Total IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Level
This test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood, a type of antibody linked to allergic reactions and immune responses.
["IgE levels help identify allergies or immune system activity."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50364-9
- Short code
- BLKPPR
- Synonyms
- Black Pepper 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
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–99 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 39513008
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1 mL of serum (minimum 0.3 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 1 year. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to diagnose allergies, assess immune system function, or evaluate conditions like asthma, eczema, or certain parasitic infections. It can also help monitor treatment progress for allergic conditions.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results are not provided with specific reference ranges. Elevated IgE levels may suggest allergies, hypersensitivity, or immune disorders, while lower levels might indicate a reduced immune response. Interpretation depends on clinical context and other test results.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is processed and analyzed to measure IgE concentration using immunoassay methods.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
High IgE levels can be linked to allergies (e.g., to foods, pollen, or medications), asthma, eczema, parasitic infections, or autoimmune diseases. Low IgE levels may occur in rare immune deficiencies or after certain treatments.
Reference range
Negative: <0.10 kU/L; Equivocal/Borderline: 0.10-0.35 kU/L; Positive: >0.35 kU/L. Results are reported as both specific IgE to Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) and total IgE. Interpretation should be correlated with clinical symptoms and total IgE levels.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should inform their healthcare provider of all medications, including antihistamines, as these do not typically affect IgE antibody levels. Recent allergic reactions may transiently elevate specific IgE levels.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a key role in guiding allergy diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring chronic conditions affecting the immune system. It helps differentiate between allergic reactions and other inflammatory or infectious processes.
Short name
IgE Total
Frequently asked questions
What triggers an IgE test?
How long does it take to get results?
Can IgE levels change with age?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy