To better align with our Allergy Specialists and reduce confusion and costs to patients, we have simplified and standardized our Allergy Panel offerings. These new panels will be available to order beginning Thursday, October 24, 2019. Also effective on this date, several of our old panels will be discontinued.
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Immunochemistry
In an effort to streamline laboratory processes and provide expedited results, the test Herpes Simplex 1 / 2 IGG IGM was replaced with Herpes Simplex Panel on July 17, 2019. The new panel will still offer both Herpes IgM and Herpes IgG. The conversion to this panel will allow the lab to report Herpes IgG results faster.
Effective Monday, March 25, 2019, Syphilis Antibody Screen IgG [LAB3076] will change to Syphilis Total Antibody Screen [LAB1230501]. This test is also included in the Prenatal Screen (OB Panel) [LAB1230094].
Effective December 3rd, 2018, the test code for ANA Screen [LAB147] will be discontinued and replaced with ANA Screen Double Reflex [LAB1230491].
Immunochemistry, Test Utilization
Utility of specific IgE (sIgE) testing to foods and food allergen components
The diagnostic evaluation of allergic disease occurs in the context of a patient’s complete clinical presentation. Important factors include, age, clinical signs and symptoms, relevant allergen exposures, and the performance characteristics (sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values) of the allergy tests themselves. Allergy tests yield information about sensitization to allergens, which is not always equivalent to allergic hypersensitivity (i.e., sensitivity); thus, interpretation in the context of clinical history is essential for accurate diagnosis.