Nickel IgE Antibody Test
This blood test checks whether your immune system has made IgE antibodies against nickel, a silvery metal commonly found in jewelry, coins, cell phones, belt buckles, and many everyday items. The results can help confirm a suspected nickel allergy.
{"The test uses a blood sample to check for nickel-specific IgE antibodies","A positive result indicates a nickel allergy, typically causing skin reactions like rash or itching","Results help confirm nickel allergy when skin patch testing is not suitable","Nickel is the most common cause of metal contact allergy worldwide","Treatment involves avoiding nickel-containing items and using protective barriers"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 103711-8
- Short code
- Nickel IgE RAST
- Synonyms
- Nickel IgE RAST
- Category
- cardiac
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red top vacuum tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 25
- Ref high
- 200
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 370268004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL minimum, 2.0 mL preferred
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 40
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Nickel IgE Antibody test is a blood test that detects the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specifically created by your immune system to fight nickel. Nickel is a silvery-white metal commonly found in jewelry, belt buckles, coins, cell phones, and many everyday items. When someone has a nickel allergy, their body mistakenly identifies nickel as harmful and produces IgE antibodies, which can trigger allergic reactions upon exposure.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a laboratory where it is tested using the Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST) method. This test measures whether nickel-specific IgE antibodies are present in your blood serum. The result is typically reported as either 'positive' (antibodies detected) or 'negative' (no antibodies detected).
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means your immune system has produced IgE antibodies to nickel, indicating you have a nickel allergy. This allergy usually manifests as contact dermatitis—a red, itchy, or blistering rash where nickel-containing items touch your skin. The reaction typically appears 12-48 hours after exposure. Some people may also experience systemic reactions or worsening of eczema.
Reference range
NCBI: CK 25-200 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Patient may continue antihistamine medications as these do not significantly affect IgE antibody levels
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The Nickel IgE test helps confirm a diagnosis of nickel allergy when other testing methods like patch testing are not feasible or conclusive. It is particularly useful for patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis who cannot undergo skin patch testing due to severe skin conditions, medication interference, or pregnancy. Understanding nickel allergy status helps guide treatment decisions and prevention strategies, including recommendations for nickel-free jewelry, protective coatings, and avoiding known sources of nickel exposure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have a nickel allergy?
Is this test different from a patch test?
What should I do if I test positive for nickel allergy?
Can nickel allergy be cured?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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