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Ragweed-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) by Immunoassay (Serum)

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

This test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies your body produces in response to ragweed pollen, helping identify potential allergies.

Quick summary

["Assesses ragweed allergy risk with a simple blood test."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
56371-8
Short code
Common Ragweed IgG4-mCnc
Synonyms
Common Ragweed IgG4-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82784
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 This Test Measures

IgE antibodies are a type of protein your immune system makes when it reacts to allergens like ragweed pollen. High levels of ragweed-specific IgE suggest an allergic reaction may occur upon exposure.

Why It’s Done

Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like sneezing, itching, or skin reactions after exposure to ragweed, or if you’ve been diagnosed with ragweed allergy.

How It’s Performed

A small blood sample is taken from your arm and sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect ragweed-specific IgE.

What the Results Mean

Results are qualitative (positive or negative) and indicate whether your body has produced IgE antibodies to ragweed. A positive result suggests a potential allergy but does not confirm a diagnosis alone.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

IgE to Ragweed (Serum)

Frequently asked questions

How does this test help with allergy management?
This test helps identify if ragweed is a trigger for your symptoms, guiding treatment options like allergy shots or avoiding exposure during peak pollen seasons.
What if my results are positive?
A positive result means your immune system may react to ragweed, but further testing (like skin prick tests) and medical evaluation are needed to confirm and manage allergies.
Can I take anything before the test?
No special preparation is needed, but inform your doctor about any medications or recent illnesses that might affect results.
  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