Ovalbumin-Specific IgE Antibody Test by Radioallergosorbent Testing (RAST)
This test measures IgE antibodies directed against ovalbumin, a major egg protein. It may be used to help evaluate a suspected egg allergy.
["A positive result indicates an immune response to ovalbumin, but it must be interpreted with allergy symptoms and medical history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102482-7
- Short code
- Ovalb IgE RAST
- Synonyms
- Ovalb 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
What Is Ovalbumin?
Ovalbumin is a protein found in egg whites. Some people have an immune response to this protein and may have symptoms after eating eggs or exposed to egg products.
What Does the Test Measure?
The test detects ovalbumin-specific IgE antibodies. These antibodies are part of the immune response associated with allergic sensitization.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is analyzed using a radioallergosorbent method, commonly called RAST, or a comparable laboratory method for detecting allergen-specific IgE.
How Are Results Interpreted?
A positive result suggests sensitization to ovalbumin, while a negative result makes an immediate ovalbumin allergy less likely. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional because test findings do not always match symptoms.
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.
Ovalbumin-specific IgE testing can help identify an allergic cause of symptoms such as hives, swelling, wheezing, vomiting, or other reactions associated with egg exposure. It does not by itself confirm that every exposure will cause symptoms, and a result should be considered alongside the clinical history and, when needed, an allergy evaluation.
Short name
Ovalbumin IgE (RAST)
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Ovalbumin IgE Result Mean?
Can I Eat Eggs With a Positive Result?
Does a Negative Result Rule Out Egg Allergy?
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