Total IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Level
This test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood. IgE is a type of antibody that your immune system produces in response to allergens.
["IgE helps identify allergic reactions and certain immune conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61218-4
- Short code
- CELERYIGE
- Synonyms
- Celery 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
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 395790006
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for prolonged 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 IgE Measures
IgE is part of your immune system’s response to allergens like pollen, dust, or certain foods. High levels may suggest allergies, asthma, or other allergic conditions. This test helps doctors diagnose and monitor these conditions.
Why It’s Ordered
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like sneezing, itching, skin rashes, or breathing difficulties that could indicate allergies. It may also be used to check for conditions like allergic rhinitis, eczema, or certain parasitic infections.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to measure IgE levels using a specialized lab test, often an immunoassay method.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your doctor know before the test.
Reference range
Total IgE: 0-100 IU/mL (adults); Specific IgE to Celery: <0.35 kU/L (negative/undetectable). Results reported in classes: Class 0 (<0.35), Class 1 (0.35-0.69), Class 2 (0.70-3.49), Class 3 (3.50-17.49), Class 4 (17.50-49.99), Class 5 (50.00-99.99), Class 6 (≥100 kU/L).N/A
No special preparation required. Patient does not need to discontinue antihistamine medications prior to testing, as IgE antibody levels are not affected. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any current medications, recent immunotherapy, or ongoing immunomodulatory treatments.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
IgE Total
Frequently asked questions
High IgE levels may indicate allergies, asthma, or other allergic disorders. Very low levels might suggest immune system issues or certain genetic conditions. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
What does a high IgE level mean?
Can IgE levels change over time?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy