Birch-Specific IgE Antibody — Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST), Qualitative (Deprecated)
A qualitative blood test that detects IgE antibodies to birch, helping evaluate possible birch-related allergy.
["A positive result suggests allergic sensitization to birch but must be interpreted alongside symptoms and exposure history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15578-8
- Short code
- Deprecated Birch IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Birch IgE RAST Ql
- Category
- liver
- 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
- 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 is this test?
This test looks for birch-specific IgE antibodies in a blood sample. IgE is an immune-system protein that can form in response to birch pollen or other birch allergens.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used when a person has symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes after exposure to birch or birch pollen. Results can help identify whether birch is a possible trigger.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and tested for antibodies that react with birch allergens. This is a qualitative RAST test, so the result is reported as positive or negative.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is generally not required for this blood test. Tell your clinician about any medicines you take, including antihistamines, because they may affect allergy-test results; do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result indicates that birch-specific IgE antibodies are detectable and that birch may be an allergy trigger. It does not by itself confirm that all symptoms are caused by birch or indicate how severe a reaction may be. Clinical history and, when appropriate, additional allergy testing are needed to guide interpretation.
Short name
Birch-Specific IgE (RAST)
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I am allergic to birch?
Can this test predict the severity of an allergic reaction?
Why is this test marked as deprecated?
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