Specimen requirement

Adult patient:

Clotted blood tube (Serum gel separator clot activator tube)

Minimum blood volume: 5 mL

Paediatric clotted blood tube

Number of vials: 2

Minimum blood volume: 1.6 mL

Authorisation code required

Yes

(Private patient ONLY)

24 Hr available service

No

Method

Immunoassay

Reference interval

Phadia ImmunoCAP 100 Specific IgE calibrators are used for determination of specific IgE antibodies, and values are expressed in kU_A/L, where A represents allergen specific antibodies.  Values > 0.35 kU_A/L represent a progressive increase in the relative concentration of allergen-specific antibodies.  Values < 0.35 kU_A/L represent absent or undetectable levels of allergen-specific antibodies.  This quantitative result can also be classified into conventional allergy classes (0 - 6) as shown in the following table:

Allergy Class	Specific IgE Concentration (kUA/L)	Level of Allergen-Specific IgE Antibody
0	0 - < 0.35	Absent or undetectable
1	0.35 - < 0.70	Low
2	0.70 - < 3.50	Moderate
3	3.50 - < 17.5	High
4	17.5 - < 50.0	Very high
5	50.0 - < 100	Very high
6	100	Very high

(Source: from manufacturer's kit insert)

Clinical indication

Assessment and identification of allergen sensitisation

Result interpretation

Patients with allergic diseases usually have elevated serum specific IgE concentration to one or more allergens: house dust mite, cockroaches, animal dander, moulds, pollens, egg white, cow’s milk, fish, wheat flour, peanut, soya, and / or other inhalant and food allergens. Identification of specify allergen sensitisation is helpful for diagnosis and management of allergy.

Measurement of uncertainty

See table.

Frequency of measurement

Weekly