Egg White-Specific IgE, Qualitative (RAST) — Deprecated
A qualitative blood test for IgE antibodies to egg white, used to help evaluate a suspected egg allergy. This RAST test is marked deprecated, so availability may vary.
["A positive result suggests egg-white sensitization, but it must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15689-3
- Short code
- Deprecated Egg White IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Egg White 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 detects IgE antibodies directed against egg white in a blood sample. It is a type of radioallergosorbent testing, or RAST, and is reported as a qualitative result.
Why might I need this test?
It may be used when a person has symptoms such as hives, swelling, wheezing, vomiting, or other reactions after eating eggs. Results can help determine whether egg white is a possible trigger.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory for egg-white-specific IgE antibodies. Because this version of the test is deprecated, the laboratory may use a different allergen-specific IgE method.
How do I prepare for the test?
No fasting or special preparation is usually required for a blood-based IgE test. Follow any instructions provided by your clinician and tell the laboratory about a prior severe allergic reaction.
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 the immune system has produced IgE antibodies to egg white, suggesting sensitization. It does not by itself prove that egg ingestion will cause a clinical reaction, and the result should be interpreted with symptoms and medical history. A negative result may make an egg allergy less likely but does not exclude every possible reaction. Because the test is deprecated, current alternatives may be used instead.
Short name
Egg White IgE
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive egg white IgE test mean I am allergic to eggs?
What symptoms may be related to an egg allergy?
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