Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

One of the five classes of immunoglobulins; it is present primarily in the skin and mucous membranes and is believed to function in response to environmental antigens and to play a role in allergic reactions.

Receive all our future posts instantly in your inbox. Enter your email to enroll.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is associated mainly with allergic reactions (when the immune system overreacts to environmental antigens such as pollen or pet dander). It is found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes.

Sample 

• The best sample is fresh serum.

Indication

1. Used to detect allergic diseases.
2. Advised when the patient have:
   1. Itching of the skin, and itching of the eyes.
   2. Urticaria and hives.
   3. Asthma and difficulty in breathing.
   4. Skin diseases like eczema.
   5. A cough, congestion.
   6. Sneezing.
   7. Persistent diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Normal value

• 150 ng/ml on the topic (non-allergic) person.
• or  .002 to 0.2 mg/dl
  • Values vary because of the methodology used.

Raised level is seen in:

1. Allergic diseases like asthma, skin diseases.
2. Parasitic infestation
3. Multiple myeloma producing monoclonal IgE.
4. Hyper IgE syndrome.

The decreased level is seen in:

1. Agammaglobulinemia.

Related Articles: