Allergy testing, IgE

Test Name:

Allergy testing, IgE

Synonyms:

Allergen
Food
Inhalant
Insect venom
RAST (archaic)

Ordering Information:

Requisition/Forms:

IgE Allergy Testing Requisition

Collection Device/Tube Type:

3.5 mL blood - GOLD SST (gel)

Collection Instructions:

Collect 1 tube for any combination of up to 15 allergens listed above. Collect a second tube if there are more than 15 allergens requested.

Note: For allergens ordered that are not listed above:
• Collect a separate tube
• In Connect Care, order as Allergen Specific IgE REF (Referred test) [LAB9555], and put the requested test(s) in the hard stop order question
• In other LISs, order as MISC and provide the requested test(s)

Test requests for allergens not listed above will be handled by Alberta Precision Laboratories

Submission Requirements:

1 mL serum

Handling/Storage Comments:

• Package allergy testing samples in a separate biohazard bag
• A copy of the requisition must accompany the specimen

Reference Range:

Interpretation	Result (kU/L)
Negative	< 0.35
Positive	≥ 0.35

Comments:

• Allergen Specific IgE tests not included above may be referred out-of-province following review by Alberta Precision Laboratories Medical/Scientific staff. Out-of-province Allergen Specific IgE tests are limited to allergy specialists.

• Ordering limits do not apply to 3rd party clients.

• The Food Allergen Screen and associated Reflex Food Allergen Panels and the Reflex Seasonal Inhalant Panels were discontinued on September 27, 2022.
• Refer to IgE Allergy Testing: Upcoming Discontinuation of the Food Allergen Screen and Inhalant Screen Reflex Panel Testing (Lab Bulletin, 27 June 2022) and IgE Allergy Testing: Discontinuation of the Food Allergen Screen and Inhalant Screen Reflex Panel Testing, New Requisition and Changes to Reporting (Lab Bulletin, 19 September 2022) for more details.
• Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations from the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the Canadian Pediatric Society advocate against ordering food allergen screening panels in all cases and specific food allergen IgE testing in the absence of pertinent medical history.

• For additional guidance on allergy evaluation and testing, refer to Food allergy clinical practice guidelines

Last Reviewed:

02 May 2023