What is S-IgE?
The S-IgE test checks the levels of antibodies called immunoglobulins in your bloodstream. Antibodies are proteins produced by your immune cells to fight off pathogens like bacteria, viruses, mould and food proteins. The immunoglobulin test can show whether there's a problem with your immune system.
IgE antibodies are generally related to allergic reactions. Newer research is also supporting IgE as a biomarker in oncology.
Why test S-IgE?
You may test S-IgE to discover your risk factors for lifestyle diseases. This may be especially helpful for those suffering from atopy and frequent allergic reactions to foods or airborne allergens. People with allergies can develop asthma symptoms including postnasal drip, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and eczema. An S-IgE test is often part of a routine check when you have allergies or suffer from food reactions or diverse symptoms such as frequent infections of the sinuses, lungs, stomach, or intestines, chronic diarrhoea, fever, unexplained weight loss, eczema, or other skin problems like rashes, dry, red, itchy and scaly skin.
Monitoring
Monitor changes to your blood values as you make lifestyle changes or undergo treatments.
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What do the results mean?
What causes low S-IgE?
Low or undetectable S-IgE usually means that your immune system isn't working as it should, and can point to an immunodeficiency disorder. Causes include the use of certain medicines such as steroids and immunosuppressive drugs, chronic disease, long-term autoimmune disease, gut disorders, cancers, and chronic infections. You don’t necessarily have one of these conditions just because your immunoglobulin level is low.
Ultra-low IgE levels are sometimes used as a new biomarker in oncology (cancer).
Symptoms of low S-IgE
Low serum immunoglobulin E (S-IgE) levels typically do not cause specific symptoms. However, they may indicate underlying conditions such as hypogammaglobulinemia or certain genetic immunodeficiency disorders, which can increase the risk of infections, particularly respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Low S-IgE levels might also suggest a reduced likelihood of allergic diseases.
What causes high S-IgE?
Elevated IgE is a robust biomarker in atopy, allergic disorders, and parasitic infections. Very elevated levels can lead to severe allergic reactions called anaphylactic shock.
Symptoms of high S-IgE
High serum immunoglobulin E (S-IgE) levels are often associated with allergic reactions and conditions. Symptoms can include frequent allergic reactions such as hay fever (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes), eczema (itchy, inflamed skin), asthma (wheezing, shortness of breath), food allergies (hives, swelling, digestive issues), and chronic sinus infections. Elevated S-IgE levels can also be indicative of parasite infection.
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Instructions
No advance preparation is needed for this test.
On the day of the test
Always take I.D. with you when going to take a test. Arrive early and sit for 15 minutes before taking the test.