Allergy Blood Test Test
An allergy blood test measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood. It helps find out if you have an allergy.
What this test measures
An allergy blood test measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, but in allergies, it makes them in response to harmless substances like pollen or peanuts.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A total IgE test result that is high means that you may have some kind of allergy. A specific IgE test result that is high means that you may be allergic to the allergen that was tested. But the amount of IgE measured doesn't predict how serious your allergy may be.
Frequently asked questions
What does an allergy blood test measure?
It measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood.
What are the two types of allergy blood tests?
A total IgE test measures the total amount of IgE antibodies, and a specific IgE test measures IgE for a single allergen.
What does a high total IgE result mean?
It means you may have some kind of allergy, but it doesn't show what you're allergic to or how serious it is.
What does a high specific IgE result mean?
It means you may be allergic to the allergen that was tested, but it doesn't predict how serious your allergy may be.
What should I do if I am at risk for anaphylactic shock?
You may need to carry an emergency epinephrine treatment (an epinephrine auto-injector) with you at all times.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Allergy Blood Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.