Porcine Insulin-Specific IgE, Serum
This blood test checks for IgE antibodies to porcine insulin, which may indicate an immediate allergic reaction to animal-derived insulin.
["A positive result suggests IgE-mediated allergy to porcine insulin."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102389-4
- Short code
- Insulin Porcine IgE RAST
- Synonyms
- Insulin Porcine IgE RAST
- Category
- hormone
- 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
What is this test?
This test measures insulin-specific IgE antibodies directed against porcine, or pig-derived, insulin in your blood. IgE is an immune-system antibody that can be involved in immediate allergic reactions.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test if you have used porcine insulin and developed hives, swelling, wheezing, or another sudden allergic reaction. It may also be considered when an allergic reaction to a diabetes medicine is suspected.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn and tested for IgE antibodies specific to porcine insulin. The laboratory uses a laboratory-based method to detect these antibodies.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required for this test. Tell your clinician about insulin products you use or have recently used, along with any allergic symptoms, because this information helps interpret the result.
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 IgE antibodies to porcine insulin are present and supports IgE-mediated allergy to porcine insulin. This result should be interpreted with your symptoms and exposure history, because sensitization does not always cause a clinical reaction. A negative result makes a classic immediate IgE-mediated allergy less likely but does not exclude every type of reaction.
Short name
Porcine Insulin IgE
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive porcine insulin IgE result mean?
Is porcine insulin still commonly used?
Does this test diagnose a reaction that is already happening?
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