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Cigarette Tobacco-Specific IgE Antibody, Qualitative

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

A qualitative blood test that detects IgE antibodies directed against cigarette tobacco proteins.

Quick summary

["A positive result may indicate an allergic response to cigarette tobacco proteins."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
16055-6
Short code
Deprecated Cigarette Tobacco IgE RAST Ql
Synonyms
Deprecated Cigarette Tobacco 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 checks your blood for IgE antibodies specific to cigarette tobacco. It is an older or deprecated allergy test and may be used only when a tobacco-related allergy is suspected.

Why might I need this test?

Your clinician may order this test if you have symptoms such as hives, wheezing, cough, swelling, or other signs of an allergic reaction after exposure to cigarette tobacco or its smoke.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is collected and examined for tobacco-specific IgE antibodies. Because this is a qualitative test, the result is generally reported as positive or negative rather than as a measured concentration.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually required. Tell your clinician about any allergic reactions, medication changes, and recent tobacco exposure before the test.

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.

A positive result indicates that tobacco-specific IgE antibodies are present and may support a cigarette tobacco allergy, particularly when symptoms occur after exposure. A negative result does not completely exclude allergy because some reactions may be caused by other substances or involve non-IgE mechanisms. Results should be interpreted with your symptoms and medical history by your clinician.

Short name

Cigarette Tobacco IgE

Frequently asked questions

Does this test measure exposure to cigarette smoke?
No. It detects an immune response to cigarette tobacco proteins, not the amount of smoke or nicotine exposure.
What does a positive cigarette tobacco IgE result mean?
It may indicate sensitization or allergy to cigarette tobacco proteins. Your clinician will consider this result along with your symptoms and exposure history.
Is there a safer way to confirm a tobacco allergy?
Avoiding cigarette tobacco and discussing your symptoms with an allergist or your clinician is recommended. Allergy testing may include other methods or broader allergen panels.
  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