Home Biomarkers IgE Total

IgE Total

Immunity Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Immunity

Overview

Total IgE (immunoglobulin E) is an antibody class produced by B cells that plays a central role in allergic (atopic) reactions and defense against certain parasites. The total IgE blood test measures the overall concentration of IgE in circulation not specific triggers and is used to support evaluation of allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy), suspected helminthic (parasitic) infection, or rare immune disorders (e.g., hyper‑IgE syndromes). Symptoms that may prompt testing include recurrent urticaria, chronic eczema, wheeze or unexplained anaphylaxis. Results vary with age (higher in children and in infancy-to-adolescence ranges), atopic status, geographic/parasite-exposure, smoking and certain medications; gender effects are minimal.

People also test for

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Profile: Immunity (allergy/immune evaluation) - Symptoms: chronic hives, severe eczema, recurrent wheeze/asthma, anaphylaxis, travel or exposure suggesting parasites - Diagnoses/monitoring: supports diagnosis of atopy, helps detect parasitic infection or rare hyper-IgE disorders, and monitors some therapies - Causes of abnormal levels: allergy/atopy, parasitic infection, certain immunologic syndromes, some malignancies, smoking, or biologic therapies - Biological meaning: high IgE indicates increased atopic or antiparasitic immune response; very low may reflect immunodeficiency or effects of treatments - Lifestyle/family history: smoking, pet/occupational exposures, living in parasite-endemic areas, and family history of atopy increase likelihood of elevated IgE

Run our symptom checker to see if this test is right for you

Symptom Checker

Understanding Test Results

Within normal (adult ≤100 IU/mL; age‑adjusted pediatric ranges above): unlikely to have marked atopic or parasitic-driven IgE elevation, though allergic disease can still be present (specific IgE or skin testing may be positive).
Mild elevation (≈100–300 IU/mL in adults): often seen with allergic rhinitis, mild-to-moderate atopy or tobacco exposure; consider targeted allergy testing.
Moderate elevation (≈300–1,000 IU/mL): suggests more significant atopy (moderate-severe eczema or asthma), chronic parasitic exposure, or strong environmental sensitization; investigate exposure history and consider specific IgE panels.
Marked elevation (>1,000 IU/mL): raises concern for helminthic infections, hyper‑IgE (Job) syndromes, some immunologic disorders or rarely some malignancies; needs further workup.
Very low values (near zero): may occur with certain primary immunodeficiencies, long-term immunosuppression, or after anti-IgE biologic therapy note that treatments like omalizumab alter measurable total IgE (complexes can affect assay results), so interpretation must account for medications.
Total IgE is nonspecific use in conjunction with clinical picture and specific IgE/skin testing for diagnosis.

Normal Range

Adults: 0–100 IU/mL; Children: 0–15 IU/mL (0–2 yr), 0–60 IU/mL (2–5 yr), 0–90 IU/mL (6–9 yr), 0–200 IU/mL (10–15 yr)

FAQs

Q: What does high total IgE mean?

A: High total IgE indicates increased antibody levels often seen with allergic conditions (hay fever, asthma, eczema) or parasitic infections. It’s a nonspecific marker—elevated levels suggest sensitization but don’t confirm a particular allergy. Less commonly it occurs with certain immune disorders or some cancers. Your clinician will correlate symptoms, perform specific IgE tests or other investigations to identify the cause and guide treatment.

Q: What is a normal IgE level by age?

A: Normal total serum IgE varies by age and lab, roughly: infants (0–1 yr) <15 kU/L; toddlers (1–5 yr) <60 kU/L; children (6–10 yr) <100 kU/L; adolescents (11–15 yr) <200 kU/L; adults (>15–18 yr) typically <100–150 kU/L. Values differ by laboratory and population—interpret with clinical context and your lab’s reference range.

Q: What if an IgE test is positive?

A: A positive IgE test shows sensitization to a specific allergen but doesn’t always mean you’ll have symptoms. Results must be interpreted with your history and exposures. False positives and cross‑reactivity can occur. Next steps: review with your clinician or allergist for confirmatory testing (skin prick or challenge), avoidance strategies, symptom treatments (antihistamines, inhaled steroids), and an action plan including emergency epinephrine if anaphylaxis risk.

Q: What is the treatment if IgE is high?

A: If IgE is high, treatment targets the underlying cause: avoid triggers and use symptom controllers (antihistamines, intranasal or inhaled corticosteroids, topical steroids and emollients for eczema). For parasitic causes give appropriate antiparasitic therapy. For severe allergic asthma or chronic urticaria, anti-IgE biologic therapy (e.g., omalizumab) or allergen immunotherapy may be considered. Referral to allergy/immunology is recommended.

Q: How much IgE is too much?

A: Total IgE varies by lab and age, but values under about 100–150 IU/mL are generally considered normal. Mild-to-moderate elevation (~150–1,000 IU/mL) suggests allergic tendency or chronic atopy. Very high levels (>1,000 IU/mL) are uncommon and may indicate parasitic infection, severe atopic disease, or rare hyper‑IgE syndromes. Interpret results with clinical context and a doctor’s guidance.

Q: Can vitamin D deficiency cause high IgE?

A: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher IgE and increased allergic sensitization in observational studies, since vitamin D helps regulate immune responses (T-reg cells, Th2). However, causality isn’t proven—interventional trials show mixed results. Treating deficiency may improve some allergic outcomes for some people, but more research is needed before declaring deficiency a direct cause of elevated IgE.