Interpreting Immunoglobulin E Test Results
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test results are interpreted by considering the reference range; higher levels may indicate an allergic reaction or parasitic infection. Lower immunoglobin E levels are explained in the MediSearch answer below:
What does it mean when immunoglobin e is low?
When immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels are low, it can indicate an underlying condition or immune dysregulation. Here are some key points about low IgE levels:
- Low IgE, defined as <2 kU/L, is called IgE deficiency or selective IgE deficiency when other immunoglobulin levels are normal [8], [9].
- It may be a marker for other immunodeficiency states like common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) [8], [10].
- Patients with low IgE levels have an increased risk of respiratory infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies [8], [11], [9].
- In some cases, low IgE can indicate an underlying B-cell or T-cell dysfunction [12].
- Low IgE has been associated with reduced immune responsiveness and impaired antibody production against certain pathogens [13], [10].
- It may serve as a marker of immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, and increased cancer susceptibility [14], [9], [15].
- The clinical significance depends on whether it is isolated (selective IgE deficiency) or accompanied by deficiencies in other immunoglobulin classes [8], [16]. In summary, while low IgE alone may not always cause symptoms, it can be an indicator of underlying immune dysregulation or immunodeficiency, warranting further investigation and monitoring [8], [11], [9].
Immunoglobulins: An Overview
Immunoglobulins are protein molecules produced by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. They play an essential role in the body's immune response by binding to foreign cells like bacteria and viruses to neutralise them and signal other immune cells to destroy them [1].
Immunoglobulin tests are diagnostic procedures that measure the levels of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, in your blood. These tests help evaluate your immune system's performance and help diagnose various conditions that affect the levels of immunoglobulins in your body [2].
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