Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody. Your immune system produces IgE to protect your body from intruders, such as parasites. But IgE also plays a vital role in an allergic reaction.
In an allergic reaction to substances such as pollen, house dust mites, certain foods or insect stings, the immune system produces IgE specific to the allergen it’s trying to fight. Detecting specific IgE antibodies in your blood gives an indication of your potential allergy triggers.