[RAST, Inmunoblot, Immunocap and ISAC in food allergy]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergology
• Biochemistry

Context:

• Technological advancements have enabled precise quantification of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
• In vitro testing offers advantages such as accuracy, safety, and sample storage compared to skin tests.
• Allergen reagents are critical for IgE antibody test specificity and represent a complex variable.

Purpose:

• To review the advancements in quantifying allergen-specific IgE antibodies.
• To discuss the role of in vitro diagnostics as an adjunct to skin testing.
• To highlight the significance of molecular allergy diagnostics in understanding allergen components.

Summary:

• Quantitative immunoassays for IgE antibodies provide accurate measurement and can complement skin testing.
• The choice of diagnostic recombinants depends on clinical history and allergen type.
• Molecular allergy diagnostics, by identifying specific allergenic components, enhance risk assessment for clinical reactions, cross-reactivity, and allergy persistence.

Impact:

• Improved diagnostic accuracy for IgE-mediated allergies.
• Enhanced understanding of allergenicity and cross-reactivity through molecular diagnostics.
• Personalized allergy management based on specific allergen component identification.