[What to expect from allergy tests?]

Rev Med Suisse. 2011 Apr 20;7(291):856-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Diagnosis in allergology is facing novel challenges because of the availability not only of purified or recombinant allergens, but also of multitests such as allergen micro-arrays. These new diagnostic opportunities contribute to a better understanding of crossreactivities between respiratory and food allergens. In comparison to current diagnosis based on whole allergen extracts, this novel generation of specific IgE tests is expected to provide better information on the risk of reaction to allergens as well as on its severity. However these new technologies are expensive, and will have to be carefully analyzed in terms of medical usefulness and public health costs.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Allergens*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood
  • Protein Array Analysis / methods
  • Recombinant Proteins / immunology
  • Skin Tests*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin E