[The Phadiatop test, a new in-vitro test for inhalation allergy]

The Phadiatop test, a new in-vitro test for inhalant allergy, was evaluated in relation to a RAST panel, and in comparison with total IgE. In 248 patients, aged 12-64 years, who had been prescribed pulmonary medication in general practice, the Phadiatop, total IgE (PRIST), and specific IgE (RAST) test were carried out with seven inhalant allergens common in the Netherlands. RAST was considered positive at class greater than or equal to 2 and total IgE elevated at values greater than or equal to 200, greater than or equal to 150, and greater than or equal to 100 kU/l in age groups 12-14, 15-16, and 17-64 years respectively. The result of the Phadiatop test is given as positive or negative. The predictive value of the Phadiatop test for one or more positive RAST results was 100% and its predictive value for all RAST results being negative was 97.1%, while these predictive values for total IgE were 84.7% and 71.2% respectively. It is concluded that the Phadiatop test is a valuable test to confirm or exclude sensitization to common inhalant allergens.