Total Serum IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Concentration
This test measures the amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood. IgE is a protein involved in allergic reactions and responses to parasites.
["IgE levels help identify allergies or immune responses."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50350-8
- Short code
- Mustard IgE/IgE total %
- Synonyms
- Mustard IgE/IgE total %
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Immunoglobulin E (IgE)?
IgE is a type of antibody produced by your immune system in response to allergens (substances like pollen, dust, or certain foods) or parasites. While IgE is normal in small amounts, elevated levels often signal allergies, asthma, or other immune-related conditions.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order a total IgE test to diagnose allergies, asthma, or conditions like chronic urticaria (hives) or eosinophilic disorders. It can also help monitor treatment progress or assess immune responses to infections.
Common Uses and Indications
This test is commonly used to screen for allergic reactions, evaluate suspected asthma, or investigate unexplained symptoms like skin rashes, itching, or respiratory issues. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for immune system disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications (like antihistamines) that could affect results. A simple blood draw is all that’s required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Total IgE
Frequently asked questions
How elevated IgE levels can indicate allergies, asthma, or parasitic infections, while low levels may suggest immune deficiencies or certain autoimmune conditions.
What does a low total IgE level mean? Low IgE levels may indicate a reduced immune response to allergens or parasites, or they could be associated with certain immune deficiencies. Rarely, very low IgE levels might be linked to autoimmune conditions or other systemic disorders.
Does this test replace allergy testing? No, while total IgE provides important information, it’s often used alongside other tests like skin prick tests or blood tests for specific allergens to confirm a diagnosis.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy