Insulin-Specific IgE Antibody, Qualitative — RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test)
A qualitative blood test that detects IgE antibodies to human insulin, primarily used to evaluate a suspected immediate insulin allergy.
["A positive result supports an IgE-mediated insulin allergy but must be interpreted alongside symptoms and medical history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15793-3
- Short code
- Deprecated Insulin Human IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Insulin Human 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 blood test checks for insulin-specific IgE antibodies, which are immune-system antibodies directed against human insulin. It is performed using a RAST-type method and reports a qualitative result.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered if you develop symptoms soon after an insulin injection, such as hives, swelling, wheezing, or other signs of an immediate allergic reaction. It may also be considered when an insulin allergy is suspected despite a negative skin-prick test.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and the serum is tested for IgE that binds to human insulin. The laboratory reports whether insulin-specific IgE was detected.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required beyond the instructions given for a blood draw. Tell your clinician about all medicines, including antihistamines, and do not stop any medication 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 that IgE antibodies to human insulin are present and supports an immediate, IgE-mediated insulin allergy when compatible symptoms are present. A negative result does not completely exclude insulin allergy, and results should be interpreted by a clinician familiar with the reaction and other allergy tests.
Short name
Insulin-specific IgE (RAST)
Frequently asked questions
Does this test measure the amount of insulin in my blood?
What symptoms can suggest an insulin allergy?
Is this RAST test still widely available?
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