[Experience with in vitro rapid diagnostic methods (DHS-CLA) in childhood bronchial asthma]

The authors examined the value of the chemoluminescent assay (CLA) in 35 asthmatic children. Each serum sample was examined concerning its reaction with 35 allergen extracts and the appropriate IgE value was also determined. The allergen-panel was adapted to the Hungarian prevalence. Results were read within 24 hours. Skin prick test and in vitro CLA results were in agreement in 89% of measurement. Purified, major antigens (grass, mite) gave a specially good concordance. Good agreement was also found in highly sensitized patients and children in the age below 3 years; in such cases RAST and CLA values were compared. In discordant cases revision of anamnesis supported the positive CLA result, however in some (5) negative CLA test this could not be strengthened. Chemoluminescent assay was shown to be fast, reliable and risk-free method, but high costs still limit its general use.