IgE Total Test - Antibody

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
   

The IgE Total Antibody Serum Test measures the total amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood. IgE is an antibody type involved in allergic reactions.

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. 

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.

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. However, it's crucial to inform your doctor about any medications you're taking, particularly antihistamines, as they can sometimes affect the test results. Discuss any questions or concerns you have with your doctor before the test for a smooth experience.

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.

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.

The IgE total antibody serum test is a good initial screening tool for allergies. However, it can't pinpoint the exact cause of the elevated IgE. A high IgE level could indicate allergies, parasites, or even other immune system issues. Therefore, the IgE test is often used alongside other tests or a patient's medical history for a more complete picture. If the IgE test is high, further investigation with specific allergy tests or parasite examinations might be needed for a confirmed diagnosis.

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.

• Allergy Blood Test
• Total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) Antibody Test
• IgE Allergy Test

An allergy is a hypersensitive disorder. It is caused by the immune system on exposure to allergens such as viruses and bacteria. This makes a person fall sick. However, the immune system may consider a few harmless foreign substances as a threat. These could be pollens, dust, animal dander, certain food and medications, etc. It initiates a defence mechanism against them to protect the body. During this, the immune system produces a protein called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. This antibody binds with an antigen. This triggers the other cells in the body to fight the invading antigen. As a result, a person may experience allergic symptoms.

Your healthcare provider may recommend the IgE total antibody serum test if you have the following allergic symptoms:

• Itchy or watery eyes
• Stuffed and runny nose
• Cough
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Red patches on the skin
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath

Generally, the symptoms are mild. However, in certain cases, the symptoms may turn out to be severe and life-threatening. It is ideal to consult the doctor at the earliest. One should not neglect the symptoms.

The IgE test is a blood test that measures the level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood. It helps identify allergies, parasitic infections, and certain immune system disorders by detecting the total or specific amount of IgE antibodies.

The full form of IgE is Immunoglobulin E.

The normal range for IgE levels varies by laboratory but generally falls between 0 to 150 IU/mL for adults. However, some sources specify a range of 0 to 75 kU/L or up to 148 kU/L depending on the units and laboratory.

The IgE blood test detects the presence and amount of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood, which can indicate allergies, parasitic infections, or certain immune system disorders.

High IgE levels detected through an IgE serum test can indicate various health conditions, including allergies, parasitic infections, and certain immune system disorders. It does not necessarily mean the condition is serious, but it requires further investigation by a healthcare provider.

Foods that can cause high IgE levels include common allergens such as nuts, shellfish, eggs, dairy, and other food proteins that the immune system may mistakenly identify as threats.

Reducing IgE levels typically involves managing the underlying condition. For allergies, this might include avoiding allergens, using antihistamines, or undergoing immunotherapy. For parasitic infections, treatment involves antiparasitic medications. Consult a healthcare provider for specific advice.

Total IgE Test reports indicate the level of IgE antibodies in the blood. High levels suggest the presence of an allergy, parasitic infection, or immune system disorder, but do not specify the exact cause. Further testing, such as specific IgE tests, may be needed to determine the specific allergen or condition.

If the Total IgE Test reports are positive (showing high IgE levels), it means that the patient may have an allergy, parasitic infection, or an immune system disorder. The healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of the patient's symptoms and medical history and may recommend additional tests or treatments.

The benefits of the Total IgE Test include diagnosing and managing allergic conditions, identifying parasitic infections, and monitoring immune system disorders. It is particularly useful when skin testing is not feasible or when specific allergens need to be identified.

The IgE blood test is generally a safe procedure with minimal risks, similar to any blood test. However, there can be false positives or false negatives, and the test results must be interpreted carefully by a healthcare provider.

Diseases diagnosed or suspected through the Total IgE Test include allergic conditions (such as atopic eczema, allergic asthma), parasitic infections (like helminthiasis), and certain immune system disorders (such as Hyper IgE syndrome, Common Variable Immunodeficiency).

Yes, certain medications such as antihistamines, systemic steroids, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants can affect the results of the IgE serum test. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking before the test.

Fasting is not typically required before taking the Total IgE Test. However, it is advisable to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding preparation for the test.

Factors that can affect Total IgE Test results include recent exposure to allergens, certain medications, skin conditions, and the specific laboratory techniques used. False positives or false negatives can also occur due to various reasons such as recent food intake or other health conditions.

The turnaround time for Total IgE Test reports can vary but generally takes 6 hours. Post sample collection.