Home›Total IgE

Content created by

Written by

PGDHHM, BDS

Reviewed by

Dr. Hitesh Tiwari

MD Pathology, MBBS

Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Total IgE

Q: What is the full form of IgE?

The full form of IgE is Immunoglobulin E. It is a type of antibody that is produced by the immune system and helps the body fight against infections and allergies.

Q: What is a Total IgE test?

A Total IgE test is a blood test that measures the total amount of immunoglobulin E antibody in the blood. This test helps diagnose certain types of infections and immune disorders.

Q: When is a Total IgE test advised by the doctor?

A Total IgE test is advised by the doctor in case you experience allergy symptoms, such as itchy skin, itching in eyes, hives, eczema, nausea, vomiting, persistent diarrhea, sneezing, coughing, congestion, difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, and similar symptoms suggestive of asthma.

Q: Is there any risk associated with a Total IgE test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely, some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q: Are there any preparations or precautions required before a Total IgE test?

Usually, overnight fasting is preferred before a Total IgE test. Hence, avoid eating or drinking anything except water during the fasting period. Also, some medications like antihistamines can affect your test results. Therefore, let your doctor know about all the medications you take before undergoing this test.

Q: What is the procedure of sample collection for a Total IgE test?

A phlebotomist (a trained professional to perform blood draws) will clean your skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe, and take a blood sample from your vein using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the laboratory for analysis.

Q: What does a high level of IgE mean?

If your total IgE test result is high, you may have some kind of allergy. However, the results of this test do not tell what you might be allergic to or how serious your allergy may be.

Q: What are some common food allergens which can increase IgE levels?

The most common food allergens which may increase your IgE levels include milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, etc.

Q: How can I cure my allergies naturally?

Always consult your doctor if you are suspecting any allergy. However, adopting some dietary changes, filtering the air inside your house, maintaining proper hygiene, taking vitamins and supplements (as recommended by your doctor), etc., may help ease your allergies.

Q: Is there anything else I need to know about an allergy blood test?

Allergy blood tests may not always be accurate. Sometimes, the test results may suggest you have an allergy when, in reality, you do not (also called a false-positive result). This may happen if your body is having a slight reaction to substances in certain foods that you may have eaten before the test. It is uncommon for a blood test to show false-negative results. Depending on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an allergy skin test with an allergy blood test, or you may have a skin test alone.

Also known as IgE Allergy Test, Quantitative IgE Test, Immunoglobulin E Test

₹509~~₹853~~ 40% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory.

Understanding Total IgE

What is Total IgE?

A Total IgE, also known as the Immunoglobulin E test, helps identify allergic reactions and immune responses by measuring the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood. This test aids in detecting various allergies, including seasonal allergies, food allergies, insect sting allergies, and some immune disorders.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody produced by the immune system that helps to defend the body against potential threats or allergies. The body makes many different types of IgE, each of which is specific to a substance that triggers an immune response, such as pollen, dust mites, food allergens, and insect venom. When the immune system encounters an allergen, it triggers the production of IgE antibodies, which bind to other immune cells.

A Total IgE test measures the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood. However, it does not help to identify the specific type of IgE antibody. An IgE test may be needed if you have asthma or allergy symptoms, like itchy or watery eyes, swelling, shortness of breath, skin rash, congestion, or sneezing. For people with allergy-induced asthma, testing may help to determine the right treatment and suitable dosage. A Total IgE test may also be needed if you have symptoms of an immune disorder or a parasitic infection, such as abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea, dry skin, hives, etc.

Usually, overnight fasting is preferred for an IgE test. Therefore, avoid eating or drinking anything except water during the fasting period. Also, let your doctor know about any medications you might be taking, as some of these medications (such as antihistamines) could affect your test results if taken before this test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is Total IgE used for?

A Total IgE test can be done:

If you experience allergy symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes, swelling, shortness of breath, skin rash, congestion, or sneezing.
To track and monitor treatment progress and effectiveness
If a parasitic infection or allergic respiratory disease is suspected.
In individuals with a family history of allergies.

What does Total IgE measure?

Immunoglobulins are antibodies (proteins) produced by plasma cells (specific immune cells) when the body recognizes bacteria, viruses, other microorganisms, or any other unknown substances as harmful foreign antigens (allergy-causing substances or allergens) to the immune system. There are five types of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgG, IgM, IgD, and IgE.

Unlike other antibodies, IgE is primarily associated with immune responses to allergenic substances, such as plant pollen, latex, pet dander, mold, eggs, peanuts, bee venom, and strawberries. Normally, IgE is present in very small amounts in the blood. When the immune system encounters an allergen, it triggers the production of IgE antibodies. A Total IgE test measures the concentration of these IgE antibodies in the blood, providing insights into the presence and severity of allergies.

Interpreting Total IgE results

Interpretations

IgE < 64.0o kUA/L

*Reference range may vary from lab to lab

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Total IgE

Frequently Asked Questions about Total IgE

Q. What is the full form of IgE?

The full form of IgE is Immunoglobulin E. It is a type of antibody that is produced by the immune system and helps the body fight against infections and allergies.

Q. What is a Total IgE test?

A Total IgE test is a blood test that measures the total amount of immunoglobulin E antibody in the blood. This test helps diagnose certain types of infections and immune disorders.

Q. When is a Total IgE test advised by the doctor?

A Total IgE test is advised by the doctor in case you experience allergy symptoms, such as itchy skin, itching in eyes, hives, eczema, nausea, vomiting, persistent diarrhea, sneezing, coughing, congestion, difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, and similar symptoms suggestive of asthma.

Q. Is there any risk associated with a Total IgE test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely, some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. Are there any preparations or precautions required before a Total IgE test?

Usually, overnight fasting is preferred before a Total IgE test. Hence, avoid eating or drinking anything except water during the fasting period. Also, some medications like antihistamines can affect your test results. Therefore, let your doctor know about all the medications you take before undergoing this test.

Q. What is the procedure of sample collection for a Total IgE test?

A phlebotomist (a trained professional to perform blood draws) will clean your skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe, and take a blood sample from your vein using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the laboratory for analysis.

Q. What does a high level of IgE mean?

If your total IgE test result is high, you may have some kind of allergy. However, the results of this test do not tell what you might be allergic to or how serious your allergy may be.

Q. What are some common food allergens which can increase IgE levels?

The most common food allergens which may increase your IgE levels include milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, etc.

Q. How can I cure my allergies naturally?

Always consult your doctor if you are suspecting any allergy. However, adopting some dietary changes, filtering the air inside your house, maintaining proper hygiene, taking vitamins and supplements (as recommended by your doctor), etc., may help ease your allergies.

Q. Is there anything else I need to know about an allergy blood test?

Allergy blood tests may not always be accurate. Sometimes, the test results may suggest you have an allergy when, in reality, you do not (also called a false-positive result). This may happen if your body is having a slight reaction to substances in certain foods that you may have eaten before the test. It is uncommon for a blood test to show false-negative results. Depending on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an allergy skin test with an allergy blood test, or you may have a skin test alone.

+ more