An Immunoglobulin E Total (IgE-Total) test measures the overall amount of IgE antibodies present in the blood. Antibodies are typically produced by the immune system to fight off harmful agents like viruses and bacteria. However, in cases of allergies to substances such as pollen or dust, the body mistakenly identifies these as threats and generates IgE antibodies in response. Therefore, an IgE test can reveal if you have an allergy. Under normal conditions, the blood contains minimal IgE antibodies. Elevated IgE levels suggest that the body is responding to a perceived allergen and triggering an allergic reaction. High IgE levels can also indicate a parasitic infection or certain immune system disorders.

If you reside in Mumbai and are experiencing allergy symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, or similar issues, you can have an IgE test conducted at home through Orange Health Labs. This test can help identify if you have an allergy, enabling proper diagnosis and treatment.

When planning a Total IgE test at home in Mumbai, take into account the following elements to ensure reliable test results:

• Prerequisites

No extra preparation, such as fasting, is required for the IgE test.

• Best Time to Get Tested

You can take the IgE test at any time of day.

• Who Should Take an IgE Test

You might require an IgE blood test if you have:

• Cautions Before Taking an IgE Test

There is no need to take any particular precautions during the IgE test.

Allergies to foods, pets, pollen, or other irritating substances can be identified with the use of an IgE test. If you suffer from any of the following allergy symptoms, your doctor could advise an IgE test:

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Eczema

• Headache

• Sore throat

• Sneezing

• Pain in the abdomen

• Watery, itchy eyes

• Coughing

• Wheezing

• Nausea

• Dry skin

• Vomiting

• Shortness of breath

• Diarrhoea

• Swollen tongue, face, lips, or eyes

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

• Tightness in the chest

Your doctor might also order an IgE blood test if:

• You have an immune system issue like hyper IgE syndrome.

• You have a skin condition such a rash or hives.

• You are taking antihistamines or are unable to undergo a skin allergy test.

• You have an allergic disorder such as allergic asthma.

• There is a suspicion of a parasitic infection such as invasive helminthiasis.

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 usually rise during childhood and then stabilise during the teenage years. IgE acts as a mediator in allergic reactions. Patients with conditions like allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis often have moderately elevated IgE levels. However, high total IgE levels can also be seen in various conditions unrelated to allergies, including:

• Parasitic infections

• Sezary syndrome

• Immunodeficiency states

• Hodgkin's disease

• Autoimmune diseases

• Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

• IgE myeloma

Therefore, it's essential to discuss your Total IgE test results with your doctor to understand the causes of elevated IgE in your specific health condition.