|
Useful For
|
The quantitative assessment of total IgE in human serum is used to support the clinical diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergic disorders in conjunction with other clinical evidence. The total IgE test can be useful in the diagnostic procedure for particular health conditions that can result in abnormal levels of total IgE, such as infections with parasites, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and specific types of immune disorders or immune system cancers.
|
|
Method name and description
|
Method: Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA), Uses the ImmunoCAP method on Phadia system.
The FEIA technology is based on an extremely high total binding capacity this ensures binding of all relevant antibodies.
ImmunoCAP technology employs anti-IgE immunoglobulins that are covalently linked to it, and these react with IgE present in a serum sample. After washing, enzyme-labeled anti-IgE antibodies are added, leading to the formation of a complex. Following incubation, the unbound enzyme-labeled anti-IgE is removed, and the bound complex is then exposed to a developing agent. The fluorescence of the eluate in the well is measured after stopping the reaction. The fluorescence is directly proportional to the concentration of IgE in the sample being tested. A higher response indicates a greater amount of IgE in the specimen.
|
|
Clinical information
|
IgE - Imunoglobulin E - is a type of protein called an antibody. It plays an important role in allergy reactions and is therefore often called the “allergy antibody”. Patients with extrinsic asthma, hay fever, or atopic eczema typically exhibit a significant elevation in serum IgE concentration. This increase occurs gradually during childhood and adult values do not stabilize until the individual reaches 15-20 years of age. For most people, allergy begins as a limiting and uncomfortable – but harmless – condition and it may be years before symptoms develop. For others, allergic reactions can be more serious and impose a threat to overall well-beingSudden, life-threatening anaphylactic shock can be caused by a specific food, drug, or insect bite in rare cases.
Allergy symptoms are initiated by histamine, which prompts an inflammatory response to safeguard the body. Histamine is discharged from mast cells, and it dilates blood vessels, causing the mucous membrane to swell. The symptoms that develop are contingent on the location in the body where the histamine is released.
Elevated levels of IgE are typically associated with allergic disease. Nonetheless, heightened amounts of total serum IgE in circulation can also be observed in various other ailments, including infections with parasites, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, which is an allergic reaction to a fungal infection type in the lungs, and specific immune system disorders or cancers.
|
|
Aliases
|
IgE antibody
Total IgE
IgE, Total
Allergy antibody
|
|
|
Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
|
Specimen type: Serum sample.
Specimen Volume: At minimum 2 mL whole blood or 0.5 mL serum.
Container Tube: Plan tube /Serum gel (Yellow top tubes).
|
|
Storage and transport instructions
|
For sample transportation, the sample should remain at room temperature (18-25°C) for no longer than eight hours.
Separated serum samples can be stored at 2-8°C for one week.
Separated serum samples should be frozen at below -20°C for any long-term storage.
|
|
Specimen Rejection Criteria
|
Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
Hemolysis
Lipemic
Wrong collection container
|
|
|
Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
|
| Total-IgE Reference Range reported in KU/L |
| Age |
Normal Range |
| 1 day – 6 months |
0 - 16.4 |
| 6 – 9 months |
0 - 22.6 |
| 9 months – 1 year |
0 - 29.2 |
| 1 – 2 years |
0 - 51.7 |
| 2 – 3 years |
0 - 72 |
| 3 – 4 years |
0 - 90 |
| 4 – 5 years |
0 - 108 |
| 5 – 6 years |
0 - 126 |
| 6 – 7 years |
0 - 142 |
| 7 – 8 years |
0 - 160 |
| 8 – 9 years |
0 -176 |
| 9 – 10 years |
0 - 192 |
| > 10 years adult |
0 - 114 |
|
|
Factors affecting test performance and result interpretation
|
An increased level of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) does not confirm allergic disease and necessitates interpretation in the patient's clinical context, including age, gender, travel history, potential allergen exposure, and family history.
Normal total IgE levels in serum can be found in some individuals with allergic disease, particularly if they are sensitive to only a few allergens and have limited involvement of the end organs.
|
|
Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
|
Turnaround Time: 5 working days.
Days and Times test performed: Twice a week starting from Sunday through Thursday from 7:00 to 15:00.
Specimen retention time: Approximately 7 days.
|
|
|
