Immunoglobulin E concentration (IgE)
Immunology and Allergy Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Elevated concentrations of IgE are associated with atopic disease. Atopic disease is common in the UK and has a variety of clinical presentations. The following is a list of the more frequently encountered conditions: food allergy, atopic eczema, asthma, seasonal rhinitis and conjunctivitis, perennial rhinitis and conjunctivitis, bee and wasp venom anaphylaxis and latex allergy (see allergen specific IgE). Many parasite infections also give rise to increased concentrations of IgE. Job’s syndrome or hyper IgE syndrome is another disorder where high concentrations are seen.
Sample Requirements
2 ml freshly separated serum
Storage and Transport
Serum stored at 4°C should be sent by first class post
Turnaround Time
6 working days
Time Limit for Extra Tests
Five days
Factors affecting results or interpretation
All tests are compromised by prolonged transit times. For this reason, date of bleed and date of postage must be provided with each request.
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrianturner1@nhs.net. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
Dr Ted Davies, Consultant Clinical Scientist
T 020 3299 9000 Ex 8752
John Cazabon or Rosemary Ebling, Lead Biomedical Scientists
T 020 3299 1559
