Test Summary

This allergen-specific IgE antibody test quantifies an individual's IgE response to cochineal extract, a natural red coloring obtained from the insect Dactylopius coccus. Used to detect possible allergic responses to various substances in the environment to cochineal extract may be elicited by ingesting foods and beverages containing cochineal extract, or occupational exposure to cochineal extract [1]. This test is an in vitro quantitative assay that is intended to be used in conjunction with other clinical information to aid in the diagnosis of allergic diseases [2].

While allergen-specific serum IgE testing is considered comparable to skin testing in many instances, both the American Academy of Used to detect possible allergic responses to various substances in the environment, Asthma, and Immunology and the American College of Used to detect possible allergic responses to various substances in the environment, Asthma, and Immunology recognize that allergen-specific serum IgE testing may be preferred in some clinical situations. These include (1) the presence of widespread skin disease, (2) the recent use of antihistamines or other medications that can affect the results of Used to detect possible allergic responses to various substances in the environment skin tests, (3) uncooperative patients, and (4) medical history suggesting that allergen skin testing would pose a significant risk for a serious allergic reaction [2].

Food-specific IgE tests are extremely sensitive. However, a positive test result only indicates that a patient is IgE sensitized to the food of concern. Many IgE-sensitized individuals do not develop any symptoms when the food is ingested. A diagnosis of food Used to detect possible allergic responses to various substances in the environment should only be made by a trained medical provider after conducting a thorough clinical evaluation [3,4]. While food-specific IgE test results may contribute to that evaluation, they cannot replace it. Moreover, several forms of food hypersensitivity are not associated with the presence of food-specific IgE in serum.

More specific information about this allergen can be found on the following web page: https://www.thermofisher.com/diagnostic-education/hcp/us/en/resource-center/allergen-encyclopedia/whole-allergens.html?key=f340

References
1. Gultekin F, et al. Clin Rev Used to detect possible allergic responses to various substances in the environment Immunol. 2013;45(1):6-29.
2. Bernstein IL, et al. Ann Used to detect possible allergic responses to various substances in the environment Asthma Immunol. 2008;100(3 Suppl 3)S1-S148.
3. Sampson HA et al. J Used to detect possible allergic responses to various substances in the environment Clin Immunol. 2014;134(5):1016-25.
4. NIAID-Sponsored Expert Panel; Boyce et al. J Used to detect possible allergic responses to various substances in the environment Clin Immunol. 2010;126(6 Suppl):S1-S58.

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