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Giant ragweed pollen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in serum/plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures your body’s immune response to giant ragweed pollen, a common allergen that can trigger allergic reactions.

Quick summary

["Assesses allergy sensitivity to giant ragweed pollen for diagnosis and management of ragweed allergies."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
48202-6
Short code
Short+Giant Ragweed LR-mCnc
Synonyms
Short+Giant Ragweed LR-mCnc
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

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, or a runny nose after exposure to ragweed pollen, or if you have a history of ragweed allergies. It helps confirm whether your immune system is reacting to giant ragweed specifically.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. The sample is collected in a tube containing an anticoagulant to separate your serum or plasma for testing.

What the Test Results Mean

Results are typically reported as a concentration of IgE antibodies specific to giant ragweed. Higher levels may indicate a stronger allergic reaction. However, interpretation depends on clinical context, including your symptoms and medical history.

Possible Results and Next Steps

If your test result is elevated, your doctor may recommend allergy testing with skin prick tests or further blood tests to identify other allergens. Treatment may include avoiding ragweed exposure, using antihistamines, or consulting an allergist for immunotherapy.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

IgE to Giant Ragweed

Frequently asked questions

What symptoms might this test help diagnose?
This test helps diagnose ragweed allergies by measuring IgE antibodies, which your immune system produces in response to pollen exposure. Symptoms like seasonal allergies, hay fever, or allergic rhinitis may be linked to ragweed pollen.
How does this test differ from a skin prick test?
This blood test measures IgE antibodies in your serum/plasma, while a skin prick test involves applying ragweed extract to your skin to observe immediate allergic reactions. Both tests are used together for a comprehensive allergy assessment.
Can this test be used to monitor allergy treatment?
Yes, this test can help monitor your allergy response over time. If you’re undergoing immunotherapy (allergy shots), elevated or decreasing levels of specific IgE may indicate the effectiveness of treatment.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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