: IgE Total, Serum or Plasma
: This test measures the total amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood, a type of antibody linked to allergic responses. It is used as a general screening tool when an allergy-related condition is suspected.
[": Total IgE gives a broad picture of allergic activity, but it cannot identify which specific substance you are allergic to."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 39601-0
- Short code
- S botryosum IgE/IgE total %
- Synonyms
- S botryosum 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 Being Measured
: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is an antibody produced by your immune system. A small amount is normal, but levels can rise in people with allergic conditions or certain immune problems. This test measures the combined amount of all IgE in the sample rather than antibodies against one specific allergen.
: Why Your Doctor Ordered It
: Your doctor may order a total IgE test to help evaluate symptoms that could be allergy-related, such as recurring rashes, wheezing, or digestive complaints. It is sometimes used alongside other tests when an allergic or immune condition is being considered.
: How the Sample Is Collected
: A blood sample is typically drawn from a vein in your arm. The specimen is usually serum or plasma, and no special preparation is generally required unless your care team gives other instructions.
: How to Understand the Result
: Results are usually reported as a concentration and compared with a reference range that varies by age and laboratory. A higher value may support further allergy evaluation, but total IgE alone cannot confirm or rule out an allergy, and normal results do not exclude allergic disease.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Total IgE is a nonspecific screening marker. Elevated levels can occur with allergic conditions, parasitic infections, and some immune disorders, while levels can be normal in people who still have allergies. Because it does not identify specific triggers, it is usually interpreted together with your symptoms, history, and allergen-specific testing.
Short name
: Total IgE
Frequently asked questions
: Does a high total IgE mean I definitely have an allergy?
: Can this test tell me what I am allergic to?
: Do I need to fast before this test?
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