Skip to content

Spruce-Specific IgE, Total

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

A blood test that measures IgE antibodies directed against spruce allergens, helping evaluate a possible allergic reaction to spruce.

Quick summary

["Elevated spruce-specific IgE can support a diagnosis of spruce allergy, but results must be interpreted with symptoms and other allergy tests."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
61298-6
Short code
Spruce IgE/IgE total %
Synonyms
Spruce IgE/IgE total %
Category
tumor-marker
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 this test?

Spruce-specific IgE is an allergy antibody test. It measures the body's immune response to proteins from spruce trees and can help identify sensitization to spruce.

Why might I need this test?

This test may be ordered if you develop sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing, or other symptoms after exposure to spruce trees, logs, bark, or sap. It may also be used to assess suspected occupational or environmental allergy.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is analyzed in a laboratory to measure IgE antibodies that recognize spruce allergens. Results are reported as an amount or concentration of spruce-specific IgE.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually needed. Tell your clinician about your symptoms, recent allergen exposure, medications, and any history of allergic reactions because these details affect interpretation.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Detectable or elevated spruce-specific IgE indicates that the immune system has reacted to spruce allergens. This may reflect allergy sensitization, but a positive result alone does not prove that symptoms are caused by spruce. Low or undetectable IgE makes a clinically significant IgE-mediated spruce allergy less likely.

Short name

Spruce IgE

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive result mean I am allergic to spruce?
Not always. It shows sensitization to spruce, so your symptoms, exposure history, and sometimes skin-prick testing are needed to determine clinical allergy.
Can this test distinguish spring and summer allergies?
No. It detects antibodies to spruce specifically and does not identify the cause of seasonal symptoms caused by other pollens or allergens.
Why might my symptoms occur away from spruce trees?
Spruce pollen and other particles can travel through the air and may remain in some environments. Cross-reactivity with related allergens is also possible.
  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