[Sensitivity and specificity of the determination of IgE using chemiluminescence (CLA allergy test)]

We studied 80 patients. All patients underwent a thorough clinical evaluation, including a comprehensive study and physical examination of the ear, nose, throat and chest. Each patient underwent prick testing and a nasal provocation test. In addition, blood was drawn for the allergen-specific IgE test (RAST) and total serum IgE levels. We selected 11 allergens for this study: grass (Dactylis glomerata-orchard grass, Phelum pratense-Timothy grass, Lolium-raygrass), weeds (Chenipodium, Parietaria), tree (European olive), dog, cat, mites (D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae) and mould (Alternaria). To evaluate the efficiency, specificity and sensitivity of this method, test results obtained in our centre were compared to the clinical standard. Sensitivity is related to the lowest concentration of specific IgE detected by test method. Specificity is related to the antibody test's ability to detect the specific substance being measured without interference from related molecules. Chemiluminescent assay system (CLA) demonstrated a good balance between sensitivity and specificity and was consistent for the following allergens: D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, Parietaria pollen and Gramineae pollena.