Allergen, Shrimp IgE

Allergen, Food of Animal Origin, Shrimp IgE

Alternate Test Name

Shrimp Specific IgE

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LAB617
SRMPAL

Category

Sendouts

Methodology

ImmunoCAP Fluorescent Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA)

Test Performance Schedule

Available twice per week

Result Availability

1 – 3 days

Container

Gold top (SST) tube

Volume

Pref. Vol.: 5.0 mL
Min. Vol.: 2.0 mL

Collection Instructions

• Routine venipuncture
• Immediately after collection, gently invert tube 5-10 times
• Clot 30 minutes
• Centrifuge within 2 hours of collection
• Refrigerate

Transportation Instructions

Refrigerated

Stability

After separation from cells:
• Room temperature: 12 hours
• Refrigerated: 7 days
• Frozen: Aliquot serum for longer storage

Causes for Rejection

• Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
• Specimen not centrifuged within 2 hours of collection

Remarks

Lab Staff:
For 1 allergen: 0.3mL serum
For more than 1 allergen: (0.05 mL x number of allergens) + 0.25mL dead space
1 tube per panel

CPT Codes

86003

Effective/Revised

9/12/2019

Allergy and diseases caused or complicated by allergy, such as asthma or diseases with symptoms that mimic allergy, are among the most widespread and costly health problems in the world. Traditionally, allergy testing was performed by applying allergens directly to or under the skin. The subsequent appearance of a raised welt indicated sensitivity. However, skin testing carried the risk of serious allergic reaction and was not recommended for young children and or elderly patients.

Although many patients continue to undergo skin (scratch) testing, testing of blood samples for allergen antibodies has been recognized as a viable alternative. Blood testing decreases discomfort for patients and can be performed on patients of all ages, including infants and the elderly. Test results aid in distinguishing allergies from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as colds and other respiratory infections.

Blood allergen testing determines an individual's sensitivity to a given allergen. The test measures IgE (immunoglobulin E), an antibody circulating in the blood when the body is fighting an allergen. Quantitation of blood antibodies is indicator of a patient's sensitivity to a specific allergen. Results are reported in kU/L.

Testing is available for individual allergens or for multi-allergen mixes. Multi-allergen tests do not identify the specific allergen(s) within the mix that may be responsible for a positive result, but do assist with narrowing the search for causative allergic stimuli.

Blood testing can be ordered by the patient's primary care physician or by an allergy specialist. Test results should always be evaluated in combination with a thorough patient history and physical.