Mealworm-Specific IgE Antibody, Serum — RAST, Qualitative
A qualitative blood test that detects IgE antibodies to mealworm proteins, which can indicate allergic sensitization.
["A positive result suggests your immune system has reacted to mealworm proteins, but it must be interpreted with allergy symptoms and other testing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25554-7
- Short code
- Deprecated Mealworm IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Mealworm 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 looks for IgE antibodies directed against mealworm proteins. It uses a RAST-type laboratory method and reports whether specific IgE was detected.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order it when you have symptoms such as hives, swelling, wheezing, or other reactions after contact with mealworms or products containing them. It may also be considered when evaluating sensitization to insect allergens.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and tested in the laboratory for antibodies specific to mealworm. You do not need to eat or be exposed to mealworms as part of the test.
How do I prepare for the test?
This test usually requires no fasting or other special preparation. Tell your clinician about any allergy treatments, recent immunotherapy, and symptoms that occurred around the time of suspected exposure.
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.
Detected mealworm-specific IgE suggests immune sensitization to mealworm proteins and may support the evaluation of an insect-related allergy. A positive result does not by itself prove that the antibodies are causing your symptoms, and a negative result may make allergy less likely. Results should be interpreted alongside your exposure history, symptoms, and other allergy tests.
Short name
Mealworm IgE (RAST)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive mealworm IgE result mean?
Does this test diagnose a mealworm allergy?
Do I need to avoid mealworms before the blood test?
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