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Tobacco-Specific IgE Antibody, Serum — Qualitative (Deprecated)

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

A qualitative blood test that checks for antibodies to tobacco proteins. It may help evaluate a suspected tobacco allergy.

Quick summary

["A positive result suggests your immune system reacts to tobacco proteins and may support a tobacco allergy."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
16056-4
Short code
Deprecated Tobacco IgE RAST Ql
Synonyms
Deprecated Tobacco 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 tobacco-specific IgE antibodies, which are immune-system proteins directed against tobacco proteins. The result is reported as positive or negative. This test is deprecated and is no longer routinely used.

Why might I need this test?

It may have been used when symptoms such as wheezing, cough, hives, or swelling occurred shortly after exposure to tobacco smoke or tobacco products. A health care professional can interpret the result alongside your symptoms and exposure history.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory for tobacco-specific IgE antibodies. The result is reported qualitatively as positive or negative rather than as a specific concentration.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually needed. Tell your health care professional about your symptoms, tobacco exposure, medication use, and any known allergies, because these details can affect interpretation.

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

Tobacco IgE antibody

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive tobacco IgE result mean?
It means your blood contains antibodies directed against tobacco proteins, which can support a tobacco allergy. Your health care professional should interpret the result with your symptoms and exposure history.
Can I be allergic to tobacco if this test is negative?
Yes. A negative result does not completely rule out an allergy, particularly if reactions are uncommon or occur only after certain exposures. Other causes of symptoms may also need to be evaluated.
Is the tobacco IgE test still available?
This test is deprecated, meaning it is no longer routinely used. A health care professional can discuss newer approaches for evaluating suspected tobacco-related allergic reactions.
  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