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Cabbage-Specific IgE and Total IgE

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

Measures IgE antibodies to cabbage and may include total IgE in the blood, helping evaluate possible cabbage allergy and provide clinical context.

Quick summary

["Cabbage-specific IgE indicates possible sensitization to cabbage, while total IgE is a broader, nonspecific allergy marker."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
61233-3
Short code
Cabbage IgE/IgE total %
Synonyms
Cabbage IgE/IgE total %
Category
tumor-marker
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

Cabbage-specific IgE measures antibodies directed against cabbage proteins. Total IgE measures all IgE antibodies in the blood and is not specific to cabbage or any single allergen.

Why might I need this test?

This test may be ordered if you have symptoms such as hives, swelling, wheezing, or digestive discomfort after eating cabbage. Total IgE may also be used as a general measure of allergic activity.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is analyzed in the laboratory. Depending on the order, the report may include cabbage-specific IgE, total IgE, or both.

How do I prepare for the test?

No fasting or special diet is usually required. Tell your clinician about any medicines you take, recent infections, and whether you have previously been diagnosed with an allergy or immune condition.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Elevated cabbage-specific IgE suggests an immune sensitization to cabbage, but it does not by itself prove that cabbage causes your symptoms. Elevated total IgE can occur with allergies, certain parasitic infections, and some immune disorders, so it must be interpreted with your medical history and other findings. Lower total IgE may be associated with some immune conditions, but the result is not diagnostic on its own.

Short name

Cabbage-Specific IgE and Total IgE

Frequently asked questions

Is cabbage-specific IgE the same as total IgE?
No. Cabbage-specific IgE targets antibodies against cabbage, while total IgE measures all IgE in the blood. A total IgE result cannot identify cabbage allergy by itself.
Does a positive cabbage-specific IgE result mean I am allergic to cabbage?
It indicates possible sensitization to cabbage. Your clinician should interpret it alongside your symptoms, exposure history, and other allergy tests.
Do I need to stop taking allergy medicines before this test?
Do not stop any medicine without instructions from your clinician. Blood IgE testing is generally not affected in the same way as skin-prick testing, but your healthcare professional can advise based on your situation.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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