Allergy Panel, Region 8, Weeds

Test Code

7988

Includes

Mugwort (w6)
Lamb's Quarters (Goose Foot) (w10)
Russian Thistle (w11)
Scale (w15)
Firebush (w17)

Preferred Specimen

Red Top

Minimum Volume

0.75 mL

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days

Methodology
Immunoassay

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-4 days

Reference Range

See individual analytes

Clinical Significance

This panel tests for specific IgE antibodies to 5 weeds that are commonly associated with allergies in the arid southwest region of the United States. Allergen-specific serum IgE testing is considered comparable to skin testing and may be preferred in some clinical situations. However, a positive test result only indicates that a patient is sensitized to the allergen of concern. Many IgE-sensitized individuals do not develop any symptoms when exposed to the allergen. A diagnosis of allergy should only be made by a trained medical provider after conducting a thorough clinical evaluation [1].

More specific information about allergens included in this panel may be found on the Quest Diagnostics Test Directory.

Reference
1. Bernstein IL, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008;100(3 Suppl 3):S1-S148.

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.