Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin A-Specific IgE Antibody Test (RAST) — Qualitative
Detects IgE antibodies directed against Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A. A positive result suggests sensitization but does not by itself confirm allergy.
["This blood test can detect an immune response to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A, but symptoms and clinical history are needed to determine whether allergy is likely."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26036-4
- Short code
- Deprecated S aureus Etx A IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated S aureus Etx A 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 allergen-specific IgE antibodies against Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A. RAST refers to a laboratory method for measuring these antibodies.
Why might I need this test?
It may be considered when a clinician is evaluating a possible allergic reaction associated with exposure to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin. Results must be interpreted with symptoms, exposure history, and other allergy testing.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is analyzed in the laboratory. The laboratory checks whether the sample contains IgE antibodies that bind specifically to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is generally not required. Tell your clinician about antihistamine use, other medicines, and recent infections; do not stop prescribed medicine unless your clinician instructs you to do so.
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 detectable result indicates that the immune system has produced IgE antibodies to this enterotoxin, which is consistent with sensitization. It does not prove that symptoms are caused by this allergen, and a nondetectable result does not completely exclude sensitization or allergy.
Short name
Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A IgE
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have a Staphylococcus aureus food allergy?
Does this test diagnose acute food poisoning?
Is this 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