Why & When Should You Do a Total IgE Check?

What is a Total IgE Test?

Blood contains antibodies made by the immune system to protect the body from bacteria, viruses, and allergens. A total Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test is a blood test that measures the level of immunoglobulin E antibodies. This type of antibody is usually found in small amounts in the body. When the amount rises above average, it can be a sign that the body is overreacting to an allergen. In other words, a total IgE test can identify an allergic reaction.

Total IgE checks are also often referred to as allergy tests because they are often used to detect allergic reactions. In addition to detecting allergic reactions, total IgE checks are actually also often used to identify infections, primary immunodeficiencies, and other inflammatory diseases.

Why Do a Total IgE Test?

Total IgE tests are used to help detect allergic reactions and the presence or absence of parasitic infections. Once the test is complete, the results will be used to determine a treatment plan. Unfortunately, total IgE tests are often considered less sensitive and cannot pinpoint the exact cause of allergies or detect the type of allergen responsible. In such cases, specific IgE tests are more recommended to find out the triggers of allergies.

In addition to detecting the cause of allergies, this examination also helps doctors in choosing the best therapy for patients with health problems, especially those related to antibodies and IgE.

When Should You Do a Total IgE Check?

This examination method is generally performed before certain medical treatments or procedures. Total IgE checks through blood samples are usually performed if skin allergy tests are not possible. This is because there is a risk of severe allergies if skin tests are performed. On the other hand, blood tests are generally safer, including for children.

This test is also recommended if a person has periodic or persistent symptoms that may be due to an allergic reaction, especially when the cause of the allergy is unknown. Allergy symptoms usually involve skin, respiratory, and/or digestive problems, such as:

• Periodic or persistent itching.
• Itchy eyes.
• Eczema.
• Nausea, vomiting, persistent diarrhea.
• Sneezing, coughing, congestion.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and tightness in the chest.

Sometimes a total IgE test may be ordered as a screening test when someone has persistent diarrhea that may be caused by a parasitic infection.

How to Do a Total IgE Check?

The total IgE test is done by taking a blood sample. The sample is usually taken through a vein with the following steps:

• Clean the skin with alcohol.
• Place a rubber band (tourniquet) over the area to keep the blood vessels from swelling.
• Insert the needle into the vein.
• Draw a blood sample into a syringe bottle.
• Release the rubber band and remove the needle from the vein.

Once the sample is successfully taken, the blood will be placed in a special tube and taken to a laboratory for analysis. Blood sampling generally does not take long, only about 5 minutes. However, the results of this examination take longer to come out. Blood tests to determine total IgE levels and allergy conditions can take up to several days, depending on the laboratory where the sample is analyzed.

If the test results show that the total IgE is higher than the normal limit, it could be that the person has an allergy. However, it is advisable to do a more complete test to support the results of this total IgE test. Given that this type of examination is said to be less sensitive and cannot specifically indicate allergy triggers.

Where to Do Total IgE Check?

Total IgE check is done by experienced officers in their field. This test can be done in any health facility, from clinics or health centers, hospitals, and emergency units (UGD), to health laboratories.