EXAMPLE PAGE - GUIDE - ALLERGY TESTING - Flipbook - Sida 3
ALLERGEN-SPECIFIC IgE
Allergen-specific IgE detection is most commonly
performed by enzyme immunoassay and is a measure
of Type 1, IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity.
Specific IgE binds to the allergen in direct proportion to
serum concentration and can therefore be reported
quantitatively. The presence of allergen-specific IgE
indicates that the patient is sensitized to that allergen
and may react upon exposure. The likelihood of clinical
reactivity is influenced by the degree of positivity, the
allergen in question and the patient’s clinical history.
The tests can be used to evaluate sensitivity to various
allergens, for example, to common inhalants such as dust
mites and pollens and to foods, drugs, venom, and latex.
CPL offers allergen-specific IgE testing using the international benchmark
Thermo Fisher Phadia ImmunoCAP systems. We offer standard inhalant, food and venom allergens, as well as
purified allergen molecules (components) as individual assays. In addition, the Phadia ISAC microarray is used to
profile specific IgE antibodies to a wide range of clinically important individual allergens or allergen components.
ADVANTAGES OF ALLERGY BLOOD TESTING
• Allergy blood testing is convenient, since it involves only a standard blood draw
• It is not affected by drugs such as antihistamines or tricyclic antidepressants that suppress the histamine
response, which is a problem with skin testing
• Allergy blood testing may also be useful in patients on long-term glucocorticoid therapy
Prolonged oral glucocorticoid use is associated with a decrease in mast cell density and histamine content in the skin.
Thus, allergy blood testing can be performed in patients who have severe eczema or dermatographism or who cannot
safely suspend taking antihistamines or tricyclic antidepressants.
