Human Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the least abundant immunoglobulin in serum and is predominately involved in the allergy response. IgE binds to allergens and triggers histamine release from mast cells and basophils. Elevated IgE levels are found in patients experiencing severe allergic reactions and parasitic infections. The sensitive quantitative measurement of total human IgE antigen in serum, plasma, hybridoma cell supernatants, ascites or other biological fluid samples is easily performed with this 96 well strip format ELISA kit. Concentrations of 52 ng/ml in single donor plasma and 170 ng/ml in pooled plasma were found by in-house testing. 1 IU = 3.4 ng. The assay measures human IgE in the 1-500 ng/ml range. Samples giving human IgE levels above 500 ng/ml should be diluted in blocking buffer before use. A 1:10 dilution for plasma is suggested for best results. Human IgE will bind to the capture antibody coated on the microtiter plate. After appropriate washing steps, peroxidase labeled anti-human IgE primary antibody binds to the captured protein. Excess antibody is washed away and TMB substrate is used for color development at 450 nm. Color development is proportional to the concentration of human IgE in the samples. A standard calibration curve is prepared in blocking buffer using dilutions of purified human IgE and is measured along with the test samples. All reagents and standards are provided in these ELISA kits.

The human IgE standard provided in this kit is calibrated against the WHO Reference Reagent for Human Serum Immunoglobulin E (NIBSC Code 75/502).