IgE Total Antibody Serum Test

Total IgE test is done in cases of :

• Suspected allergies. Common symptoms are: Itching, running nose, sneezing, coughing, diarrhoea, hives
• Suspected parasitic or fungal infections
• Certain autoimmune disorders
   

Total IgE antibody measures the antibody level to IgE in blood serum. Total IgE test only measures the overall component of IgE. Specific IgE test to a specific allergen will help in further diagnosis.

Total ige test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer. 

Elevated levels of IgE indicates presence of parasitic infection, allergy or certain cancers. 
Low levels of IgE are seen in autoimmune diseases
To pin point cause allergen specific IgE and other allergy panels are advised

Allergy can be caused due to various reasons. These could be bacteria, viruses, food, medications, dust, pollen, animal dander, etc.

There is no special preparation for the IgE total antibody serum test.

The IgE total antibody serum test requires a blood sample. An elastic band is placed on the upper arm. After which, a person should make a fist. This is for blood to build up in the veins. The skin is disinfected. Then the needle is inserted into the skin. A small amount of blood is drawn. It is collected in a vial. This blood is then sent to a laboratory for diagnosis.

It is crucial to inform the healthcare provider about all the medications. This is specifically for anti-allergic medications that a person is currently taking. These medications can interfere with the test. This may give a false result.

Generally, IgE is found in very small traces in the blood. Elevated levels of IgE can mean that a person has some kind of allergy. An increase in IgE levels can be due to the following reasons:

• Allergic conditions such as asthma, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.
• Food allergy.
• Blood-related cancers.
• Infections such as parasitic infection, HIV, tuberculosis, etc.

In contrast, low levels of IgE indicate autoimmune diseases.

However, this particular test does not pinpoint which specific allergen has caused the allergy. For further diagnosis, the healthcare provider may recommend a specific IgE test.

There is no serious risk with the IgE total antibody serum test. A person may experience a slight swelling, pain or very light bleeding at the site of needle insertion to draw the blood sample.

Sometimes, the IgE total antibody serum test can give a false result. This can be due to a slight reaction of the immune system to a medication. This can also be due to the food taken before the test. However, it is not likely to get a false test, when a person has an allergy.

A skin prick test is done to check for immediate allergic reactions to 50 different substances at once. However, the healthcare provider may recommend a blood test if a person has any skin problems or based on the condition of the person.

Yes, stress increases allergy. During stress, the body releases certain chemicals such as histamines. These cause allergic symptoms. However, stress does not cause allergies. But can worsen the already existing allergic condition.

References:

1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/ige-and-asthma-200596
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-is-an-antibody
3. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/allergy-blood-test/

Allergy Blood Test

Total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibody Test

IgE Allergy Test