Laboratory tests for total and allergen-specific immunoglobulin E

The principles of measurement of IgE by enzyme-immunoassay are given. A Bayesian approach is taken for the clinical interpretation of serum total IgE. Application of Bayes' Theorem to serum total IgE can significantly influence the probability of a clinical diagnosis of allergy. There is a correlation between allergen-specific IgE measured by enzyme-immunoassay, by radioallergosorbent test and by skin tests for immediate hypersensitivity. However, there is a need to standardize the reagents used for allergy skin testing, as well as the reagents and methods used for the laboratory measurement of allergen-specific IgE.