Biomarker: T009-IgE Olive Tree

Overview

T009-IgE Olive Tree measures serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) antibodies directed against olive tree (Olea europaea) pollen. IgE is an antibody involved in immediate hypersensitivity reactions, including allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. A detectable or elevated result indicates sensitization to olive pollen, but does not by itself confirm clinical allergy or predict symptom severity. The test is clinically useful when interpreted with exposure history, seasonal symptoms, physical findings, and, when appropriate, skin-prick testing or component-resolved testing.

Clinical Use Cases

Evaluation of suspected seasonal allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, or asthma associated with olive-pollen exposure.
Identification of olive pollen sensitization when skin testing is unsuitable, contraindicated, unavailable, or affected by medications or skin disease.
Assessment of possible olive-pollen allergy in regions with substantial Olea europaea exposure.
Differentiation of olive-pollen sensitization from coexisting grass-pollen sensitization.
Support for selection and characterization of patients being considered for allergen immunotherapy, in conjunction with clinical assessment.
Research assessment of olive-pollen sensitization and molecular responses to olive allergens, including Ole e 1, Ole e 7, and Ole e 9.

Specimen Types

Venous whole blood collected for laboratory separation of serum.
Serum.
Plasma may be accepted by some validated assay systems, depending on laboratory specifications.

Measurement Methods

Fluorescence enzyme immunoassay using allergen-coated solid phases, such as ImmunoCAP.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or ELISA, for research or selected component-specific measurements.
Chemiluminescence or other automated immunoassay platforms, depending on laboratory validation.
Multiplex or component-resolved immunoassays measuring antibodies to individual olive-pollen allergens, such as Ole e 1, Ole e 7, and Ole e 9.
Results are commonly reported in kUA/L or equivalent standardized units. Reference categories and cutoffs vary by assay and laboratory.

Test Preparation and Influencing Factors

Fasting is generally not required for an allergy blood test.
Patients should report all medications and supplements to the ordering clinician. Antihistamines usually do not interfere with blood sIgE testing, but medication instructions may differ if skin testing is also planned.
Do not discontinue prescribed medication unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
Results should be interpreted in relation to the patient’s symptoms and timing of exposure, particularly during the olive-pollen season.
A positive result indicates sensitization and does not necessarily establish symptomatic allergy.
The concentration of olive-specific IgE does not reliably predict the severity of a future allergic reaction.
Total IgE concentration, smoking, parasitic infection, and other clinical conditions may influence overall IgE measurements and complicate interpretation, although they do not specifically establish olive-pollen allergy.
Cross-reactivity with other pollen allergens or panallergens may contribute to a positive result. Component testing may help clarify the relevant sensitization profile in selected patients.
Assay method, calibration, specimen quality, and laboratory-specific reference ranges can affect reported values.