Detect possible allergic responses to various foods and substances in the environment (see Test Includes), and evaluate for hay fever, asthma, atopic eczema, and respiratory allergy. The quantitative allergen-specific IgE test is indicated (1) to determine whether an individual has elevated allergen-specific IgE antibodies; (2) if specific allergic sensitivity is needed to allow immunotherapy to be initiated; (3) when testing individuals for agents that may potentially cause anaphylaxis; (4) when evaluating individuals who are taking medication (eg, long-acting antihistamines) that may interfere with other testing modalities (eg, skin testing); (5) if immunotherapy or other therapeutic measures based on skin testing results have not led to a satisfactory remission of symptoms; (6) when an individual is unresponsive to medical management where identification of offending allergens may be beneficial.
