Lab test · Allergy
Total IgE (Immunoglobulin E)
Overall allergy level
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 2 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Overall allergy level
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody that the immune system makes in allergic reactions and in response to some parasite infections, such as worms. The total IgE test measures the overall amount of IgE in your blood. It gives a general picture of allergic activity but does not show what you are allergic to.
Why a doctor may order it
- To look into symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, itchy skin, eczema or wheezing
- As part of the assessment of asthma or allergic rhinitis
- To look for a possible worm infection when the eosinophil count is high
- Before or alongside specific IgE tests that look for particular allergens
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
There is no need to fast for this test. Unlike skin prick allergy testing, this blood test is not affected by antihistamine tablets, so keep taking your usual medicines unless your doctor advises otherwise. The sample can be taken even if you have allergy symptoms at the time.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The collector takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm at home, which takes a few minutes. If specific allergy tests are booked too, they can usually be run on the same sample.
- Report
- Within 2 days of collection.
What the results can mean
Your report shows your total IgE next to the laboratory's range, which varies with age. A raised level suggests an allergic tendency, such as asthma, hay fever or eczema, or can be caused by a parasite infection and some less common immune conditions. A normal level does not rule out an allergy, and a high level does not tell which substance is responsible. Your doctor will interpret the result with your symptoms and may order specific IgE tests.
What's included
One test: Total IgE (Immunoglobulin E), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Allergy Screening Package (IgE and CBC)This is a simple two-test panel for a first look at allergy.
- Total Circulating Eosinophil CountEosinophils are a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions and in fighting some parasites, such as intestinal worms.
- Dengue NS1 AntigenEarly dengue detection৳190
- Anti-Streptolysin O (ASO) TitreStrep infection, rheumatic fever৳350
Questions people ask
Does a high IgE mean I have an allergy?
Not always. A high total IgE is common in allergies, but it can also be raised by worm infections, eczema and some rarer conditions. Your doctor will look at your symptoms and history.
What is the difference between total IgE and specific IgE?
Total IgE measures all IgE antibodies together. Specific IgE tests measure IgE against a single allergen, such as dust mites, pollen or a food, so they can show what you react to.
Can worms raise the IgE level?
Yes. Parasitic worm infections are a well known cause of a raised IgE, often together with a high eosinophil count. Your doctor may ask for a stool test to look for them.
Can I have an allergy with a normal IgE?
Yes. Many people with a clear allergy to one substance have a normal total IgE. Specific IgE tests or skin tests are better at showing individual allergies.
How much does a Total IgE test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳500, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Total IgE test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Total IgE report take?
The report is usually ready within 2 days of the sample being collected.