Serum Immunoassay for IgE Antibody to Honeybee Venom (Qualitative)
This test measures the level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to honeybee venom in your blood. IgE is a type of antibody that your immune system produces in response to allergens like bee stings.
["Assesses your immune reaction potential to honeybee venom allergies."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 103127-7
- Short code
- Honey bee (rApi m) 10 IgE RAST
- Synonyms
- Honey bee (rApi m) 10 IgE RAST
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
- Method
- rast
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve had a known allergic reaction to bee stings, have symptoms like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing after exposure, or if you’re planning to engage in activities where bee stings are a risk (e.g., beekeeping, gardening). It can help determine if you’re allergic to honeybee venom and guide treatment decisions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, typically drawn from your arm. The test is usually done in a lab and results are available within a few days.
What the Test Results Mean
A positive result indicates the presence of specific IgE antibodies to honeybee venom, suggesting an allergic reaction is possible. A negative result means no detectable antibodies were found, but this doesn’t rule out allergy entirely. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is primarily used to diagnose honeybee venom allergy, helping to confirm if you should avoid bee stings or receive allergy immunotherapy (like injections). It’s not used for routine screening or monitoring of general allergies.
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.
High IgE levels to honeybee venom are strongly associated with allergic reactions, including severe anaphylaxis. This test helps identify individuals at risk so they can take precautions or receive appropriate treatment, such as epinephrine auto-injectors and allergy shots.
Short name
IgE to Honeybee Venom (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I still be allergic if my test is negative?
How long does it take to get results?
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