Total IgE may be elevated because there is an allergy to an antigen not tested. This is known as the "missed antigen hypothesis."
Total IgE can be elevated for reasons other than food allergies. For example, IgE levels can indicate exposure to an environmental inhalant or that a parasitic infection is present.
High levels have also been found in people who have asthma, atopic dermatitis, some types of cancer, and certain autoimmune diseases.
In rare cases, extremely high levels of Total IgE may be suggestive of IgE multiple myeloma.
