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Bermudagrassigeigetotal

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This blood test measures antibodies to Bermuda grass and total IgE levels to help diagnose grass allergies.

Quick summary

{"Measures specific IgE antibodies to Bermuda grass pollen","Helps diagnose allergic rhinitis and asthma triggered by Bermuda grass","Results are reported as class scores (0-6) indicating allergy severity","Often ordered with total IgE and other specific allergen tests"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
61255-6
Short code
BERMIGE
Synonyms
Bermuda grass IgE/IgE total %
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST, gold-top) or red-top collection tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
0.35
Critical range
— – 100 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay / FEIA)
CPT
86003
SNOMED
39579001
Specimen volume
1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
Stability
Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. 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 Bermuda grass IgE test is a blood test that measures two things: (1) Bermuda grass-specific IgE antibodies in your blood, and (2) total IgE levels. IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody that plays a key role in allergic reactions. When you have an allergy, your immune system produces specific IgE antibodies in response to allergens like Bermuda grass pollen.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using immunoassay techniques to detect and measure the IgE antibodies. No special preparation is needed before the test.

What do the results mean?

Results are typically reported as class scores ranging from 0 to 6, indicating the level of sensitization: Class 0 (negative), Class 1 (low), Class 2 (moderate), Class 3 (high), Class 4-6 (very high). Higher classes suggest a greater likelihood of allergic symptoms when exposed to Bermuda grass. Total IgE levels help assess overall allergic tendency.

Reference range

Total IgE: 0-100 IU/mL; Specific IgE to Bermuda grass: <0.35 kU/L (Class 0 - Negative). Classes: 0 (Negative, <0.35), 1 (Equivocal, 0.35-0.69), 2 (Positive, 0.70-3.49), 3 (Positive, 3.50-17.49), 4 (Strong Positive, 17.50-49.99), 5 (Strong Positive, 50.00-99.99), 6 (Very Strong Positive, ≥100 kU/L)N/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. Patient should inform the clinician of all current medications, especially antihistamines (which may need to be discontinued 5-7 days prior as per clinician discretion), and any recent allergen exposure.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test is primarily used to confirm sensitization to Bermuda grass, one of the most common causes of seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma, and conjunctivitis. It helps differentiate between allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, guides immunotherapy treatment decisions, and monitors allergy progression. Positive results, combined with clinical symptoms, support a diagnosis of Bermuda grass allergy.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before this test?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
Can I take allergy medications before the test?
Unlike skin prick tests, this blood test is not affected by antihistamines or other allergy medications. You should continue your prescribed medications unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are usually available within 1-3 days, depending on the laboratory.
What happens if my result is negative?
A negative result (Class 0) suggests you are not allergic to Bermuda grass. However, clinical correlation is important, as some patients may have negative tests but still experience symptoms.
Is this test safe for children?
Yes, this test is safe for children and can be performed at any age. It is often preferred over skin testing for young children.
  1. 1
    American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology - Allergy TestingSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Allergen-specific IgE blood testSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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