Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
07:22
Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
EAACI/GA(2)LEN task force consensus report: the autologous serum skin test in urticaria
G N Konstantinou1, R Asero, M Maurer
1Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, NIMTS, Army Hospital and Allergy Research Center National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
Allergy
|August 5, 2009
Summary
The autologous serum skin test (ASST) indicates circulating factors in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). A positive ASST suggests autoreactivity and may correlate with disease severity and treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a complex condition with unclear pathogenesis.
- Autologous serum skin test (ASST) has emerged as a tool to investigate potential circulating factors in CSU.
- Understanding the role of autoreactivity is crucial for managing CSU.
Framework:
- The ASST involves injecting autologous serum into healthy skin to assess for weal and flare responses.
- This test is considered an indicator of autoreactivity rather than a specific diagnostic for autoimmune urticaria.
- Standardized methodology and interpretation of ASST results are still under discussion.
Implementation:
- ASST demonstrates moderate specificity for detecting autoantibodies against IgE or FcepsilonRI.
- It shows a high negative predictive value for CSU patients lacking these autoantibodies.
- The test is typically negative in physically induced urticaria.
Implications:
- Positive ASSTs are associated with HLADR4, autoimmune thyroid disease, and potentially prolonged CSU.
- Patients with positive ASSTs may exhibit reduced responsiveness to H1-antihistamine treatment.
- Further research is needed to confirm these associations and guide clinical practice.
