Porcine Insulin-Specific IgE Antibody (RAST), Qualitative — Deprecated
A qualitative, deprecated blood test that detects IgE antibodies directed against porcine insulin, which may help evaluate a suspected immediate allergic reaction.
["A positive result indicates IgE sensitization to porcine insulin, but symptoms and clinical history are needed to determine whether it is causing an allergy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15794-1
- Short code
- Deprecated Insulin Porcine IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Insulin Porcine 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 an older qualitative test, called a RAST test, that measures IgE antibodies directed against porcine insulin. A positive result shows immune sensitization, while a negative result means that detectable specific IgE was not found.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be considered when a person has an immediate reaction, such as hives, wheezing, swelling, or low blood pressure, after receiving porcine-derived insulin. It can also help evaluate suspected IgE-mediated allergy to animal-derived insulin products.
How is the test performed?
A blood-based sample is tested for porcine insulin-specific IgE using an allergen-specific immunoassay. The result is reported qualitatively as positive or negative rather than with a numeric concentration.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation or fasting is generally required. Tell your clinician about the timing of any reaction, the type of insulin you received, and all symptoms that occurred.
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 porcine insulin are present, suggesting possible immediate hypersensitivity. This finding should be interpreted with the exposure history and symptoms because sensitization does not always mean that the substance caused a past reaction. A negative result makes IgE-mediated allergy less likely but does not completely exclude it.
Short name
Porcine insulin IgE antibody
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive porcine insulin IgE test mean?
Does this test prove that porcine insulin caused an allergic reaction?
Why is this test listed 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