
Pathology tests directory
Our tests directory below includes information to support you to take and submit blood transfusion, chemical pathology, haematology, immunology, bacteriology, virology and other microbiology tests.
All testing is performed within the trust unless otherwise stated. If the required test is not listed, please contact the microbiology laboratory for guidance.
Please note: when printed, this information is only valid on the day of printing.
Reference ranges given are for general guidance. Results falling outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate underlying pathology.
Where a colour is given for the top of a sample tube, this applies only to adult size Vacutainer® tubes. Paediatric size and other manufacturers use different colour coding.
Key Staff
- Jayne Barmby, Pathology Service Manager, Tel : 020 8296 2976 (St Helier) or 01372 735287 (Epsom), Email: jayne.barmby@nhs.net
Please contact the laboratory if you need advice regarding paediatric specimens.
Allergen specific IgE
Alternate name
RAST
Specimen
Blood
Volume level
3.5ml
Bottle top colour
Yellow
Bottle / container

Turn around time
7 unless reflex testing is required (See below)
Time limit
1 Month
Reported (timescales, method)
1 Month
Additional information
It is important to note that the presence of specific IgE does not make a diagnosis of ‘Allergy’ and negative tests do not necessarily exclude ‘Allergy’. Individuals may have positive specific IgE to common food and environmental proteins (allergens) but may be asymptomatic on exposure i.e. they are not clinically allergic. Conversely, specific IgE may be negative for some allergens (particularly fruits, vegetables, latex, drugs) in the presence of clinical symptoms on exposure. Thus, wherever possible, one should test for the specific suspected allergen based on the clinical features and the temporal relationship with the putative allergen exposure. Resist the temptation to test for IgE to multitudes of allergens without clear evidence of clinical significance. Symptoms occurring more than 2 hours after exposure are unlikely to represent immediate hypersensitivity. Do not request allergy tests where the clinical features are not consistent with IgE-mediated disease e.g. migraine, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, arthralgia. Allergy is rarely a cause of chronic urticaria. Where there is a clinical diagnosis of chronic allergic disease but the allergen is unclear then patient diaries should be used to determine the appropriate allergens to request. Reflex testing will increase the turnaround time by another seven days. Please specify which allergens required and provide as much information as possible when requesting Specific IgE tests.
Category
Immunology
Reference range
Specific <0.35 kUA/L