IgE (Immunoglobulin E) Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGPChief Medical Officer
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What are immunoglobulins?
Immunoglobulins (also known as antibodies) play an important role in the immune system and help fight against harmful bacteria and viruses in your body. There are five classes of antibodies and several subclasses. In people with an allergy, their immune system overreacts to a harmless allergen (such as food, grass, or animal dander) by producing IgE. This reaction usually irritates the nose, lungs, throat, and skin. Our IgE test measures the amount of IgE antibodies in your blood, targeted for a suspected allergen.
What does it mean if my IgE is high?
Elevated IgE results often indicate an allergy. However, not everyone with an elevated result will have a physical allergic reaction when exposed to that substance. You may be sensitised rather than allergic to the substance. The level of IgE does not necessarily predict the severity of a reaction, although the higher the level, the more likely you are to react to the allergen.
What can I learn from an IgE test?
Whether you have typical allergy symptoms or ongoing unexplained and vague symptoms, this test is a good way of confirming whether you are an allergy sufferer.