Basiligeigetotal
This test measures both basil-specific IgE antibodies and total IgE levels in your blood to help diagnose basil allergy and assess overall allergic conditions.
{"The test checks for allergic reactions to basil (a common herb)","A blood sample is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis","Elevated basil-specific IgE indicates a potential basil allergy","Total IgE level helps assess overall allergic sensitivity","Results should be interpreted by your healthcare provider"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61288-7
- Short code
- BASILIGE
- Synonyms
- Basil IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) - red top or gold top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 39513008
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 1 month. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Basil IgE and Total IgE test is a blood test that measures two things: (1) basil-specific IgE antibodies—these are immune proteins your body produces when it reacts to basil as an allergen, and (2) total IgE—your overall level of IgE antibodies, which is often elevated in people with allergic conditions. This test helps doctors determine if you have an allergy to basil and evaluate your allergic status.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood is collected into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will measure the levels of basil-specific IgE antibodies and total IgE in your serum. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the injection site, but serious complications are rare.
Why is this test ordered?
Your doctor may order this test if you experience symptoms suggestive of a basil allergy, such as hives, itching, swelling, stomach problems, or respiratory difficulties after eating basil or foods containing basil. It may also be ordered as part of a broader allergy evaluation panel, especially if you have a history of food allergies or allergic conditions like asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis.
How to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is typically required for this blood test. You can eat and drink normally before the test. However, it is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some medications (like antihistamines or steroids) may affect test results. Also, tell your doctor if you have had any recent allergic reactions or illnesses.
Understanding your results
Results are usually reported as numerical values with reference ranges. For basil-specific IgE, a result above the reference range suggests you may be allergic to basil. For total IgE, elevated levels may indicate an allergic condition, parasitic infection, or certain immune disorders, while normal levels do not completely rule out allergy. Your doctor will interpret your results in context with your symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
Total IgE: 0-100 kU/L (adults); Specific IgE (Basil): <0.35 kU/L (negative), 0.35-0.69 kU/L (equivocal/low), 0.70-3.49 kU/L (moderate), 3.50-17.49 kU/L (high), 17.50-49.99 kU/L (very high), >50 kU/L (very high)N/A
No fasting required. Patient should discontinue antihistamines only if skin testing is planned concurrently, as antihistamines do not affect serum IgE levels. Avoid collecting sample during acute infection or severe allergic reaction when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I must avoid basil completely?
Can I take antihistamines before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Is this test safe during pregnancy?
Can this test diagnose all types of allergic reactions to basil?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy