IgE

CLINICAL UTILITY:

An elevation in circulating IgE is clinically significant because this antibody class attaches to mast cells and basophils, causing histamine release.

The serum level of IgE in normal adults is so low (about 250 ng/ml) that it cannot be detected by the immunoprecipitation techniques used for the other immunoglobulin classes. A more sensitive radioimmunoassay method is required for its measurement. Elevations in serum IgE occur in patients with atopic and allergic diseases such as hay fever, extrinsic bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, parasitic infections and atopic dermatitis. The most common allergens which cause higher IgE levels are ragweed, other pollens, dusts, animal dander, penicillin, fish and some foods. Increased IgE levels also are found in immune deficiency disorders, including Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and certain dysgammaglobulinemias. Monoclonal IgE-myeloma has been found in rare instances. Decreases in IgE occur in some primary and secondary immunodeficiencies.

Decreases in IgE occur in some primary and secondary immunodeficiencies.

METHOD DESCRIPTION:

Competitive binding radioimmunoassay (RIA) is the method used in our lab to measure serum levels of IgE.

REFERENCE RANGE:

Age dependent. Call Lab (548-6149).

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS:

0.3 ml serum. Freeze.