How to prepare
No fasting is required. No specific preparation is needed. Take medications as normal. Antihistamines do not affect total IgE levels, so you do not need to stop them before testing.
After the test
Share your result with your GP or allergist. If total IgE is elevated and allergy is suspected, specific allergen testing or an allergy referral is the next step. If parasitic infection is considered, your practitioner will request additional stool and blood tests. A normal total IgE in someone with allergic symptoms does not rule out allergy, and further specific testing may still be appropriate.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
IgE is measured in international units per millilitre (IU/mL) or kilounits per litre (kU/L). Reference ranges vary with age; adult reference ranges are typically below 100 IU/mL, though many laboratories use higher upper limits.
- Normal total IgE: Does not rule out specific allergies. Some highly allergic individuals have normal total IgE due to the specificity of their sensitisation.
- Mildly elevated: Often associated with atopic conditions (eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma) or mild allergic sensitisation.
- Markedly elevated (above 1,000 IU/mL): Strongly suggests significant atopic disease, parasitic infection, or in rare cases, conditions such as hyper-IgE syndrome.
- Very high levels: Can be seen in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), severe atopic conditions, or helminth (worm) infections.
