An Immunoglobulin E Total (IgE-Total) test determines the total level of IgE antibodies in the blood. Usually, antibodies are created by the immune system to combat harmful substances such as viruses and bacteria. However, when you are allergic to something (like pollen or dust), your body also considers it as harmful and produces IgE antibodies against it. Thus, an IgE test can help determine whether you have an allergy. Normally, the blood contains small amounts of IgE antibodies. Elevated levels of IgE antibodies may indicate that the body is reacting to something it perceives as an allergen and causing an allergic reaction. High IgE levels can also occur when a person has a parasitic infection or certain immune system disorders.

If you live in Bangalore and are experiencing allergy symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, or other related issues, you can get an IgE test done at home with Orange Health Labs in Bangalore. This test can help determine whether you have an allergy, thus allowing for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

To get accurate results on the test, consider the following factors when scheduling a Total IgE test at home in Bangalore:

• Prerequisites

No special preparation like fasting is needed for the IgE test.

• Best Time to Get Tested

The IgE test can be performed at any time of the day.

• Who Should Take an IgE Test

You may need an IgE Blood test if you have:

• Cautions Before Taking an IgE Test

The IgE test does not require any special precautions to be taken.

An IgE test can assist in identifying allergies to foods, pets, pollen, or other substances that can cause irritation. 2 Your doctor may recommend an IgE test if you experience symptoms of an allergy, such as:

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Sore throat

• Sneezing

• Pain in the abdomen

• Watery, itchy eyes

• Coughing

• Headache

• Wheezing

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Dry skin

• Vomiting

• Shortness of breath

• Eczema

• Itchy raised red patches on the skin (hives) or swelling (angioedema)

• Swollen tongue, face, lips, or eyes

• Tightness in the chest

Your doctor may also order an IgE Blood test in the following cases:

• If you have a skin condition like hives or rash.

• If you take antihistamines or cannot undergo a skin allergy test.

• If you are having an allergic disorder like allergic asthma

• If you have an immune system problem like hyper IgE syndrome

• If you are suspected of having a parasitic infection like invasive heleminthiasis

The IgE test measures IgE levels in the blood using the Enzyme-Linked Fluorescence Assay (ELFA) method. The normal IgE test values are listed below:

Clinical Significance

IgE levels typically increase during childhood and stabilise in teenage years. IgE serves as a mediator in allergic responses. Patients with conditions such as allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis often have moderately elevated IgE levels. However, elevated total IgE levels can also occur in several conditions unrelated to allergies. These include:

• Parasitic infections

• Immunodeficiency state

• Autoimmune diseases

• Hodgkin's disease

• Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

• IgE myeloma

• Sezary syndrome

Therefore, discussing the results of your Total IgE test with your doctor is crucial in understanding the causes of elevated IgE in your specific health condition.