IgE (Immunoglobulin E) total serum concentration
This test measures the level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE), a protein in your blood that your immune system produces in response to allergens like pollen, dust, or certain foods.
["IgE helps identify allergies and potential immune reactions to triggers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 102653-3
- Short code
- Yellow Jacket IgE RAST
- Synonyms
- Yellow Jacket IgE RAST
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 10000 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 IgE Used For?
IgE levels can help doctors diagnose allergies, assess severe allergic reactions (like anaphylaxis), or evaluate conditions like asthma, eczema, or parasitic infections. It may also be used to guide treatment plans for allergy sufferers.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a lab where it is analyzed using an immunoassay method to measure IgE concentration.
When Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms of allergies (e.g., sneezing, itching, hives), unexplained skin rashes, asthma, or if you’ve had severe allergic reactions to certain substances.
What Do Results Mean?
Results don’t always indicate a specific cause alone. Elevated IgE levels may suggest allergies or immune-related conditions, but additional testing and clinical correlation are needed for accurate diagnosis.
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.
IgE levels can be elevated in allergic disorders, parasitic infections, or certain autoimmune conditions. While high IgE is often linked to allergies, it can also appear in non-allergic states like chronic asthma or certain inflammatory diseases. Low IgE levels may be seen in rare immune deficiencies or in some allergic conditions.
Short name
IgE Total
Frequently asked questions
Why did my doctor order this test?
What are common triggers that might raise IgE levels?
Do IgE levels change over time?
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