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A comparison of two RAST methods and skin prick testing in the diagnosis of wasp venom allergy
J H Heinig1, H Mosbech, T Engel
1Medical Department TTA, State University, Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
With the aim of evaluating the correlation between skin prick test and two radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) using paper (P-RAST) and Al(OH)3 (Al-RAST) as sorbent materials, 45 consecutive patients known to have been stung by wasp within 6 months were examined. Four patients had a normal reaction, four a large local reaction and 37 a systemic reaction. We found a good correlation between a systemic reaction and a positive P-RAST. Fifty-one per cent of patients with a systemic reaction had a negative Al-RAST, whereas only 8% had a negative P-RAST. Eight per cent of patients with a systemic reaction had a negative SPT. In the eight patients without a systemic reaction, the same patient reacted positively in Al-RAST and P-RAST.