RPR16 - Clinical: Respiratory Profile, Region 16, Inland Northwest (OR, Central and Eastern WA)

Test Catalog

Test ID: RPR16    


Assessing sensitization to various inhalant allergens commonly found in the Inland Northwest region including Oregon and central and east Washington


Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is one of the 5 classes of immunoglobulins, and is defined by the presence of the epsilon heavy chain. It is the most recently described immunoglobulin, having first been identified in 1966. IgE exists as a monomer, and is present in circulation at very low concentrations, approximately 300-fold lower than that of IgG. The physiologic role of IgE is not well characterized, although it is thought to be involved in defense against parasites, specifically helminthes.


The function of IgE is also distinct from other immunoglobulins in that it induces activation of mast cells and basophils through the cell-surface receptor Fc epsilon RI. Fc epsilon RI is a high-affinity receptor specific for IgE present at a high density on tissue-resident mast cells and basophils. Because of this high-affinity interaction, almost all IgE produced by B cells is bound to mast cells or basophils, which explains the low concentration present in circulation. Cross-linking of the Fc epsilon RI -bound IgE leads to cellular activation, resulting in immediate release of preformed granular components (histamine and tryptase) and subsequent production of lipid mediators (prostaglandins and leukotrienes) and cytokines (interleukin-4 and interleukin-5).


Elevated concentrations of IgE may occur in the context of allergic disease. However, increases in the amount of circulating IgE can also be found in various other diseases, including primary immunodeficiencies, infections, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies. Total IgE measurements have limited utility for diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected allergic disease. In this scenario, testing for the presence of allergen-specific IgEs may provide more information.


Clinical manifestations of allergic disease result from activation of mast cells and basophils, which occurs when Fc epsilon RI -bound IgE antibodies interact with allergen.


In vitro serum testing for specific IgE antibodies may provide an indication of the immune response to an allergen that may be associated with allergic disease.


The allergens chosen for testing often depend upon the age of the patient, history of allergen exposure, season of the year, and clinical manifestations. Sensitization to inhalant allergens (dust mite, mold, and pollen inhalants) primarily occurs in older children, adolescents, and adults, and usually manifests as respiratory disease (rhinitis and asthma).


Specific IgE:


IgE kU/L
















Strongly positive



Strongly positive


> or =100

Strongly positive

Reference values apply to all ages.


Total IgE:

Results Reported in kU/L


Reference interval

0-5 months

< or =13

6-11 months

< or =34

1 and 2 years

< or =97

3 years

< or =199

4-6 years

< or =307

7 and 8 years

< or =403

9-12 years

< or =696

13-15 years

< or =629

16 and 17 years

< or =537

18 years and older

< or =214

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Elevated concentrations of total IgE may be found in a variety of clinical diseases, including allergic disease, certain primary immunodeficiencies, infections, inflammatory diseases, and malignancies.




An elevated concentration of total IgE is not diagnostic for allergic disease, and must be interpreted in the clinical context of the patient, including age, gender, travel history, potential allergen exposure, and family history.


A normal concentration of total IgE does not eliminate the possibility of allergic disease.  In patients with a high index of suspicion for allergic disease, testing for allergen-specific IgEs may be warranted.








1. Homburger HA: Allergic diseases. In Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st edition. New York, WB Saunders Company, 2007, pp 961-971

2. Bernstein IL, Li JT, Bernstein DI, et al: Allergy diagnostic testing: An updated practice parameter. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2008 Mar;100(3 Suppl 3):S1-148
