Immunoglobulin IgE Serum Test

Immunoglobulin IgE Serum Test

It is a simple blood test that measures IgE antibody levels in your blood. Ige antibodies are those proteins that are raised in body of those who have some kind of allergy. Allergic reactions are caused by certain substances known as allergens.

Common allergens that may cause allergic reactions are dust, pollen, animal dander, mold, latex, dust mites and certain foods like dairy, eggs, nuts, shellfish. Certain medicines like penicillin can also cause allergy. When you are exposed to these substances, immune response is over activated and there is increased production of ige immunoglobulin. These antibodies move towards cells to stimulate release of certain chemicals like histamine which cause allergic symptoms at various sites like skin, sinuses, digestive tract and airways.

Common symptoms of allergy include the following:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose/stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting, loose motions
• Rashes
• Anaphylactic shock-severe form of allergic reaction which may even cause death

IgE levels are also raised in parasitic infections and certain immune system conditions. Total IgE levels detect total levels of IgE immunoglobulin whereas specific IgE levels detect those IgE which are increased in response to a particular allergen

Why is immunoglobulin IgE serum test prescribed?

Your health care provider may ask you to take IgE Serum test if he suspects certain periodic or persistent symptoms/diseases which are associated with raised ige levels like:

• Hives-itchy bumpy rashes on skin
• Excessive sneezing/coughing
• Recurrent stuffy nose/blocked nose
• Tight throat
• Difficulty breathing/recurrent pneumonia
• Dermatitis
• Asthma
• Parasitic infestation
• Eczema
• Nausea, vomiting
• Persistent loose motions and abdominal pain
• Itching in mouth
• Swelling of lips, mouth, face, tongue

Immunoglobulin IgE Serum test is also required to monitor the response of treatment of various allergic diseases and parasitic infections.

Immunoglobulin IgE Serum Test Procedure and Prerequisites

The sample is taken from blood by inserting small needle into vein of your arm. A small amount of blood is then collected in test tube or vial. You may feel some pain due to needle prick. No special preparations are required.

Reference range

Adults-0-378 IU/ml

Normal range may vary from lab to lab