Test: Serum IgE Test - Ragweed

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Background/Purpose

Ragweed pollen usually reaches peak levels in mid-September; this type of pollen can cause seasonal allergic rhinitis (more commonly known as hay fever), which affects as many as 23 million people in the U.S.

There are 17 species of ragweed in the United States. The weeds grow in most regions, typically blooming and producing a fine-powder pollen from August into November.

Symptoms of ragweed allergy are similar to those of other pollen allergies:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Headaches
Irritated eyes
Itchy throat

Ragweed pollen can also aggravate asthma symptoms, leading to increased coughing and wheezing.

Procedure

A blood sample is obtained from the patient, typically from a venipuncture.
The sample is stored in a
Performed: Bilaterally

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Skin prick test of ragweed allergens.

Criteria

• Low reading on scale

Measurement

kU/L

LOINC Code

6085-5

Scale/Grading

selection range; grade - LOINC ID
Option - Value option selection range; grade - LOINC IDNegative = kU/L ; Pass - Equivocal = kU/L ; Pass - Low = kU/L ; Fail - Moderate = kU/L ; Fail - High = kU/L ; Fail - Very High = kU/L ; Fail -