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Honeybee Venom-Specific IgE (Apis m3) — RAST, Qualitative (Deprecated)

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

A blood test that detects IgE antibodies to honeybee venom to help assess sensitization after a sting; this is a deprecated test entry.

Quick summary

["A positive result suggests an immune response to honeybee venom, but symptoms and exposure history must also be considered."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
94279-7
Short code
Deprecated Honey bee (rApi m) 3 IgE RAST Ql
Synonyms
Deprecated Honey bee (rApi m) 3 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 is a legacy or deprecated test entry for measuring IgE antibodies directed against honeybee venom. RAST stands for radioallergosorbent test, and the qualitative result is generally reported as detected or not detected.

Why might I need this test?

The test may be used to evaluate possible honeybee venom allergy in people who had a reaction to a bee sting. It may also help guide decisions about venom immunotherapy.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is collected and tested in the laboratory for venom-specific IgE using the RAST method. The report indicates whether antibodies to honeybee venom were detected.

How do I prepare for the test?

Fasting is usually not required. Tell your clinician if you take antihistamines or are receiving venom immunotherapy, because these can affect interpretation; do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.

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

Honeybee venom-specific IgE

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive result mean I will react to every bee sting?
No. It indicates sensitization, but the risk and severity of a future reaction depend on the amount of exposure, prior symptoms, and other clinical findings.
Is this the same as a skin-prick allergy test?
No. This test measures venom-specific antibodies in a blood sample, whereas a skin-prick test evaluates an immediate skin response during a supervised allergy visit.
Why does the test name say deprecated?
The entry is a legacy laboratory name and may not be the current billing or ordering description. Ask the ordering clinician or laboratory whether an active honeybee venom-specific IgE test should be used instead.
  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