Test ID: IGE
Immunoglobulin E (IgE), Serum
Useful For 
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
As an initial (screening) test for allergic disease
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
IgE antibodies mediate allergic diseases by sensitizing mast cells and basophils to release histamine and other inflammatory mediators on exposure to allergens.
Serum levels of IgE are increased in many patients with allergic diseases, parasitic diseases, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and the rare hyper IgE syndrome.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
| Results Reported in kU/L | |||
| Age | Mean | +1SD | +2SD |
| 0-6 weeks | 0.6 | 2.3 | 8.8 |
| 7 weeks-3 months | 1.0 | 4.1 | 17.0 |
| 4-6 months | 1.8 | 7.3 | 30.0 |
| 7-9 months | 2.6 | 10.0 | 39.0 |
| 10-23 months | 3.2 | 13.0 | 53.0 |
| 2 years | 5.7 | 23.0 | 93.0 |
| 3 years | 8.0 | 32.0 | 128.0 |
| 4 years | 10.0 | 40.0 | 160.0 |
| 5 years | 12.0 | 48.0 | 192.0 |
| 6 years | 14.0 | 56.0 | 224.0 |
| 7 years | 16.0 | 63.0 | 248.0 |
| 8 years | 18.0 | 71.0 | 280.0 |
| 9 years | 20.0 | 78.0 | 304.0 |
| 10 years | 22.0 | 85.0 | 328.0 |
| Adults | 13.2 | 41.0 | 127.0 |
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Serum levels of IgE greater than the mean +1 standard deviation (SD) for age suggest the presence of allergic disease.
Levels greater than the mean +2 SD strongly suggest the presence of allergic disease.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
The probability of finding an increased level of IgE in serum in a patient with allergic disease varies directly with the number of different allergens to which the patient is sensitized.
A normal level of IgE in serum does not eliminate the possibility of allergic disease.
Normal levels of IgE in serum occur in some patients with allergic disease, especially if there is sensitivity to a limited number of allergens and limited end organ involvement.
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Homburger HA: Chapter 53: Allergic diseases. In Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st edition. Edited by RA McPherson, MR Pincus. WB Saunders Company, New York, 2007, Part VI, pp 961-971
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