Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
RAST testing is indicated in patients unsuitable for skin prick testing.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum-Plain tube
Specimen container adult:
Serum-SST
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 ml (more for each)
Minimum volume adult:
1 ml (more for each)
Special requirements:
An extra volume of blood sample will be required for each extra allergen requested (0.5 ml per allergen).
Freq analysis:
Twice Weekly
Add on test:
All urgent add ons via telephone on 0191 2821890, and must be confirmed via email to [email protected]
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS for Specific IgE
Interpretation:
The significance of any result depends on the clinical context; a positive result does not mean that a particular allergen is responsible for clinical symptoms. A negative result for an allergen does not necessarily exclude an allergy.
Reference ranges:
Normal Range: <0.35 kAU/L
Other info:
The request must specify which allergens are to be tested, where there is doubt please discuss with the laboratory or with an Immunologist. Reported as values in kAU/L. The significance of any result depends on the clinical context; a positive result does not mean that a particular allergen is responsible for clinical symptoms. A negative result for an allergen does not necessarily exclude an allergy. An extra volume of blood sample will be required for each extra allergen requested (0.5 ml per allergen).