Sensitivity tests. Their place in asthma and hayfever

Sensitivity testing forms an essential part of the assessment of allergic disorders such as hayfever and asthma. Allergens play an important part in precipitating and perpetuating symptoms, and identification of allergens should result in significant modifications in management. Sensitivity tests demonstrate Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody specific for particular allergens that are suggested by the history. History, physical findings, and sensitivity tests need to be interpreted in conjunction with one another.