West Ragweed-Specific IgE Antibody, Serum — Qualitative (Deprecated)
A blood test that detects IgE antibodies to western ragweed pollen, which can help evaluate suspected allergic sensitization.
["A positive result suggests an allergic response to western ragweed pollen, but it must be interpreted alongside your symptoms and exposure history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15981-4
- Short code
- Deprecated West Ragweed IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated West Ragweed 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 looks for IgE antibodies directed against western ragweed pollen. These antibodies are part of the immune response that can occur when a person is sensitized to an allergen.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be used to help identify the cause of sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing, or other symptoms associated with exposure to western ragweed. It may also be considered when allergy testing is needed before immunotherapy.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and tested for antibodies to western ragweed. The result is reported as positive or negative rather than as a specific concentration.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required. Tell your clinician if you are taking allergy medication or have recently received allergen immunotherapy, because these may affect how the result is interpreted.
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 the blood contains IgE antibodies to western ragweed and suggests immune sensitization to this pollen. It does not by itself confirm that western ragweed is causing your symptoms. Clinical significance depends on your history, symptoms, and other allergy test findings.
Short name
West ragweed IgE
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have a west ragweed allergy?
What symptoms can be associated with west ragweed allergy?
Why is this test marked 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