Total IgE

Total IgE test is also known as Quantitative IgE test. This test measures the amount of IgE in the blood.  Higher amounts can be a sign that the body overreacts to allergens, which can lead to an allergic reaction.

Total IgE levels can also be high when the body is fighting an infection from a parasite, vasculitis and from some immune system conditions.

This test needsblood sample. You should inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Why total IgE test?

Doctors may order an IgE test:

• In case of symptoms of allergies 
• In case of doubt of parasitic infection
• To evaluate children having a family history of allergies
• To evaluate in case of suspected allergic respiratory disease
• To confirm sensitivity to foods in patients of asthma, angioedema or cutaneous disease
• To evaluate sensitivity to insect venom allergens

Who needs to get tested for total IgE test?

A person who has symptoms of an allergy. These include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy skin
• Hives (a rash with raised red patches)
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting

More about total IgE test

Allergies are a common and chronic condition that involves the body's immune system. Normally, your immune system works to fight off viruses, bacteria and other infectious agents. When you have an allergy, your immune system treats a harmless substance like dust or pollen as a threat. To fight this perceived threat, your immune system makes antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE).

The production of IgE is seen in cases of response to allergens. Allergens can include dust,animal dander, foods including eggs, strawberries, nuts and shellfish, certain medicines such as penicillin, plant pollen, bee venom, etc.These IgE antibodies, once produced, bind to white blood cells and lead to the release of substances like histamine. This further causes constriction of bronchi in the lungs in allergic or asthmatic persons.

Allergy symptoms can range from sneezing runny or stuffy nose, itchy skin / eyes to a life-threatening complication called anaphylactic shock. Allergy blood tests measure the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood. A small amount of IgE antibodies is normal. A larger amount of IgE may mean you have an allergy.

Other names: IgE allergy test, Total IgE, Quantitative IgE, Immunoglobulin E total

Reference range: 0 - 113 KU/L

Interpretation:

If your total IgE levels are higher than normal, it likely means you have some kind of allergy. But it does not reveal what you are allergic to. A specific IgE test will help identify your particular allergy. If your results indicate an allergy, your health care provider may refer you to an allergy specialist or recommend a treatment plan.

Your treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of your allergy. People at risk for anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction that can cause death, need to take extra care to avoid the allergy-causing substance. They may need to carry an emergency epinephrine treatment with them at all times.