings have been evaluated. Preferred Specimen(s) 0.3 mL serum Transport Container Serum Separator Tube (SST®) Transport Temperature Room temperature Specimen Stability Room temperature: 14 days Refrigerated: 14 days Frozen: 30 days
Clinical Significance Jack Mackerel/Scad (f60) IgE - This test is an allergen-specific IgE antibody test that quantifies an individual’s IgE response to jack Mackerel/scad. It is an in vitro quantitative assay, which is intended to be used in conjunction with other clinical information to aid in the diagnosis of food allergy [1]. While allergen-specific serum IgE testing is considered comparable to skin testing in many instances, both the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recognize that allergen-specific serum IgE testing may be preferred in some clinical situations. These include 1) the presence of widespread skin disease, 2) the recent use of antihistamines or other medications that can affect the results of allergy skin tests, 3) uncooperative patients, and 4) medical history suggesting that allergen skin testing would pose a significant risk for a serious allergic reaction [1]. Food-specific IgE tests are extremely sensitive. However, a positive test result only indicates that a patient is IgE sensitized to the food of concern. Many IgE-sensitized patients do not develop any symptoms when this food is ingested. A diagnosis of food allergy should only be made by a trained medical provider, after conducting a thorough clinical evaluation [2,3]. While food-specific IgE test results may contribute to that evaluation, they cannot replace it. In this regard, detection of food-specific IgE in serum provides evidence of IgE sensitization, but a history of clinical reactivity to the food of concern, is required to make a diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergy. Moreover, several forms of food hypersensitivity are not associated with the presence of food-specific IgE in serum. Preferred Specimen(s) 0.3 mL serum Minimum Volume 0.15 mL/allergen Transport Container Serum Separator Tube (SST®) Transport Temperature Room temperature Specimen Stability Room temperature: 14 days Refrigerated: 14 days Frozen: 30 days
LEAD TEST What are the other names for this test? Blood Lead Test, BLL, Blood Lead Level, Serum Lead level What is a Lead test? A lead test helps to measure the amount of lead in your body. This test diagnoses whether your child experienced exposure to lead. A high lead risk may develop in your children’s blood due to accidental lead intake from its sources. Lead poisoning may affect anyone if you are taking high amounts of doses. Lead was a common and vital ingredient in household paint before 1978. Nowadays, it may be present in older houses and soil near them. Children or infants eat or chew lead paint from walls, doors, etc. It is because they get lead dust in their bodies. High blood lead levels may show severe health problems. What is the purpose of this test? A lead test is a blood test that helps to screen for lead in the body. Your provider may also use this test to observe lead levels and how well the treatment is going with time for reducing lead in the body. When do I need to take this test? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends this test to start from age six months to 6 years. The following are situations or possibilities that may consider: People living in older homes before 1960 are in the recovery phase. Visiting homes that were established before 1960 to meet families. Having siblings, relatives, or classmates with lead poisoning. Parents of kids have jobs or hobbies from exposure to lead. Kids reside around battery recycling plants or places that release high lead amounts into the atmosphere. You may need this test if you have time passed in homes, schools, or buildings established before 1978. Regular lead testing may be required if you have a job where you may receive high exposure to lead. Your healthcare provider may also suggest this test for children if they are experiencing symptoms of lead poisoning that include: Losing weight Nausea or vomiting Extreme Tiredness Anemia (deficiency of red blood cell counts) Pain in the belly Hair loss Headache Difficulty in concentration, changes in behavior, and lack of learning disabilities. Visit here to see blood lead levels in children and adults. Parents may request an online order of the lead test for their child. What is the procedure for this test? A lead test is a blood test that requires a blood sample. Blood may also collect from fingers with finger sticks in children and infants. If your child has an abnormal finger stick test, your provider will use a blood sample from their vein. The following are the steps for this test after visiting the laboratory. 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? You do not need special preparation for this test. For children, your provider will guide you about the procedure. Children may feel uncomfortable or troubled during this test. Are there any risks involved in this test? A lead test has low risk when you give a blood sample. Veins differ from person to person. Some people or children may have difficulty providing a blood sample compared to others. Your child may experience low risks when the needle injects into his vein. These risks include: Extreme Bleeding Slight pain Bruising Infection Hematoma (Deposition of blood under the skin) What do the test results indicate? The recommended range for lead test results: For an adult lies below or equal to 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or 0.48 micromoles per liter ((µmol/L). For children lies below 3.5 µg/dL or 0.17 µmol/L. The test results depend on many factors, such as age, gender, and medical history. The test results may also slightly differ among laboratories. It is because each lab may use different methods for examination. What do high lead levels mean? High risk for lead levels may lead to abnormal growth, lack of learning disabilities, kidneys, and nerve damage in children and adults. Blood lead level higher or equal to 5 µg/dL or 0.24 µmol/L is considered high in adults. Treatment may require if you have these conditions, such as Blood lead levels higher than 80 µg/dL or 3.86 µmol/L Symptoms of lead poisoning with a high blood level greater than 40 µg/dL or 1.93 µmol/L Additional testing may be required in children if blood lead levels are higher than 3.5 µg/dL or 0.17 µmol/L. Treatment may need when: Lead blood level lies above 45 µg/dL or 2.17 µmol/L. Lead level as low as 20 µg/dL or 0.97 µmol/L. Before treatment for excess lead levels in the blood, you can talk with a healthcare professional to review your lead test results. What factors may affect the test results? The test results may show false or inaccurate in these conditions, including The children may have dust or dirt on their hands when blood collects from one of their fingers. Eating high amounts of fat and low calcium, iron, and vitamin C levels in the blood. What additional tests do I need along with this test? Your healthcare provider may recommend a complete blood count to diagnose anemia. Your child may not receive oxygen supply in their body due to anemia. Your child may also need additional blood tests along with a this test, such as Serum iron Ferritin Total iron-binding capacity Reticulocyte count If children receive treatment for lead poisoning, additional tests may require them to see how well their kidneys and liver are working. These tests may include Liver function tests Blood urea nitrogen Creatinine Calcium Magnesium Serum electrolytes Urinalysis Umbrella Health Care Systems is the hub of information about laboratory tests, instant e-consultation, health issues, and more. For further details, click here.