Total IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Level
This test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood. IgE is a type of antibody that plays a role in allergic reactions and responses to certain infections.
["IgE levels help identify allergies or immune responses."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 61244-0
- Short code
- CHKPIGE
- Synonyms
- Chickpea IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube; gel barrier tube preferred
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 1 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay / FEIA or Chemiluminescent Immunoassay / CLIA)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 395127008
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable at room temperature for 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for 7 days; frozen at -20°C for up to 1 year. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 200
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does IgE Measure?
IgE is a protein produced by your immune system in response to allergens (like pollen, dust, or certain foods) or parasites. High levels may suggest allergies, asthma, or other immune-related conditions. The test helps doctors diagnose and monitor these conditions.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like sneezing, itching, skin rashes, or breathing difficulties. It can also be used to check for conditions like allergic rhinitis, eczema, or certain types of asthma.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect IgE antibodies.
What Are Common Results?
Results are not always given as a single number but are often interpreted in relation to your symptoms and medical history. Elevated IgE levels may indicate allergies or immune responses, while normal levels do not rule out allergies entirely.
Reference range
Negative: <0.10 kU/L; Equivocal: 0.10-0.35 kU/L; Low positive: 0.36-0.70 kU/L; Moderate positive: 0.71-3.50 kU/L; High positive: 3.51-17.50 kU/L; Very high positive: >17.50 kU/L. Results should be interpreted in conjunction with total IgE and clinical history.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Fasting is not necessary. Patients should continue their usual medications unless otherwise directed by their physician. Recent antihistamine use does not affect serum IgE results (unlike skin prick testing).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
IgE Total
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get the results of my IgE test?
Can I eat or drink anything special before this test?
What if my IgE levels are high?
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