Allergen: Scallop (f338), IgE

Message
Performing Lab: Central Lab


Test Code
3806


Alias/See Also
Sunquest: AL76; ImmunoCAP® f338, Pecten spp., Food


CPT Codes
86003

Preferred Specimen
0.3 mL Serum Separator (gold-top) tube + 0.05 mL for each additional allergen ordered


Minimum Volume
0.2 mL


Other Acceptable Specimens
Red/Gray


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated


Specimen Stability
Refrigerated: 7 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Plasma is not an acceptable specimen type.
Stored at room temperature for longer than 24 hours


Methodology
Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA) ImmunoCAP®

Setup Schedule
Monday - Friday


Report Available
1-3 days from receipt of specimen


Reference Range
<0.35 kU/L Negative allergic response
0.35 – 0.70 kU/L Class 1 allergic response
0.71 – 3.50 kU/L Class 2 allergic response
3.51 – 17.50 kU/L Class 3 allergic response
17.51 – 50.0 kU/L Class 4 allergic response
50.1 – 100 kU/L Class 5 allergic response
>100 kU/L Class 6 allergic response

Detection of IgE antibodies in serum (Class 1 or greater) indicates an increased likelihood of allergic disease as opposed to other etiologies and defines the allergens that may be responsible for eliciting signs and symptoms.


Clinical Significance
Allergies are hypersensitivities, overreactions of the immune system to substances that do not cause reactions in most people. Hypersensitivities are grouped into four types, I through IV. These classifications are based, to some extent, on what parts of the immune system are activated and how long it takes for a reaction to occur.

Type I hypersensitivities affect mainly the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems and the skin. They occur most frequently in those with a predisposition to allergies (those whose parents have allergies are more likely to have them themselves, although not necessarily to the same substances). Type I allergies can be to just about anything: foods, plants (pollens, weeds, grasses, etc), insect venoms, animal dander (such as cat and dog), dust mites, mold spores, occupational substances (latex), and drugs (such as penicillin).
On the skin, an acute type I allergic reaction causes hives, dermatitis, and itching. In the respiratory tract, the acute allergic reaction causes coughing, nasal congestion, sneezing, throat tightness, and, chronically, asthma. It can also cause red itchy eyes. Acute allergic reactions in the gastrointestinal system start in the mouth with tingling, itching, a metallic taste, and swelling of the tongue and throat, followed by abdominal pain, muscle spasms, vomiting and diarrhea, chronically leading to a variety of gastrointestinal problems. Any severe acute allergic reaction has the potential to be life threatening, causing anaphylaxis, a multi-organ reaction that can start with agitation, a feeling of “impending doom,” pale skin due to low blood pressure, and/or loss of consciousness (fainting). Anaphylaxis can be fatal without the rapid administration of an epinephrine (adrenaline) injection. Type I allergic reactions can be variable in severity, one time causing hives, the next time anaphylaxis.

Type IV delayed hypersensitivity reactions are most often skin reactions. Common examples include reactions to metal and jewelry. Type IV hypersensitivity is usually a reaction (redness, swelling, hardening of the skin, rash, dermatitis) observed at the exposure site hours to days after exposure.




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.