Bahiagrassigeigetotal
This blood test measures specific IgE antibodies to Bahia grass and total IgE levels to help diagnose grass pollen allergies.
{"Measures immune response to Bahia grass pollen","Helps diagnose allergic rhinitis, asthma, and conjunctivitis","Requires a simple blood draw","Results indicate the likelihood of a grass allergy","Often ordered with other allergen panels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50354-0
- Short code
- BAHIA
- Synonyms
- Bahia grass IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) / ImmunoCAP
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 39512008
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Bahia Grass IgE Antibody test is a blood test that measures two things: (1) specific IgE antibodies to Bahia grass (a common outdoor allergen) and (2) total IgE (the overall level of IgE antibodies in your blood). IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody that plays a key role in allergic reactions. When you have an allergy, your immune system produces IgE antibodies specific to that allergen.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms that suggest a grass pollen allergy, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or wheezing, especially during spring or summer when grass pollen is in the air. The test helps confirm whether Bahia grass is the specific trigger for your allergic symptoms.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. No special preparation is typically needed, though you should inform your doctor about any medications you're taking.
What do the results mean?
Results are usually reported as a numerical value or class (0-6) indicating the level of IgE antibodies to Bahia grass. A higher result suggests a greater likelihood of allergy. Your doctor will interpret these results together with your clinical symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
Negative: <0.35 kU/L; Equivocal: 0.35-0.70 kU/L; Positive: >0.70 kU/L. Results are reported as allergen-specific IgE (kU/L) and as a ratio to total IgE.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should inform the clinician of all current medications, including antihistamines, though antihistamines do not need to be discontinued prior to serologic IgE testing. Avoid collecting during acute illness when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used to diagnose Bahia grass pollen allergy, which is a common cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis, and asthma exacerbations. It helps differentiate between allergic and non-allergic conditions and guides treatment decisions, including allergen avoidance strategies and immunotherapy planning.
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before this test?
Can I take antihistamines before the test?
How long does it take to get results?
What is the difference between specific IgE and total IgE?
Sources
- 1
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy