Lab Test

Cow Dander (Allergen Specific IgE)

Cow dander (e4)

Test Codes

Antrim #31615, EPIC: LAB2111481, SOFT: ECO

Department

Immunology

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Gold-top SST tube.

Twenty individual allergen assays or allergen screens can be performed on one 5 mL Gold-top SST tube. Each allergen assay requires 100 mcL of serum.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the centrifuged collection tube within two hours of collection.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Centrifuged collection tube, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

Plasma specimens.

Severely lipemic or hemolyzed specimens.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Room temperature is acceptable for a maximum of two hours.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers® with Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Red-top Tubes and Microtainers® without Separator Gel
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 1 month

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Special Testing Laboratory

Performed

Monday - Friday.
Results available the next business day.

Reference Range

Allergy Reference Range: Less than 0.35 kU/L. 

Range (kU/L) Class Interpretation
Less than or equal to 0.34 0 Negative
0.35-0.69 1 Low
0.70-3.49 2 Medium
3.50-17.49 3 High
17.50-49.99 4 Very High
50.0-100.0 5 Very High
Greater than 100 6 Very High

Test Methodology

Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay (FEIA).

Interpretation

The allergen class may not be predictive of clinical disease in some patients. The diagnosis of allergy should be based upon patient history and clinical findings. The diagnosis of allergy should not be based upon laboratory findings alone.

Clinical Utility

A positive test result (class 1 or greater) is indicative of the presence of allergen-specific IgE and suggests an increased likelihood of allergic disease.

Clinical Disease

Cow dander is an occupational allergy and is not usually found in the home (1). Cow dander allergies can occur throughout the year in sensitized individuals.

The three major allergens that have been identified in cow dander (nonviable skin cells) are Bos d I, II, and III (2). Cow dander exposure usually occurs through inhalation of aerosolized dander. Airborne transmission produces a typical pattern of allergic responses such as itchy, watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing in sensitized patients. Skin contact with these allergens can cause dermatologic discomfort, including itching and hives.

Reference

  1. Patterson, R. Leslie Grammar, Paul Greenberger and C. Zeiss. Allergic Diseases Diagnosis and Management. 4th ed. J.B. Lippincott Co.: Philadelphia. 1993. Pp. 139.
  2. Middleton, E., Charles Reed, Elliot Ellis, N. Franklin Adkinson, John Yunginger, and William Busse. Allergy Principles and Practice. Volume I. 4th ed. Mosby: St. Louis. 1993. Pp. 536.

CPT Codes

86003
LOINC: 6091-3

Contacts

Last Updated

7/21/2024

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