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: Allergen-Specific IgE Antibody to Boiled Cow’s Milk, Serum

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

: This blood test measures IgE antibodies directed against proteins in heat-treated cow’s milk. It may help evaluate a suspected cow’s milk allergy.

Quick summary

[": A positive result suggests an allergic sensitization to boiled cow’s milk but must be interpreted alongside symptoms and medical history."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
102439-7
Short code
Cow Milk Boiled IgE RAST
Synonyms
Cow Milk Boiled IgE RAST
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
rast
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
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 the Test Measures

: The test detects allergen-specific IgE antibodies produced in response to cow’s milk proteins. Because the sample is exposed to boiled milk, the result may differ from testing with fresh milk.

: Why Boiled Milk May Be Tested

: Heating can change milk proteins, and some people react to proteins that become more noticeable after cooking or heating. Testing boiled milk can help identify sensitization to these heat-altered proteins.

: What a Positive Result Means

: A positive result indicates that the immune system has produced IgE directed against boiled cow’s milk. This supports possible cow’s milk allergy but does not, by itself, prove that symptoms are caused by milk.

: Important Limitations

: Test results may not match reactions to fresh milk, and sensitization can occur without current allergy. Other conditions, including other food allergies or gastrointestinal disorders, may cause similar symptoms.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

: Boiled cow’s milk IgE

Frequently asked questions

: Does this test diagnose lactose intolerance?
: No. This test measures allergic IgE antibodies to cow’s milk proteins, not the body’s ability to digest lactose.
: Can someone react to boiled milk but not fresh milk?
: Yes. Heating changes milk proteins, so an antibody response to boiled milk may differ from a response to fresh milk. Clinical evaluation is needed to determine the meaning.
: What symptoms may be associated with cow’s milk allergy?
: Possible symptoms include hives, swelling, vomiting, abdominal pain, wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing. Severe or rapidly progressing symptoms require prompt medical attention.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy