IgE Formaldehyde

Laboratory assay overview

This test detects the presence of specific IgE against formaldehyde/formalin. 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.

Laboratory assay overview

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 that may potentially cause anaphylaxis; • When evaluating patients who are taking medications (eg, long-acting antihistamines), which interfere with other testing modalities (eg, 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.