Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Level (Serum)
This test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies your body produces in response to cow’s milk proteins. IgE is a type of antibody that can trigger allergic reactions.
["IgE levels help identify potential allergies to cow’s milk, guiding dietary or medical decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7258-7
- Short code
- Cow Milk IgE Qn
- Synonyms
- Cow Milk IgE Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Does This Test Measure?
IgE antibodies are part of your immune system’s response to allergens. When your body detects cow’s milk proteins (like casein or whey), it may produce IgE to try to protect you. This test quantifies the amount of IgE specific to cow’s milk in your blood.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you suspect a cow’s milk allergy, experience symptoms like hives, digestive issues, or breathing problems after consuming dairy, or if you’re planning to introduce cow’s milk into your diet after a suspected allergy.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, typically drawn from your arm. If you’re being tested for other conditions, follow your doctor’s instructions for fasting or avoiding certain foods.
What to Expect During the Test
The blood sample is taken in a standard lab setting. The test involves sending your serum (liquid part of blood after clotting) to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect cow’s milk-specific IgE.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated IgE levels to cow’s milk proteins suggest an allergic reaction risk. While IgE testing can confirm suspected allergies, it’s not definitive on its own. Other tests (like skin prick tests or elimination diets) may be needed for a full diagnosis. Low or normal levels don’t rule out allergies entirely, as some people may have non-IgE-mediated reactions.
Short name
IgE to Cow’s Milk Proteins
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I have a cow’s milk allergy?
Can I eat cow’s milk if my IgE levels are low?
How long does it take to get results?
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