Immunoglobulin E, or IgE, is a protein found in low blood concentrations and is normally found on the surface of certain blood cells, mainly basophils and mast cells, for example.
Because it is present on the surface of basophils and mast cells, which are cells that normally appear at higher concentrations in the blood during allergic reactions, IgE is usually related to allergies, however, their concentration can also increase in the blood due to diseases.caused by parasites and chronic diseases, such as asthma, for example.
- The total dose of IgE is requested by the doctor based on the person’s history.
- Especially if there are complaints of constant allergic reactions.
- So the total IgE measurement may be indicated to check for allergic reactions.
- In addition to being indicated in suspicion.
- Diseases caused by parasites or bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
- Which is a disease caused by a fungus and affects the respiratory system.
- Learn more about aspergillosis.
While this is one of the main tests for allergy diagnosis, increasing the concentration of IgE in this test should not be the only criterion for allergy diagnosis and an allergy test is recommended, in addition, this test does not provide information on the type of allergy.IgE in specific situations is necessary to verify the concentration of this immunoglobulin in relation to various stimuli, which is the so-called specific IgE test.
The value of immunoglobulin E varies depending on the age of the person and the laboratory where the test is performed, which may be:
The main cause of increased IgE is allergy, but there are other situations in which there may be an increase in this immunoglobulin in the blood, the main ones being:
In addition, IgE can also be increased in the case of inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic infections and liver diseases, for example.
The total IgE test should be performed with the fasting person for at least 8 hours, and a blood sample is taken and sent to the laboratory for testing, the result is released in at least 2 days and the concentration of immunoglobulins in the blood.indicated, as well as the normal reference value.
It is important that the result is interpreted by your doctor at the same time as the result of other tests.The total IgE test does not provide specific information about the type of allergy and additional tests are recommended.