: Human Milk Lactoferrin, Immunoglobulin E, and Immunoglobulin A Panel
: This panel measures three immune-related proteins in human breast milk: lactoferrin, immunoglobulin E (IgE), and immunoglobulin A (IgA). It is used for research or nutritional studies of breast milk composition rather than routine clinical diagnosis.
[": This is a research-oriented panel assessing key immune proteins in breast milk."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 112119-3
- Short code
- Human milk lactoferrin IgE Qn IA
- Synonyms
- Human milk lactoferrin IgE Qn IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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 Being Measured
: Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein with antibacterial properties. Immunoglobulin A is the main antibody found in breast milk, and immunoglobulin E is an antibody typically linked to allergic responses. Together these measurements describe some of the immune components of milk.
: Why It Might Be Studied
: Researchers may measure these proteins to understand how breast milk composition changes over time, how it differs between mothers, or how it relates to infant health and allergy development.
: Sample Collection
: The test requires a sample of expressed human breast milk collected using a clean technique. Collection instructions and timing should be followed exactly as provided by the requesting laboratory or study.
: Interpreting Results
: Results are reported as concentrations of each protein in the milk sample. Because these are specialized research measurements, there are no universal clinical reference ranges, and results should be interpreted only in the context of the specific study or protocol.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Lactoferrin, IgA, and IgE in breast milk are of interest because they reflect the immunological content of human milk and may relate to infant immune development and allergy risk. These measurements are primarily used in research settings and are not standard diagnostic tests in routine clinical care.
Short name
: Milk Immune Protein Panel
Frequently asked questions
: Is this a routine test my doctor would order?
: Do I need to prepare in any special way?
: Can I interpret the numbers on my own?
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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy