IgE Pumpkin Seed

Laboratory assay overview

This test is used to detect possible allergic responses to various substances in the environment such as animals, antibiotics, foods, grasses, house dust, mites, insects, insulin, molds, smuts, trees and weeds; evaluate hay fever, asthma, atopic eczema and respiratory allergy. Quantitative allergen-specific IgE test is indicated: • To determine if a patient has elevated allergen-specific IgE antibodies; • If specific allergic sensitivity is needed to allow immunotherapy to be initiated; • When testing patients for agents which may potentially cause anaphylaxis; • When evaluating patients who are taking medications (e.g., long-acting antihistamines) which interfere with other testing modalities (e.g., skin testing); • If immunotherapy or other therapeutic measures based on skin testing results have not led to a satisfactory remission of symptoms; • When patient is unresponsive to medical management where identification of offending allergens may be beneficial.

Laboratory assay overview

This test detects the presence of specific IgE against pumpkin seeds. A positive test only indicates that a person is sensitized and potentially allergic to this allergen. A diagnosis of allergy requires clinical signs and symptoms that appear to be associated with exposure to the allergen in addition to the detection of markers of IgE sensitization [1]. More specific information about this allergen can be found on the following website: https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/allergen-encyclopedia.html Reference 1. Bernstein IL, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008;100(3 Suppl 3):S1-S148.