Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration of Ragweed Pollen (IgE Antibody)
This test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies your body produces in response to ragweed pollen exposure. IgE is linked to allergic reactions, including hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
["Assesses your sensitivity to ragweed pollen via IgE antibodies, helping diagnose allergies or monitor allergic responses."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 63206-7
- Short code
- Common Ragweed IgG-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Common Ragweed IgG-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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience symptoms like sneezing, itching, or nasal congestion during ragweed season, or if you have a history of ragweed allergies. It can also help confirm a diagnosis of ragweed allergy or guide allergy treatment plans.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a simple blood draw, where a small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your arm. If a urine sample is used, you might be asked to collect it at home over a 24-hour period, but this is less common for this test.
What the Results Mean
Higher levels of IgE antibodies to ragweed pollen suggest an allergic reaction. While elevated IgE can indicate sensitivity, it doesn’t always predict the severity of symptoms. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is primarily used to diagnose ragweed allergies, especially if symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose, or skin rashes occur during ragweed season. It can also help determine if allergy immunotherapy (like shots) is needed or if you’re at risk for severe allergic reactions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated ragweed-specific IgE levels strongly suggest an allergic reaction to ragweed pollen. This test helps differentiate ragweed allergy from other seasonal allergies or non-allergic conditions. It’s also useful for monitoring treatment effectiveness, such as allergy shots, by checking IgE antibody levels over time. However, IgE alone doesn’t predict the severity of symptoms—other factors like exposure duration and individual sensitivity play a role.
Short name
Ragweed Pollen IgE Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can I take allergy medication before this test?
Is this test covered by insurance?
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