Total IgE

Also known as IgE Allergy Test, Quantitative IgE Test, Immunoglobulin E Test

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred.

Understanding Total IgE

What is Total IgE?

A Total IgE test measures the total amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood. This test helps diagnose conditions like certain types of infections and immune disorders. It may also be used to make guided treatment decisions in people who have allergy-associated asthma.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody produced by the immune system that helps to defend the body against potential threats or allergies. The body makes many different forms of IgE, each of which is specific to a substance that triggers an immune response. A Total IgE test measures the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood and is the sum of all the forms of IgE. However, this test does not help to identify the specific forms of IgE.

Your doctor may suggest a Total IgE test if you have symptoms of an immune disorder, a parasitic infection, or an allergic reaction from a fungal infection in your lungs. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, dry skin, eczema, hives and swelling, shortness of breath, skin rash, etc. This test may also be prescribed if you have asthma or allergy symptoms, like itchy or watery eyes, congestion, or sneezing. For people with allergy-induced asthma, testing may help to determine the right treatment and suitable dosage.

Usually, overnight fasting is preferred for a Total IgE test. Therefore, avoid eating or drinking anything except water during the fasting period. Also, let your doctor know about any medications you might be taking as some of these medications, such as antihistamines, if taken before this test could affect your test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is Total IgE used for?

A Total IgE test can be done:

In case of symptoms of allergies.
If a parasitic infection is suspected.
To evaluate children with a family history of allergies.
To evaluate in case of suspected allergic respiratory disease.
To confirm sensitivity to foods in patients with asthma, angioedema, or skin conditions.
To evaluate sensitivity to insect venom allergens.

What does Total IgE measure?

A Total IgE test measures the amount of IgE (immunoglobulin E) in the blood. Immunoglobulins are antibodies (proteins) produced by plasma cells (specific immune cells) when the body recognizes bacteria, viruses, other microorganisms, or any other unknown substances as harmful foreign antigens (allergy-causing substances or allergens) to the immune system.

Normally, IgE is present in very small amounts in the blood. It belongs to a class of immunoglobulins that includes five types of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgG, IgM, IgD, and IgE. The rise in the production of IgE is seen in cases of response to allergens in asthma or certain parasitic infections. Other allergens can include plant pollen, latex, pet dander, mold, eggs, peanuts, bee venom, strawberries, and other allergens substances.

Interpreting Total IgE results

Interpretations

IgE < 64.0o kUA/L

*Reference range may vary from lab to lab

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Total IgE

Frequently Asked Questions about Total IgE

Q. When is a Total IgE test advised by the doctor?

A Total IgE test is advised by the doctor in case of itchy skin, itching in eyes, hives, eczema, nausea, vomiting, persistent diarrhea, sneezing, coughing, congestion, difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, and similar symptoms suggestive of asthma.

Q. Is there any risk associated with a Total IgE test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely, some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. What does a high level of IgE mean?

If your total IgE test result is high, it means that you may have some kind of allergy. But the results of this test do not tell what you might be allergic to or how serious your allergy may be.

Q. What are some common food allergens which can increase IgE levels?

The most common food allergens which may increase your IgE levels include milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, etc.

Q. How can I cure my allergies naturally?

Always consult your doctor if you are suspecting any allergy. However, adopting some dietary changes, filtering the air inside your house, maintaining proper hygiene, taking vitamins and supplements (as recommended by your doctor), etc., may help ease your allergies.

Q. Is there anything else I need to know about an allergy blood test?

Allergy blood tests may not always be accurate. Sometimes the test results may suggest you have an allergy when in reality you do not (also called a false-positive result). This may happen if your body is having a slight reaction to substances in certain foods that you may have eaten before the test. It is uncommon for a blood test to show false-negative results. Depending on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an allergy skin test with an allergy blood test, or you may have a skin test alone.

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