Skip to content

Common Ragweed-Specific IgE Antibody, Serum — Qualitative

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

A qualitative serum test for IgE antibodies to common ragweed, used to help evaluate allergic sensitization to ragweed.

Quick summary

["A positive result indicates that your immune system has reacted to common ragweed allergens."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
15975-6
Short code
Deprecated Common Ragweed IgE RAST Ql
Synonyms
Deprecated Common Ragweed 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 ragweed-specific IgE antibodies in your blood. IgE is an immune-system protein that can form in response to allergens, including common ragweed pollen.

Why might I need this test?

It may be ordered if you have sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, wheezing, or other symptoms around ragweed. Results can help your clinician assess whether an allergy is a possible cause of your symptoms.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is collected and analyzed for antibodies directed against common ragweed. The result is reported as positive or negative rather than as a specific concentration.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually needed. Tell your clinician about any allergy medicines, recent immunotherapy, or other conditions that could affect interpretation of the result.

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

Common Ragweed IgE

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
It means that IgE antibodies to common ragweed were detected, suggesting an allergic response to ragweed allergens. Your clinician will interpret this together with your symptoms and medical history.
Does a negative result rule out a ragweed allergy?
Not always. A negative result makes ragweed sensitization less likely, but allergy symptoms can occur from other causes or, rarely, from an allergy not detected by this test.
Can medication affect the result?
Allergy medicines and allergen immunotherapy may affect test interpretation. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your healthcare professional instructs you to do so.
  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