Egg Yolk–Specific IgE Antibody, Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST) — Qualitative (Deprecated)
A blood test that checks for IgE antibodies to egg yolk, which may be associated with an egg allergy.
["A positive result suggests the immune system is sensitized to egg yolk, but it must be interpreted with symptoms and medical history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15691-9
- Short code
- Deprecated Egg Yolk IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Egg Yolk 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 qualitative blood test measures IgE antibodies directed against egg yolk. IgE is a type of immune protein that can be involved in immediate allergic reactions.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered if you have hives, swelling, wheezing, vomiting, or other symptoms after eating eggs. Your clinician will consider the result along with your exposure history and examination.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is analyzed using a radioallergosorbent testing method, commonly called RAST. The laboratory reports whether antibodies to egg yolk were detected.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required. Tell your clinician about any food allergy, recent symptoms, and medicines you take, but do not stop prescribed medicines 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 egg-yolk-specific IgE sensitization and may support a diagnosis of egg allergy when symptoms are consistent. It does not by itself prove that egg yolk will cause a reaction in every person. A negative result makes IgE-mediated egg allergy less likely, but allergy can still be present and may require evaluation by an allergy specialist.
Short name
Egg yolk IgE (RAST)
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I am allergic to eggs?
Can this test show the severity of an egg reaction?
Should I avoid eggs based only on this result?
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